Protect Your Mac's Sensitive Data by Changing Its Security Settings

As you work on your Mac, it's natural to want to keep your sensitive data private. However, there are certain settings that can inadvertently reveal information about you to others who may have access to your device when you're away from it. In this article, we'll explore some simple steps you can take to change your Mac's security settings for apps and ensure your privacy is protected.

First, let's talk about notifications. When an app has notifications that could potentially reveal sensitive information, such as messages or calendar reminders, it's a good idea to adjust the notification setting to 'Show notification preview when unlocked' or uncheck the box for 'Show notifications on lock screen.' This way, even if someone else can see your Mac's screen, they won't be able to access this information.

Another important setting is Spotlight Suggestions. Although Apple claims it uses a privacy-respecting method, you may still want to disable it by unchecking the box at the bottom of the window in System Preferences. This feature pulls information from the internet and can potentially reveal more than you'd like.

If you don't want to use Siri, you can also disable it by unchecking the box for 'Enable Ask Siri.' While Siri is generally considered to be a secure voice assistant, some people may still prefer not to use it.

In addition to these individual settings, there are some broader privacy controls you should consider. For example, when using iCloud, it's a good idea to minimize the amount of data you store in your account by unchecking boxes for apps and items that don't need to be synced.

Finally, if you ever lose or have your Mac stolen, you'll want to make sure you can find, lock, or wipe/erase it remotely. To do this, go to System Preferences and click on the iCloud screen. From there, you can uncheck boxes for apps and items that don't need to be synced.

By following these simple steps, you can help protect your Mac's sensitive data from falling into the wrong hands. Remember to regularly review and adjust your security settings to ensure your privacy is always protected.

Change mac security settings for apps