Personal Computer Security Guidelines for macOS

Introduction

If you don’t have a UO-provided laptop and you're planning to work remotely using your personal device, you’ll need to take extra steps to make sure your work stays secure. Below are the UO's Personal Device Security Guidelines for both Mac and Windows computers.

Remember, even if you’re working remotely, we are here still here to support you. If you need help, contact your department or unit IT or the Technology Service Desk.

Information

Apply Updates

• Enable automatic updates on your computer and web browser(s) to keep your system secure and up-to-date: 
  • On your Mac 
  • Google Chrome 
  • Microsoft Edge 
  • Mozilla Firefox 

Prevent unauthorized access 

• Install anti-virus software 
  • If you do not have an anti-virus program, there are several free software options available.  Some of them are:
    • Avast Free Mac Security
    • Avira
    • Bitdefender Virus Scanner
  • Whatever software you are using, ensure that automatic updates are enabled and scheduled to occur regularly.
  • Complete a full scan of your computer. We recommend plugging your computer in for the duration of the scan.
• Turn your firewall on
  • To turn on your firewall, go to System Preferences > Security (& Privacy) > Firewall > "Turn on Firewall" or "Start"
  • Detailed instructions

Use strong passwords 

• How to build a strong password 

Encrypt your hard drive

Before you encrypt your computer

• Save your recovery key and computer password somewhere safe! If you lose them, you will lose access to your own computer!
• Back up your computer files to a secure cloud service or external hard drive. (Note: External hard drives should also be encrypted, with the same caution to make sure you save the recovery key.)

How to encrypt

• FileVault provides encryption for macOS. To enable it, select  Apple menu > System Preferences  > Security & Privacy > Click the FileVault tab > then Turn On FileVault. 
  • Detailed instructions 
• Once FileVault is active, enter your username and password to unlock the drive 
  • Make sure not to forget your log on information! 

Lock your screen

• Lock your screen when you are not at your computer. Go to the Apple menu and choose  Lock Screen  or press  Command + Control + Q 
• To automatically lock the screen when the screen saver turns on, click  Apple menu  >  System Preferences  >  Security & Privacy >  General  tab > select the option to require password after sleep or screen saver begins.