Macs are great for privacy and security, enjoying greater protection against malware than Windows devices. But there are tweaks you can make to boost your privacy even further, such as:
- Using one of the best VPNs for Mac.
- Setting up accounts for each Mac user to separate access rights.
- Following best-practice guidelines to create strong, unique passwords.
- Using a password manager to manage them all.
- Preventing your Mac from joining Wi-Fi networks automatically.
We recommend using a Mac VPN as our number one tip in our Mac privacy settings list because it offers you all-around protection against online threats.
NordVPN is our highest-ranked VPN for Mac, as it can hide your location effectively while encrypting your data.
For our full list of Mac privacy tips, check out the rest of the article below!
Online security and privacy calls for a two-pronged approach. While using top cybersecurity software is essential, so too is correctly configuring your device. Using a Mac’s default settings will afford you some privacy, but you can fine-tune your Mac privacy settings to strengthen your cybersecurity.
How to Check and Update Your Privacy Settings on macOS Venture
First, let’s take a look at some of the most basic tweaks you can make to your Mac security settings. One of the best places to start is in your Mac’s privacy and security settings. We can get you there in just three short steps:
- Click on the Apple icon in the upper-left of your screen.
- Choose “System Preferences.”
- Select “Security and Privacy.”
Here, you’ll find options to configure a bunch of different settings, including location services and individual app permissions. Apple gives you a wide remit over the degree to which individual apps can access various parts of your system.
We’re going to cover 12 tips for changing your privacy settings on Mac. But first, let’s dive into the basic and the more advanced Mac settings you can immediately configure for better Mac security.
Mac security and privacy settings
If you followed our three-step approach above, opening System Preferences should immediately give you access to a range of basic Mac privacy and security settings. Most are focused on app permissions, showing which apps can access your data, including your bluetooth, calendar, contacts, microphone, and screen recordings.
Go through each section and be strict about the apps that access your data. Usually, it’ll be fairly obvious whether an app should be accessing parts of your system – such as Microsoft Teams accessing your camera.
Below are some of the most important sections to focus on.
| Setting | Function |
|---|---|
| Camera | Apps like video conferencing platforms need access to your camera to allow you to stream. But malicious apps can use your camera to spy on you. Check whether each app that’s using your camera truly needs access – if not, uncheck the box. |
| Files and Folders | Some apps need access to your files. For example, an antivirus scanner needs access to files in order to scan them for threats. Check that there are no unknown apps accessing your personal files. |
| Full Disk Access | Full Disk Access is a step up from Files and Folders. As the name suggests, it gives apps access to your entire system. Again, this is the kind of setting that should be limited to software like a virus scanner. |
| Location Services | This section shows which apps access your location. In our settings, we can see obvious choices like the Find My App feature and Google Chrome and Zoom. Be strict about the apps that can see your location – and use a VPN to hide your true location. |
Advanced Mac security and privacy settings
Some security settings on Mac are stored under a separate menu. You can access these by clicking on the “Advanced” button in your “Security and Privacy” section.
| Setting | Function |
|---|---|
| Require an administrator password to access system-wide settings | We recommend enabling this feature if you share your Mac with other people, especially children. It’ll stop others from changing system settings without your admin password. |
| Log out automatically after inactivity | If you’re working in public spaces, we recommend using this setting to automatically log you out if you leave your Mac idle. |
| Log out after | Similar to the above, this setting lets you be more specific about how quickly you want to lock down your Mac when you’re not using it. |
| Turn on the screen saver when the login token is removed | Your Mac supports Smart Cards, which let you physically ID yourself to the device. For most day-to-day Mac users, you probably won’t need to worry about this one. |
12 Mac Privacy and Security Tips and Settings
Let’s continue by diving deeper into some of the hidden privacy and security settings on Mac that you can use to protect yourself. We’ve laid out simple steps below so that you can breeze through and boost your security in just a few minutes.
1. Use a top VPN for Mac
VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) are the single best way to ensure online security and privacy. In this article, we’ve spoken about disallowing location sharing and encrypting your data where possible to enhance your Mac privacy settings – VPNs do this by default.
Connecting to a VPN means that your internet traffic is encrypted, and your real location and identity are hidden. But while you do have certain network options available, there’s no built-in VPN on Mac. That’s why it’s better to use one of the best VPNs for Mac, such as NordVPN.
- Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
- Perfect for privacy and streaming
- Trusted by many, with over 14 million users
You can test NordVPN for free – there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee. It’s by far the fastest and easiest way to bolster your Mac security without having to adjust a myriad of other options.
2. Separate Apple users into different accounts
Much like Windows, Mac lets you set up individual user accounts with their own separate logins. The benefit? You can specify admin privileges for yourself without giving them to everyone. This is a great way to change your Mac privacy settings and safeguard your sensitive information.
By separating out users, you also separate your files and apps – other users won’t be able to access them. It could even protect your data in the event another user mistakenly downloads certain types of malware (malicious software).
Below, we’ve detailed how you can quickly set up a new user on Mac:
- Click on the Apple menu.
- In “System Preferences,” select “Users & Groups.”
- Click on the padlock and input your password.
- Click on “Add.”
- Choose “New Account.”
- Fill out the details, then select “Create User.”
Note:
Check that the drop-down menu is correctly set. Non-administrator users should be created as a “Standard” user.
3. Secure those accounts with strong passwords
Creating strong passwords may seem like an obvious suggestion for securing your privacy, but passwords like “123456” are still commonplace. Worse, hackers are abusing the rise of AI (artificial intelligence) to crack weak passwords in record time.
To keep your account as safe as possible, we’ve put together tips on creating a secure password. In terms of changing your password on Mac, it’s simple:
- Click on the Apple icon first.
- Go into “System Preferences.”
- Beside your username, click on the “Apple ID” button.
- Click on “Password & Security.”
- Select “Change Password.”
- Enter your existing password and click “Allow.”
- Create a new, secure password in the “New” and “Verify” fields.
- Click on “Change Password” a second time.
4. Use one of the best password managers for Mac
For some people, the drawback to longer, more secure passwords is remembering them all. That’s why we recommend that everyone uses a password manager. The software stores your passwords for you and recommends new, super-secure options. You can even use a password manager to store your recovery key for Mac.
NordPass is the best password manager for Mac right now. We’ve thoroughly tested NordPass, and we came away impressed – not only with the password manager’s security features but also with its low subscription fees. You can even get NordPass for free.
5. Disable automatic joining for Wi-Fi networks
Noticed how your Mac automatically connects to Wi-Fi at home when you start it up? The same thing happens whenever you fire your device up within range of a network you’ve used before – wherever that is.
This isn’t always ideal. The risks of public Wi-Fi can expose you to identity fraud and data theft and compromise your privacy. Hackers can mimic the unique identifier (SSID) of a public Wi-Fi network. If your device attempts to connect to that known network, it could end up connecting to the malicious network instead – giving the hacker access to your information.
Note:
Using a VPN on public Wi-Fi largely negates the risk by encrypting your data and anonymizing your connection.
Protect your device and your privacy by disabling automatic joining on your Mac:
- Click on the “Apple” menu.
- In “System Preferences,” open “Network.”
- Make sure you have “Wi-Fi” selected in the menu on the left.
- Uncheck the box “Ask to join new networks.”
When you do use a public Wi-Fi network, double-check that the option to automatically join in the future is disabled. But in general, public Wi-Fi can’t always be trusted. If you’re going to use a public network, we urge you to use a VPN to safeguard your connection, data, and identity.
6. Use two-factor authentication for added security
Two-factor authentication does exactly what the name suggests. It’s all about using a secondary way of logging into your account in addition to your password.
With two-factor authentication, or 2FA, set up on your Mac, you’re far safer. Even if a hacker cracks your password, they won’t be able to get into your account. Most 2FA solutions rely on an email address, mobile phone, or smartphone app as the secondary method.
Note:
Using 2FA doesn’t have to cost you anything. It’s built right into your Mac, and you can use any email or phone as your backup method.
Here’s how you can use 2FA natively on Mac:
- Go into your Apple icon menu again.
- Enter “System Settings” and click on your “Apple ID” button.
- Select “Password & Security,” then enable “Two-Factor Authentication” – you may have to sign in again.
- Answer your security questions if you’ve set them.
- Input your phone number and choose a verification method, then hit “Continue.”
- Finally, verify the code sent to your phone, and you’re all set.
7. Encrypt your private data to keep it safe
FileVault is a great feature that comes with your Mac out of the box. This feature is built-in encryption for all of your files. Using 128-bit AES encryption, FileVault hides your files behind airtight security, preventing anyone from copying, deleting, or even viewing your private files.
Here’s how you can enable FileVault in just a few seconds:
- Click on the Apple icon in your taskbar.
- Go into “System Preferences,” then “Security & Privacy.”
- Click on the “FileVault” tab and then the padlock.
- Enter your password to allow changes, then select “Turn On FileVault.”
We’re huge fans of encryption – after all, it’s built into every VPN by default. Use one of the best VPNs, like NordVPN, and all of your data is encrypted by default. This prevents packet sniffing, man-in-the-middle attacks, and other cybersecurity risks.
8. Use your Mac’s native firewall
Your Mac has a firewall built in – but it isn’t enabled by default. Firewalls protect your device by filtering your internet traffic for threats which can greatly contribute to safeguarding your privacy. The software’s capable of filtering out suspicious data packets, untrusted connections, and other threats.
Mac’s firewall isn’t the best, but it’s better than having none at all. Here’s how you can turn it on:
- Go to your Apple icon.
- Select “System Preferences,” then “Security & Privacy.”
- Click on the “Firewall” tab.
- You’ll need to choose the padlock and input your password – otherwise, you can’t interact with anything.
- Now, click on “Turn on Firewall” to enable the feature.
Note:
There are some additional options available. We advise turning on “Stealth Mode” via the “Advanced Options” menu. This stops your Mac from responding to anonymous pings like hackers’ attempts to probe your network and search for devices to attack.
9. Only install apps from Apple’s Mac Store
Apple’s watertight security settings around third-party apps offer you a lot of protection when it comes to your privacy. Developers have less freedom on Mac than they do on Android or Windows operating systems. This means that your Mac is less susceptible to being infected by malicious applications from hackers than most other non-Apple devices.
Still, you can enhance the privacy and security of your data further by only allowing app downloads directly from Apple’s Mac App Store. Here’s how:
- Select your Apple menu icon.
- Open “System Preferences,” then “Security & Privacy.”
- In the “General” tab, unlock the padlock with your password.
- Make sure that “Allow apps downloaded from:” is set to “App Store.”
Note:
Remember that the App Store is your only place for getting new iOS or macOS software. Never download supposedly free software from unknown websites or email messages.
For even greater protection, use one of the best antivirus for Mac to protect your Apple Mac. Premium Mac antivirus can scan files before you even open them, ensuring that you’re not about to unknowingly install malicious Mac apps onto your device. Norton 360 is an excellent Mac antivirus that always scores highly in our regular test circuit.
10. Be cautious with app permissions for new installations
Mac’s great at handling app permissions right down to an individual app level. When you install new software, depending on the program, it’ll ask you to grant different rights. It’s so common that many installation wizards now show you exactly where to drag an icon or click a button.
But be wary about what software you’re dealing with. The best antivirus software for Mac, and other cybersecurity tools, will ask for advanced permissions, including “Full Disk Access.” This isn’t something you should give to just any app.
Only download recommended software, and if in doubt, ask us whether you should be granting Full Disk Access to a program.
11. Limit targeted advertising on your Mac
Targeted ads use your common interests and browsing habits to tailor ads for you. If you’ve just been to the doctor and discussed a problem, your devices could have been listening to you. Then, you might start seeing ads for relevant medicines or other products. This, in a way, is an invasion of privacy.
While it won’t stop you from receiving ads, there is a setting in your Mac’s menus that will make Apple advertising less personalized. Enabling this option will prevent targeted ads, which can be helpful if you worry about something embarrassing popping up.
This is how to makes Apple’s ads less personal:
- Click on the Apple icon and select “System Preferences.”
- Go to the “General” tab.
- Scroll down to “Advertising.”
- Check the box beside targeted advertising.
Fortunately, there’s another way to limit ads altogether. Check out the best ad blockers for integrated browser software that can stop ads from appearing on your device.
12. Ensure that you have automatic macOS updates turned on
Keeping your OS (operating system) up to date is crucial for your privacy and security. New vulnerabilities are constantly being discovered, and security patches are critical to staying protected.
When you have automatic updates enabled, your Mac will be updated as soon as a patch is released. You don’t have to worry about remembering to check the Apple website.
Here’s how to enable automatic updates:
- Open the Apple icon menu.
- Go to “System Preferences.”
- Click on “Software Update.”
- If you see an upgrade option, select “Upgrade Now.”
- Click on the checkbox to enable automatic updates.
Final Thoughts: Mac VPNs Are Best to Secure Your Privacy
When thinking about how you can change your Mac privacy settings to protect your sensitive information online, using one of the best VPNs for Mac is a catch-all approach. The best Mac VPN you’ll find right now is NordVPN, with strong encryption and location-blocking features that will safeguard your privacy.
Still, it’s best to combine cybersecurity software with optimized Mac privacy settings for the most airtight approach. So, to recap, follow our top 12 tips to check and update your Mac privacy settings:
- Use one of the best VPNs for Mac.
- Create a different account for each Mac user.
- Come up with strong, unique passwords.
- Store your passwords in one of the best password managers.
- Turn off automatic joining for Wi-Fi networks.
- Enable two-factor authentication on your Mac.
- Use FileVault for strong data encryption.
- Turn on the built-in Mac firewall.
- Restrict which apps you download onto your device.
- Vet your app permissions regularly.
- Limit targeted advertising to avoid exposing your interests.
- Enable automatic macOS updates.
If you want to know more about protecting the privacy of your devices, take a look at the articles below:
- Smartphone Privacy: Understand the Risks and Protect Yourself
- The Privacy Risks of Your Fitness Tracker
- Smartwatch Privacy Risks: Safeguard Your Wearables
Looking for more answers about Mac privacy settings? Check out our frequently asked questions on Mac privacy below.
You can find Security and Privacy settings in your System Preferences menu.
- Click on the Apple icon in the upper-left of your screen.
- Click on System Preferences.
- Now, you should see Security and Privacy as an option.
If you want to make the most of your security and privacy settings on Mac, read our full article on optimizing Mac privacy!
You can make basic Mac privacy changes by going to System Preferences within your Apple icon menu. Just click on the Apple logo at the top-left of your screen.
There are advanced changes you can make too, by clicking on the relevant button under your Security and Privacy settings menu. These work best when paired with a strong Mac VPN and Mac antivirus.
You can assign individual app permissions by going to your “System Preferences” menu and by clicking on the Apple icon in the upper-left of your screen.
Click on each option, such as “Camera and Microphone,” then check which apps are allowed to access them. You can simply uncheck each box if you don’t want an app to have access to that area of your system.
