Written by: Jay H.
Security is a top priority for organizations. Businesses manage confidential and sensitive data that cannot make it into the hands of threat actors. And with more and more organizations using Apple devices, it is important to protect them from attackers. To help with this, use our list of simple Mac security tips to secure your Apple IT.
1. Turn On FileVault
FileVault is a disk encryptor built into your Mac. Meaning, if someone were to gain access to your hard drive, your data would be encrypted and unreadable. Enabling it is easy; however, make sure the user knows their recovery key because if they forget their login password and recovery key, they will effectively lose their data. So, require that all users turn on FileVault and have their recovery key available.
View the Apple Support article here for more information.
2. Use Gatekeeper
Despite the widespread myth that Apple iOS is invulnerable to malware, no device is immune, so using Gatekeeper can help protect your Mac. Enabling Gatekeeper prevents users from accidentally installing malicious files onto their computer. You can restrict downloads of applications just from the App Store, or from both the App Store and identified developers. Businesses tend to use apps that aren’t available on the App Store, such as Zoom, so we recommend choosing the second option.
View the Apple Support article here for more information.
3. Password Protect All Devices
Although this tip may seem obvious, there is an astonishing amount of people who find passwords cumbersome. However, all Macs need to be password protected, or anyone who gets their hands on the device will gain access to everything on it. Therefore, enforce a password policy on all devices to protect them from unauthorized use. Go even further and set a password policy that requires complex passwords in place.
4. Back Up Regularly
We cannot stress the importance of backups enough. Performing regular backups will keep your data safe if something happens to the device.
One way to back up Macs is through Time Machine with an external hard drive. You can set up these backups to perform automatically at regular intervals. Additionally, many cloud backup solutions are also available nowadays for off-premise backups.
View the Apple Support article here for more information.
5. Force Log Out After Inactivity
You can change the security settings to sign out if the user has been inactive for some time. Therefore, if someone walks away from their desk, they will not leave their computer and data exposed. The appropriate amount of time before forced logout can vary based on your industry and company policies. Be sure to implement a forced logout policy to protect unattended Macs and put sensitive devices on a lower timeframe.
View the Apple Support article here for more information.
6. Automatically Update Devices
If you’ve read our previous posts, you know that 60 percent of data breaches stem from missing patches. Apple regularly releases updates that patch security vulnerabilities and add new features. Be sure to have automatic updates enabled on all Macs to ensure your employees are patching security exploits.
View the Apple Support article here for more information.
7. Use Endpoint Protection
There’s a rumour out there that Macs are invulnerable to viruses. Unfortunately, Macs are just as susceptible to malware as any other device. To combat this, your organization needs to invest in an antivirus solution for your Macs. If not, you could fall victim to ransomware, malware, or other malicious attacks that can severely damage your business.
8. Conduct Security Awareness Training
Despite the policies and protections in place for your Macs, your organization is at extreme risk if a user falls victim to a scam. That’s why security awareness training is essential for all employees in your organization. Topics covered in these sessions should range from spotting a phishing email, using a VPN, and enabling MFA, amongst other subjects. There are many online resources for comprehensive security awareness training. Also, note that attackers’ tactics are constantly evolving, so conduct security awareness training regularly versus a one-off session.
9. Enable Find My Mac
It only takes one mishap for a device to end up lost or stolen. That’s why you should enable Find My Mac on all Mac devices to help locate them if they go missing. Not only can this tool help you locate a lost Mac, but you can also wipe your drive remotely if it gets into the wrong hands.
View the Apple Support article here for more information
Make Mac Security A Part Of Company Culture
Macs are becoming increasingly popular, meaning attackers will shift more of their focus to these devices. Therefore, by creating Mac security policies in your organization, you will diminish your chances of becoming the next victim organization. Make Mac security a part of your company’s culture and get all employees on board.
Make sure your organization is secure with our managed IT services. We offer proactive remote monitoring and management of your IT infrastructure with complete endpoint protection to ensure there are no loose ends.
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