Mac Cybersecurity Checklist | MacWorks 360
Mac Cybersecurity Checklist
Fun fact: the most powerful supercomputer in 1993 is slower than your phone—attackers have that power too. This Mac cybersecurity checklist hardens your Macs with quick, practical steps any small business or creative team can follow.
Work top to bottom. Each item lists what to do and the result you should expect.
Accounts & Identity
- Separate roles: daily Standard user, separate Admin account.
- Password manager: deploy 1Password or similar for all staff.
- MFA/2FA everywhere: Apple ID, Microsoft 365/Google Workspace, VPN, NAS.
- SSO: use SSO for SaaS where possible; remove access on offboarding day.
macOS Hardening
- FileVault: enable full‑disk encryption; escrow recovery keys.
- Gatekeeper: allow App Store and identified developers only.
- System Settings → Privacy & Security: review Full Disk Access; grant only what is needed.
- Login items: remove unneeded startup apps; reduce attack surface.
- Screen lock: require password after 5 minutes idle; enable lock shortcut.
- Firmware & Secure Boot: keep defaults; do not reduce security level.
Network & DNS
- Secure DNS: enable DNS protection (e.g., Quad9, Cloudflare for Teams) to block malware domains.
- Wi‑Fi: WPA3 where supported; unique admin passwords on routers; guest VLAN for visitors/IoT.
- VPN: require VPN for remote access to office NAS or internal apps; enforce MFA.
- Firewall: keep macOS firewall on; block inbound except needed services.
Endpoint Protection (EDR)
- Install EDR: deploy reputable macOS EDR with real‑time detection and isolation.
- Phishing defense: add email protection and browser filtering.
- Policies: block USB autorun; alert on unsigned kernel/system extensions.
Updates & Patch Policy
- macOS updates: apply monthly, or faster for zero‑days.
- App patching: schedule weekly updates for browsers, Adobe, Office, and dev tools.
- MDM rings: test ring → pilot ring → production ring; avoid day‑one breakage.
Data Protection & Backups
- 3‑2‑1 backups: local Time Machine, NAS snapshots/replication, and encrypted cloud backup.
- Sensitive data: keep client files off Desktop/Downloads; store in controlled shares.
- Device loss: enable Find My; support remote lock and wipe.
- Encryption in transit: SMB signing for NAS; enforce HTTPS for web apps.
Email Security (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
- SPF: publish a single, correct SPF record; avoid lookups > 10.
- DKIM: sign outbound mail; rotate keys on a schedule.
- DMARC: start at
p=none, monitor, then move toquarantine/reject. - User training: quarterly phishing drills; report button in mail client.
Learn more: Email Security Services
Monitoring & Logging
- Inventory: track devices, OS versions, and critical apps.
- Alerts: storage low, battery failing, backup failed, EDR detections.
- Audit trail: keep logs for admin actions, policy changes, and sign‑ins.
Incident Response
- Playbooks: phishing, lost Mac, ransomware, data leak.
- Containment: isolate host via EDR/MDM; rotate credentials.
- Recovery: restore from last clean snapshot; verify integrity; file lessons learned.
One‑Page Mac Cybersecurity Checklist
| Item | Action | Status |
|---|---|---|
| FileVault | Enabled; key escrowed | ☐ |
| Admin model | Standard daily; separate Admin | ☐ |
| EDR | Installed; isolation tested | ☐ |
| Patching | OS monthly; apps weekly | ☐ |
| Secure DNS | Malware/phishing blocking on | ☐ |
| Backups | 3‑2‑1; restore tested | ☐ |
| Email auth | SPF, DKIM, DMARC enforced | ☐ |
| MFA | Enabled on all SaaS | ☐ |
| Incident plan | Playbooks and owners set | ☐ |
FAQs: Mac Cybersecurity Checklist
Is antivirus still needed on Mac?
Yes. Use modern EDR. XProtect is good, but EDR gives real‑time detection, isolation, and response.
Where should I keep backups?
Local Time Machine, NAS snapshots/replication, and encrypted cloud. Test restores quarterly.
Do I need a VPN?
Yes if you access office resources remotely or use public Wi‑Fi. Enforce MFA and strong ciphers.
Helpful References
Want this Mac cybersecurity checklist implemented for you?
MacWorks 360 hardens, monitors, and backs up Mac fleets across New Jersey. We build policies, deploy tools, and prove restores—so your team stays safe and focused.
Contact us · Managed IT for Mac · Apple IT Support
Based in Springfield, NJ—serving Summit, Millburn, Short Hills, Chatham, Montclair, and beyond.
Editor’s note: This mac cybersecurity checklist reflects best practices as of August 2025.