Securing Your macOS Device

This page represents Step One (of three)
from Mobile Security for macOS Devices.

Secure your macOS device by performing all of the following procedures:

NOTE:  Only the first few sections include screenshots, which may not match your macOS screen. Because procedures and screens vary depending on the macOS version and system updates, see your macOS device manufacturer’s instructions as needed.

Secure Your Device Physically

To help prevent loss and theft:

  1. Engrave your name and email on the device.  See the WOLF GUARD ID PROGRAM for free engraving services from campus police.
  2. Insert a business card or any form of contact information into the laptop’s carrying case.
  3. Keep devices hidden in motor vehicles.
  4. Never leave your device unattended in a non-secure location.

Document the Serial Number

Find the serial number of your device and document it in a safe and secure place.

 Tip — If your macOS device has a settings-search capability or Help (?), search for the most unique and relevant keywords as a shortcut for each procedure.

To find the serial number of your device

Choose one or more of the following ways to perform this procedure:

See the video.

Search the Settings: Serial Number

See the following procedure to proceed from Settings through the final screen.

Apple Menu > About This Mac

  1. Find the Apple Menu and click it. 
  2. Select About this Mac.
  3. Document the serial number in a safe and secure place.

Change Your Password

A strong password will keep your device secure.

To change your password

Choose one or more of the following ways to perform this procedure:

See the video.

Search the Settings: Users & Groups

Navigate: See the following procedure to proceed from Settings through the final screen.

macOS 10.13 and later: Apple Menu > System Preferences > Users & Groups > Change Password

  1. Find the Apple Menu and click it.
  2. System Preferences > Users & Groups
  3. Click Change Password.

Recommendations for Password

  • Verify that your password follows OIT Password Standards.
  • Change this password at least once a year.
  • Never enable Visible Passwords.

 

Lock Your Screen

If you leave your device unattended, anyone can access your data unless you lock it.

To lock your screen

Simultaneously press Control+Command+Q.

Require Password after Sleep

Turn on this setting to require a password immediately after waking your macOS device from sleep.

To Require Password after Sleep

Choose one or more of the following ways to perform this procedure:

See the video.

Search the Settings: Security & Privacy

Navigate:  Apple Menu > System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General > Require Password Immediately

Install Approved Antivirus Software

OIT considers an alternate antivirus product for OS X to be approved only when listed as an approved product on the AV-Comparatives website:

  • To be an approved antivirus alternative, it must be check-marked for the current or previous year in the column labeled AV-C Approved Product.

NOTE: Some of these products are available in the Apple App Store application, which might be the best option for automatic updates.

 

Install System Updates

Choose one or more of the following ways to perform this procedure:

See the video.

Search the Settings: About this Mac

Navigate:  Apple Menu > About this Mac > Software Update

Find My Mac

With Find My Mac, you can locate and protect your macOS device if it’s ever lost or stolen.

To turn on Find My Mac

Choose one or more of the following ways to perform this procedure:

See the video.

Search the Settings: iCloud, System Preferences

Navigate:  Apple Menu > System Preferences > iCloud > Find My Mac

 

NOTE:  If you have any questions or concerns about this procedure, ask your IT group for assistance.

Lost or Stolen

If you’re unable to find your device and you are concerned your macOS device might not be recoverable:

  1. Report loss or theft of your mobile device (regardless of ownership) to your department and wireless carrier (if applicable).
  2. Report loss or theft of NC State property immediately to Campus Police and complete/submit the State Property Incident Report.
  3. Immediately change any passwords saved on the device unless they are saved in a secure password manager.

Next Step

After completing all procedures from this page, continue with Securing Your macOS Data or return to Mobile Security for macOS Devices.