Enhance Your Privacy on macOS

In order to keep your Mac safer and to improve your privacy, you should follow the actions listed below:

1. Encrypt your Mac easily with FileVault's built-in encryption.
Turn on FileVault to make your files unreadable if someone gains access to your computer while it's turned off or locked. (System Preferences ---> Security & Privacy ---> FileVault)

2. Configure your computer to automatically log off after a period of inactivity.
Auto-logoff is set to 60 minutes by default, but a shorter period is preferable. (System Preferences ---> Security & Privacy ---> General ---> Advanced)

3. Maintain an up-to-date version of macOS.
Do not ignore installation prompts! Remember, you can always check for updates. (Apple icon ---> About This Mac ---> Software Update)

4. Create an account password and prevent automatic logins.
Remember to require your password when your Mac goes to sleep, and of course, choose a strong, long password. Note: In macOS Sierra, the option to disable automatic login has been removed. (System Preferences ---> Security & Privacy ---> General)

5. Make sure the firewall is enabled.
If you enable the built-in firewall, incoming connections will be blocked. You can also specify at Firewall Options that only signed applications are allowed to accept incoming connections. (System Preferences ---> Security & Privacy ---> Firewall)

6. Switch to Stealth mode.
Stealth mode prevents your Mac from responding to connection attempts to the network. (System Preferences ---> Security & Privacy ---> Firewall ---> Firewall Options)

8. Manage which applications have access to your location.
Review which applications use your location data and stop any unnecessary location services. (System Preferences ---> Security & Privacy ---> Privacy ---> Location Services)

9. Limit the types of apps that can run on your Mac.
To increase security, limit permissions at Mac App Store. (System Preferences ---> Security & Privacy ---> General)

10. Review which applications have access to sensitive data.
Especially protect sensitive data such as your contacts and calendar information. (System Preferences ---> Security & Privacy ---> Privacy)

11. Refrain from transferring diagnostic and usage data.
This data may include the applications you use and your location. (System Preferences ---> Privacy ---> Diagnostics & Usage)

12. Review the sharing services you have enabled.
Disable screen sharing, file sharing, printer sharing, and remote login if you are not using them. (System Preferences ---> Sharing)