PRIVACY
Apple's Approach To Privacy
https://help.apple.com/pdf/personal-safety/en_US/personal-safety-user-guide.pdf
https://www.apple.com/privacy/
Apple integrates privacy protections directly into the
design of its devices and services. Features such as
end-to-end encryption in iMessage, FaceTime, and iCloud
ensure that only intended recipients can access personal
data.
Apple also employs on-device intelligence to process data
locally, reducing the need for cloud transmission. Tools like
App Tracking Transparency (ATT) and Privacy Labels in the App
Store give users clear insight and choice over how their data
is used.
Meanwhile, technologies such as the Secure Enclave, which
safeguards sensitive information like passwords and biometric
data, and Differential Privacy, which anonymizes collected
data, underscore Apple’s commitment to safeguarding user
information.
iCloud Security Overview
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202303
http://edu-observatory.org/olli/Manage/E2EE.html
Testing Privacy (tracking cookies)
Web Browser Cookie Forensics
https://www.grc.com/cookies/forensics.htm
EFF -- Is your browser safe against tracking?
https://coveryourtracks.eff.org
Privacy When Using the Internet
http://edu-observatory.org/olli/Privacy/index.html
SECURITY
Apple Platform Security
https://support.apple.com/guide/security/welcome/web
Keep your Mac Secure -- Do the Updates
> System Settings > General > Software Update
https://support.apple.com/en-us/100100
Problems/Bugs continue to be found in hardware, operating
systems, applications software, networks, and technology.
There is an ongoing battle between the good guys finding and
fixing the problems and the bad guys finding and exploiting
the problems. Your role is important in this ongoing drama!
Security and your Apple Account
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201303
Two-Factor Authentication
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204915
Passwords & Passkeys
http://edu-observatory.org/olli/Manage/Passwords.html
End-to-End Encryption (iCloud storage, iMessages, and FaceTime)
http://edu-observatory.org/olli/Manage/E2EE.html
Anti-Malware, Monitoring, and Privacy
Your Mac is secure - but your actions are not secure. Apple
does a good job to protect us from malware. However we still
get tricked into installing malware on our Macs. And I am
finding malware on way too many Macs. Just because you see
the promise to "Clean Your Mac" or "Make Your Mac Faster",
what you are looking at is click bate to get you to install
malware. Remember Krebs's first rule--If you didn't go
looking for it, don't install it!
So far Malwarebytes has been sufficient to check and remove
malware. Scan with Malwarebytes every week.
Malwarebytes (free)
https://www.malwarebytes.com/mac-download
CleanMyMac (not free, but excellent)
https://macpaw.com/cleanmymac
AppCleaner (free)
http://www.freemacsoft.net/appcleaner/
Patrick Wardle -- Objective-see Security Tools (free)
https://objective-see.com
Patrick Wardle's security tools are proactive serving to
protect, monitor and alert. However, some understanding of
how your computer works is required.
Objective-See was created to provide simple, yet effective
macOS security tools. Always free of charge - no strings
attached!
Recommended Settings Finder, Safari, System Preferences
http://edu-observatory.org/olli/Manage/Settings.html
NSA: Best Practices For Securing Your Home Network
https://media.defense.gov/2023/Feb/22/2003165170/-1/-1/1/CSI_BEST_PRACTICES_FOR_SECURING_YOUR_HOME_NETWORK.PDF
MAINTENANCE
Keep your Mac Healthy -- Reboot Regularly
> Restart or Shut Down
https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/shut-down-or-restart-your-mac-mchlp2522/mac
Safest: Uncheck Reopen windows when logging in
Restarting your Mac isn’t just about turning it off and on
again—it’s a critical maintenance step that can improve
performance, resolve system glitches, and refresh essential
hardware components. Many Mac users overlook this simple
action, yet it plays a vital role in keeping your system
running smoothly.
If you own a Mac with an Apple Silicon (M1, M2, or later)
processor, restarting does more than just refresh the
system—it also performs essential self-diagnostics and
hardware resets.
Keep you Mac Healthy -- Physically Clean
http://edu-observatory.org/olli/Manage/Cleaning.html
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204172
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207123
Keyboards, trackpads, mice, touching screens, SSDs, and cords
provide excellent storage and transmission of bacteria and
viruses, such as COVID-19, influenza, and the common cold.
Furthermore, sneezes, coughs, pieces of food, and greasy
smudges degrade our vision and touch experiences.
Unhealthy and Gross!
Use a microfiber cloth or microfiber wipe to remove grease,
fingerprints, sneezes, viruses, germs, and other debris.
Keep you Mac Healthy -- Managing Your Digital Stuff
http://edu-observatory.org/olli/Manage/index.html
It goes without saying that when we are connected to the
internet we need to pay attention to Security and Privacy.
But we should also practice good digital housekeeping to
reduce stress, increase efficiency, and simplify life.
APPLE SUPPORT
https://support.apple.com
https://support.apple.com/mac
https://support.apple.com/iphone
https://support.apple.com/ipad
https://www.youtube.com/@applesupport/videos
https://getsupport.apple.com
800-MY-APPLE (800-692-7753)
Product Service and Repair Information
https://support.apple.com/repair/products
http://edu-observatory.org/olli/Manage/Repairs.html
Apple Store - Jordan Creek Mall
https://www.apple.com/retail/jordancreek/
https://www.apple.com/today/calendar/jordancreek/?sn=R109
Contact Apple About Security Issues
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201220
800-MY-APPLE (800-692-7753)
Apple Resources (Managing Your Digital Stuff)
http://edu-observatory.org/olli/Manage/index.html
http://edu-observatory.org/olli/Manage/apple.html
sam.wormley@icloud.com