8 Essential Mac Security Tips Every User Should Know !

If you’ve recently bought a new Mac or upgraded to the latest macOS, you might feel your system is completely safe. But think again! While Macs are known for their robust security, there are still several hidden settings and small tweaks that can dramatically improve your privacy and protection online.

Read: Speed Up Mac Startup- Disable Login & Background Apps 2025

8 Essential Mac Security Tips

Welcome back to Crazy Errors — in this guide, we’ll walk you through 8 essential Mac security tips plus a bonus tip that even most experienced Mac users overlook. Let’s get started.

1. Turn On the Built-in Firewall

Did you know your Mac’s built-in firewall is turned off by default? This is one of the most critical yet ignored settings.

Here’s how to enable it:

1. Click on the Apple icon () at the top-left corner of your screen.
2. Go to System Settings → Network.
3. On the right side, you’ll see Firewall: Inactive.
4. Click it and toggle the switch to ON (blue).
5. Click Options, scroll to the bottom, and enable Stealth Mode.

This one simple step makes your Mac invisible on public networks — closing a huge security gap instantly.

2. Hide Your IP Address in Mail

Every time you open an email, companies can track your IP address. But Apple provides an easy fix for this.

Here’s how:

1. Open the Mail app.
2. Click Mail → Settings (top-left corner).
3. Select Privacy.
4. Check the box for Protect Mail Activity.

Once enabled, your Mac will automatically hide your IP address and block email senders from tracking you.

3. Hide Your IP in Safari

Online advertisers often track your browsing habits. But with Safari, you can stop them in seconds.

To hide your IP address in Safari:

1. Open Safari → click Safari → Settings.
2. Select the Privacy tab.
3. Check Hide IP address from trackers.

With just a few clicks, you make your browsing nearly untraceable — keeping advertisers from following you across the web.

4. Enable Advanced Data Protection for iCloud

Apple’s iCloud stores your photos, notes, and backups — but by default, they aren’t fully encrypted. To make them secure, enable Advanced Data Protection.

How to do it:

1. Open System Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud.
2. Scroll down and select Advanced Data Protection.
3. Turn it ON.

Before enabling this, make sure to set up a recovery contact under account recovery — someone who can help you regain access if you lose your account. Once done, all your iCloud data gets end-to-end encryption — even Apple can’t access it.

5. Review and Remove Browser Extensions

Browser extensions can be handy but also risky. Some may inject ads or track your browsing without your consent.

To review your Safari extensions:

1. Open Safari → Safari → Settings → Extensions.
2. Go through the list and uninstall any suspicious or unfamiliar extensions.

This prevents unwanted pop-ups and adware from sneaking into your Mac.

(Pro Tip: We have a detailed 17-minute video on removing scam pop-ups — check it out in the description!)

6. Secure AirDrop in Public Places

AirDrop is convenient for sharing files, but in public areas like airports or cafés, it can expose your device to strangers.

To secure AirDrop:

1. Open Control Center (top-right corner).
2. Click AirDrop.
3. Set it to Contacts Only or Receiving Off if you’re not using it.

This prevents random people from sending you files and protects your privacy on public networks.

7. Enable “Reset Password Using Apple ID”

If you ever forget your Mac password or someone changes it, you can regain access using your Apple ID — but only if you enable it.

Here’s how:

1. Go to System Settings → Users & Groups.
2. Click the “i” button next to your username.
3. Enable Allow user to reset password using Apple account.
4. Enter your admin password to confirm.

This small tweak can be a lifesaver in case your Mac gets locked or compromised.

8. Use Strong and Unique Passwords

Weak passwords are still one of the biggest security risks. Avoid using simple or repeated passwords across accounts.

Check your password strength:

Visit nordpass.com/secure-password and test your existing password. Many weak passwords can be cracked within hours.

Tip for a strong password:

Use a passphrase instead of a single word — for example,

“MyCarColorIsBlack!”

Such sentences are easy to remember and extremely hard to crack.

Bonus Tip: Set Up Hot Corners and Sensitive Content Warnings

Lock Your Screen with Hot Corners

If you step away from your Mac frequently, setting a Hot Corner to lock your screen is a great habit.

To set it up:

1. Go to System Settings → Desktop & Dock → Hot Corners.
2. Assign Lock Screen to any corner you prefer.
3. Now, just move your mouse to that corner to instantly lock your Mac.

Enable Sensitive Content Warnings

If your Mac is shared with family or kids, turn on Sensitive Content Warning to automatically blur unsafe or explicit content.

Steps:

1. Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security.
2. Scroll down to Sensitive Content Warning and enable it.

This feature blurs sensitive photos and videos on your Mac and even syncs with your iPhone or iPad.

Conclusion

Your Mac may feel secure out of the box, but with just a few hidden settings and tweaks, you can take your protection to the next level. From activating the firewall and encrypting iCloud to securing AirDrop and hiding your IP — these small steps create a strong privacy shield around your Mac.

Don’t stop here — if you want to master your Mac even further, check out our guide on 20 Essential Keyboard Shortcuts Every Mac User Should Know. Stay smart, stay safe, and subscribe to Crazy Errors for more tech tips, tricks, and fixes every Tuesday and Friday!