A 10-minute Mac security check
Already set your Mac up a while ago? This quick check confirms the important protections are still on. It takes about ten minutes and needs no technical knowledge.
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Cyber Nova AI helps you prepare for Cyber Essentials. It doesn't award or certify it. Follow the steps here to get ready, then apply for certification through an accredited Cyber Essentials body when you're set.
1. Updates (2 minutes)
Open System Settings, then General, then Software Update. Install anything waiting, then turn on Automatic Updates so you stay current without thinking about it.
2. FileVault (1 minute)
Go to System Settings, then Privacy & Security, then FileVault. If it says On, you're done. If it's off, turn it on and keep the recovery key somewhere safe, such as your password manager.
3. Login and Touch ID (2 minutes)
Check you have a strong login password (not a short word or a reused one) under Touch ID & Password. Add a fingerprint if you haven't, so a strong password stays convenient.
4. Apple Account two-factor (2 minutes)
Open System Settings, click your name, then Sign-In & Security. Confirm two-factor authentication is on. This is the single biggest protection for your Apple Account.
5. Find My and Firewall (2 minutes)
Under your name, check Find My Mac is on. Then in Privacy & Security, then Firewall, switch the firewall on if it is not already.
If anything was off
Don't worry, just turn it on now. Each of these has its own short guide in this section if you want the detail. A few minutes here is the difference between a Mac that protects itself and one that doesn't.
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