Security Essentials

Setting	Where	Why
FileVault	System Settings > Privacy & Security > FileVault	Encrypts your entire drive. If your Mac is lost or stolen, nobody can read your data.
Firewall	System Settings > Network > Firewall	Blocks unwanted incoming connections.
Find My Mac	System Settings > [Your Name] > Find My	Locate, lock, or erase your Mac remotely if lost.
Lock Screen	System Settings > Lock Screen	Set "Require password after screen saver begins" to "Immediately."
Automatic Updates	System Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates	Keep all options on. Security patches are critical.

Email Safety

• Don't click links in unexpected emails: hover to preview the URL first
• Check the sender address carefully (paypal-security@scam.com is not PayPal)
• Apple will never email you asking for your password or credit card
• Use Mail Privacy Protection: Mail > Settings > Privacy > Protect Mail Activity

Security: Mac vs Windows Comparison

If you manage security on both platforms, here's how the concepts map:

Security Feature	Mac	Windows
Full disk encryption	FileVault (XTS-AES-128)	BitLocker (XTS-AES-128/256)
Biometric login	Touch ID	Windows Hello (face + fingerprint)
Firewall	Built-in (System Settings)	Windows Defender Firewall
Malware protection	XProtect + Gatekeeper	Windows Defender
Device tracking	Find My Mac	Find My Device
App sandboxing	App Store apps sandboxed	Microsoft Store apps sandboxed
Password manager	iCloud Keychain / Passwords app	Windows Credential Manager
2FA codes	Passwords app	Microsoft Authenticator
VPN	Built-in L2TP/IKEv2	Built-in L2TP/IKEv2/SSTP

Cross-Platform Password Sync

If you need the same passwords on both:

1. iCloud for Windows: installs a Chrome/Edge extension that autofills your iCloud Keychain passwords on Windows
2. Bitwarden or 1Password: works natively on both platforms with browser extensions
3. Microsoft Authenticator: syncs 2FA codes across iOS and Android (not directly to Mac desktop, but accessible from your phone)

See Passwords Cross-Platform for the full authentication and password setup.

Security Checklist

Use this to audit your Mac's security:

• [ ] FileVault enabled
• [ ] Firewall enabled
• [ ] Find My Mac enabled
• [ ] Lock screen requires password immediately
• [ ] Automatic updates enabled
• [ ] Apple Account has 2FA
• [ ] Using a password manager
• [ ] Privacy permissions reviewed
• [ ] Safari tracking prevention on
• [ ] Screen lock shortcut memorized (Ctrl + Cmd + Q)
• [ ] iCloud Passwords extension installed on Windows (if using both platforms)
• [ ] Same password manager on both Mac and PC