Apple desktop: Security and privacy

Your Apple computer’s operating software is very secure, with many features to help protect your personal data and privacy.

Learn how to sign into your computer securely, lock your computer, and check for software updates.

Before you begin

Make sure your computer is:

Plugged into mains power, switched on and showing the desktop
Properly connected to a mouse and keyboard, and your home Wi-Fi
Running the latest version of its operating software. If your computer is not running Ventura macOS, some of the steps may look different but you can still follow along.

How to sign in to your computer

You need to sign in to your Apple computer before you can use it:

Use the account and password you created when you first set it up.
Your account name and image appear in the middle of the Sign In screen.
Type your password in the box below and press Enter.

A password is like a key. Your password locks your computer, so no one else can use it.

How to secure your computer

It’s important to keep your computer secure and there several options to help you do that.

Shut Down

Shutting down the computer when you’ve finished using it stops others from being able to access your files.
Save files and close applications before you shut down.
Click the Apple icon at the top left of the screen to open the Apple menu, then click Shut Down…

Sleep

Your computer will go to Sleep automatically if you don’t use it for a period of time.
Click Sleep in the Apple menu to manually put the computer to sleep. To Wake the computer, press any key.
If your computer has been asleep for less than five minutes, you won’t need to enter your password. Otherwise, the computer will lock and you’ll need to sign in with your account password again.

Lock

Adjust the lock time using System Settings in the Apple menu.
On the System Settings panel, click on Lock Screen to see some options.
Next to Require password after screensaver begins or display is turned off, you can choose a time that suits you.
A shorter delay is more secure, so choose 1 minute.
To confirm this setting, enter your account password and then click Modify Settings.

Exploring computer notifications

Your computer, other applications, and some websites, will occasionally send you a notification:

Most notifications disappear after a moment.
Put your mouse over a notification to see options such as Show or Read Story.
Only click on notifications that you trust.
If you ignore a notification, it can’t hurt your computer.

How to keep your computer up to date

You can set your computer to automatically update its operating software:

Open the Apple menu and choose System Settings.
On the left side of the System Settings panel, choose General.
Click on Software Update and look for Automatic Updates.
Make sure this is switched to On.
If it’s off, click the information icon and click all the switches in the panel that appears.
When a major system update is installed, you will need to restart your computer.
Your computer sends a notification when this is needed.
In the notification, click Options to postpone the Restart of your computer.
Click Restart to begin installation of the updates.
You will need to enter your computer password.

MacOS notifications are safe to click on, but be wary of fake notifications. A real macOS notification will never ask you for your personal information or direct you to a third-party website.

How to protect against viruses

It’s important to protect your files, passwords and computer from viruses and other online threats:

Your computer comes with built-in security to help keep your information and files safe.
Antivirus software can provide extra security and also protect some of your other devices.
You can trial most antivirus software for free, but check about ongoing costs before signing up.
Learn more about antivirus software in the Using antivirus software course

How to secure your webcam

If your computer has a webcam, you’ll see a small circle in the top centre of the screen:

A small light normally turns on next to the webcam when the camera is active, but this might not always happen.
It’s unlikely, but someone could access the camera remotely.
To protect against this, place masking tape across the camera when not in use.