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Turn off Sharing services you don't use

macOS can share your screen, files, and even a full remote login with other computers. These are handy for some people, but if they're on when you don't need them, they're an open door. Most home users can safely turn them all off.

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CE: Secure ConfigurationModerate
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Check what's on

Go to System Settings, then General, then Sharing. You will see a list including Screen Sharing, Remote Login, Remote Management, and File Sharing. Anything switched on here can be reached from the network.

Turn off what you don't use

If you don't specifically use these, turn them off. Remote Login (which allows SSH) and Remote Management are the most sensitive, as they give another computer real control, so leave them off unless you know you need them and have set them up deliberately.

If you do need one

Should you genuinely need remote access, turn on only the one service you need, limit it to specific users, and use a strong password. And turn it off again when you're finished rather than leaving it on permanently.

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