10 simple ways Mac users can better protect their privacy – and why they should

Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET

MacOS is a solid operating system. But no matter how secure an operating system is, it’s vulnerable if it’s connected to a network. As for privacy, if you get online, your privacy is at stake, so never assume you’re safe just because you’re using Apple’s OS.

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You can always take steps to improve the chances that your privacy won’t be infringed upon. What are those steps? Let’s jump in.

1. Use a VPN

A VPN is always a good idea. Why? A VPN not only anonymizes your IP address (so it’s much harder to track you), but it also encrypts your traffic. Individually, those things can help. Together, they’re a powerful weapon against those who would disrupt your privacy.

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There are plenty of VPNs you can use (such as Proton VPN or Nord VPN), but it’s important to use one that integrates with the operating system so all your outgoing traffic is anonymized and encrypted. If you use only a browser extension, only the traffic leaving your web browser is altered. To get the most security and the fastest speeds, use a paid option. Most free VPNs slow down your network traffic, which negatively impacts your browser’s speed.

2. Use strong passwords

This should go without saying, but strong passwords are the easiest method of protecting your accounts (starting with your MacOS user account). If you use weak passwords, someone could break into your desktop and wreak havoc on your privacy.

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You should also use a password manager (such as Bitwarden). Not only do password managers secure your login credentials, but they also include random password generators capable of creating very strong passwords. If your MacOS account is secured with a weak password, change it immediately in System Settings > Login Password.

3. Use encrypted storage

Your MacOS drive is most likely encrypted, which protects you if someone steals your computer. With the storage encrypted, they’ll have a harder time accessing your data. But that doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from using encryption tools.

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Out of the box, your MacOS machine uses FileVault — enabled by default — to secure the data on your disk. However, you might want to take this a step further by encrypting specific folders in your home directory to give them an extra layer of protection. You can use tools like VeraCrypt (available for free), which feature drag-and-drop AES-256 encryption for files and folders and easy sharing with Windows.

4. Manage app permissions carefully

MacOS allows you to manage app permissions to ensure that any app you’ve installed doesn’t have access to something it shouldn’t. For example, you might install a cute little game from the App Store, only to find it has access to your MacBook’s camera. Why would a game need access to your camera? It probably doesn’t, and you’d want to disable that immediately in System Settings > Privacy & Security.

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I caution you to take care with this feature. Before you disable a permission, make sure an app you depend on doesn’t require that permission to function correctly.

5. Use the System Reporter

The System Reporter is a great place to view more information about your Mac than you’ll probably ever need. This report provides detailed information about hardware, firewall, network, Wi-Fi, volumes, locations, software logs, sync services, and more.

Note that the System Reporter isn’t a tool that will fix issues. Instead, it gives you all the information you need about your system. It’s a good idea to comb through this report regularly to see what’s what. To find the System Report, go to Apple menu > About This Mac > System Report.

6. Regularly clear your browser history and cookies

Your browser history and cookies say more about you than you think. Third parties can use this information to generate profiles of you, which allows them to track you and foist targeted ads on you.

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If that sounds like an invasion of your privacy (which it should), you should regularly clear both your browser history and any saved cookies. Even better, you can use your browser in private (or Incognito) mode. Yes, using Incognito mode for everyday use can be inconvenient (because nothing is saved), but it’s an excellent step if you’re serious about your privacy.

7. Disable telemetry

By default, your Mac shares diagnostics and user data with Apple so the company can “improve the products and services.” That telemetry not only includes logs but also location information. Imagine if someone intercepted that information—they could certainly use it against you. This telemetry isn’t necessary for your Mac to function, so I suggest disabling it.

Also: 5 simple things to make MacOS more secure

To disable analytics, open System Settings and search for “diagnostics.” Click on “Diagnostics & User Data.” In the resulting window, click the On/Off slider for Share Mac Analytics, and your Mac will no longer send telemetry to Apple.

8. Install a better browser

Finally, install a better browser. Safari is fine, but if you want to get serious about your privacy, install Brave or Tor Browser. Either of those browsers is far more capable of protecting your privacy.

Which of the two protects you the most? That would be Tor Browser, but Tor brings a few added complications. If you’re looking for an easier upgrade, Brave would be it. Although Brave has extra protections that Safari doesn’t, it’s not as secure as Tor. Brave includes a VPN, but it’s a subscription service. Tor uses the Tor network to anonymize and encrypt your data, so out of the box, it’s better capable of protecting you than Brave.

Also: 5 alternative browsers that might just replace Safari on your Mac

The good news is that if you use Brave in Private Mode, it’s protected by the Tor network. So if you want the easier option, install Brave and use it in Private Mode.

9. Lock your desktop immediately

Something I’ve always found frustrating is that, out of the box, when I close my MacBook Pro lid, it doesn’t automatically lock the desktop. Instead, it defaults to something like five minutes. That’s not good. I could close the lid, walk away, and someone could open the lid and find themselves on my desktop. 

If I really want to keep my privacy intact, I configure MacOS to lock the desktop immediately. To do that, go to System Settings > Lock Screen and change Require password after screen saver begins or display is turned off to Immediately.

10. Disable unnecessary features

I don’t use AirDrop or other sharing features on my MacBook, so I disable them. By doing this, I prevent unauthorized data transfers. To disable AirDrop, go to System Settings > General > AirDrop & Handoff and change AirDrop to No One, disable Receiver, and change Allow AirPlay for to Current User. 

I also disable Siri and Apple Intelligence, which is done in System Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri.

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