A second security tip that can be utilized to secure X Mac OS is turning off the system preferences. It is another hassle-free security tip to put into action because it involves a basic change to the operating system.
Even without full access to the system with administrator rights, there is the potential to create malicious code to create havoc with the way the system is setup. Even though it is simply a matter of unticking a box, changes within the “Systems Preferences” area will make a difference to your security. There are at least two system preferences that should be changed from the default settings. The first system setting to disable is automatic login. By creating an extra step that requires all users to first go to a login panel, the X Mac OS is made more secure. This prevents direct entry into the computer after a hard boot.
The second system preference that should be changed from the default setting is to allow the computer to ask for a password after it comes out of the screensaver. Changing this preference is particularly important if the user leaves his or her computer unattended for long periods of time.
File Vault is a great way of managing which files can be executed on a Macintosh computer. It uses encryption that tracks what files are loaded when the user boots up or logs off the computer. The encryption system used with File Vault is called the Advanced Encryption Standard, and data is tracked when the user enters from the main password login page.
Even though using the Keychain does make it easy for users to have no need to remember passwords. However, Mac OS X Keychain also allows anyone intruding into the computer to gain access to all applications that use a password. Disable your Keychain settings by changing it to lock after a certain amount of minutes of inactivity.
This tip goes “hand in hand” with File Vault. There is a tick box under the General tab area that allows a user to make their virtual memory secure. Virtual memory is important because it contains all the applications and services that have been opened since booting up the computer. Virtual memory will also keep a record of any information typed into the computer. If virtual memory is not used in secure mode, then anyone with the ability to hack your system can access all of your information during that session.
A third tip relating to making Mac X OS more secure would be to prevent any unnecessary services from running. This can be changed in System Preferences. Review the list of services currently running, and stop any that is not necessary by unticking the box. This will help reduce your vulnerability by having on those services which are needed running at a time.