OSX Security

[H. Knight]

Yo, new member here. I've been with Mac since I was maybe 4ys old and enjoyed the benefits ever since.

These days, with Apple's growing popularity, I think it's time to finally invest a bit in some security measures as a precaution against future hypothetical viruses and such. I suffer from Mac-itis (unversed in computer technicals), but I learn fast so I don't mind any amount of technicalities.

So, what should I know about my Mac's security (I'm aware it's quite poor) and how do I go about making it better?

 

[speg]

Don't click on links in random emails.

 

[ubercaffeinated]

don't download programs you're not sure about and then install them by inputting your admin password

also get little snitch or some kind of outbound filter/firewall to prevent things calling "home" without you knowing about it.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Don't install applications from people you don't trust. This includes BitTorrent. Free pr0n that installs executables is probably not just free pr0n.

Make sure only administrators have write access to /Applications

Most of this still applies.

Make sure you're behind a firewall, or have OS X firewall enabled at all times. Do not surf to any login-required sites when using open wifi networks. (See Firesheep for more info.)

Honestly, most of this applies to Windows too.

Run day to day using a non-administrative account. You can type in administrative credentials without logging out most of the time.

 

[H. Knight]

I was expecting complicated stuff, but this seems more like common sense measures. Already working on most of it.

Thanks guys, keep the info coming!

 

[dave_the_nerd]

99.99% of security is just common sense.

The flip side is that, as you pointed out, any viruses, etc., for OS X are largely theoretical. So no way to know how to protect yourself, since the holes they're exploit are largely undiscovered as of yet.

 

[AsianriceX]

Get Sophos AV. It's free and good.

http://www.sophos.com/products/free-tools/free-mac-anti-virus/