{"id":17965,"date":"2026-10-26T00:15:55","date_gmt":"2026-10-26T07:15:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.intego.com\/mac-security-blog\/?p=17965"},"modified":"2026-10-27T07:07:53","modified_gmt":"2026-10-27T14:07:53","slug":"how-to-tell-if-your-computer-is-secure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intego.com\/mac-security-blog\/how-to-tell-if-your-computer-is-secure\/","title":{"rendered":"How to run a computer security check on your Mac"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

Your Mac may work as usual even when an update is overdue or an app has permissions it no longer needs. A computer security check helps you review these things and decide what needs attention.<\/p>\n

In this guide, we\u2019ll walk you through the checks one at a time. You\u2019ll learn where to find each setting, what it does, and when to change it. We\u2019ll also explain how to investigate unusual behavior and what to do if you find a problem.<\/p>\n

How to check your Mac\u2019s security<\/h2>\n

You don\u2019t need to change every setting. Check that your Mac\u2019s protections are enabled and that you recognize the apps and accounts listed. If your workplace or school manages your Mac, ask your IT team before changing settings they control.<\/p>\n

These steps were tested on a MacBook Air running macOS 27 Golden Gate 27.0.1. Some setting names and locations may differ on other macOS versions, so we\u2019ve included separate instructions where needed.<\/div>\n

1. Update macOS, your apps, and security protections<\/h3>\n

Updates fix security weaknesses that could put your Mac at risk. Start by checking macOS, then review automatic security updates and the apps you use.<\/p>\n

Check for macOS updates<\/h4>\n

Save your work and check that your latest backup finished successfully before you update macOS<\/a>. Having automatic backups turned on doesn\u2019t guarantee the latest one completed.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Open the Apple menu<\/em><\/strong> in the top-left corner and choose System Settings<\/em><\/strong>. Click General > Software Update<\/em><\/strong>.
    \n\"Software<\/li>\n
  2. Wait for your Mac to check for updates. If an update is available, follow the instructions to install it.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Your Mac may restart during installation. Leave it on and let the update finish before closing the lid.<\/p>\n

    If your Mac says it\u2019s up to date, no compatible updates are currently available. This doesn\u2019t necessarily mean it has the newest macOS, as older Macs may not support it.<\/p>\n

    Check automatic security updates<\/h4>\n

    Some protections receive background updates<\/a> separately from regular macOS updates. Keep these enabled so your Mac can receive security fixes without you having to check for each one.<\/p>\n

    Open Apple menu > About This Mac<\/em><\/strong> to find your macOS version, then follow the instructions below.<\/p>\n

    For macOS Golden Gate 27 or macOS Tahoe 26:<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update<\/em><\/strong>.<\/li>\n
    2. Click the information button beside Automatic Updates<\/em><\/strong>.<\/li>\n
    3. Turn on Install system data files and security updates<\/em><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      \"Mac<\/p>\n

      On macOS Golden Gate 27 or macOS Tahoe 26.1 or later, also open System Settings > Privacy & Security > Background Security Improvements<\/em><\/strong> and turn on Automatically Install<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

      For macOS Sequoia 15, Sonoma 14, or Ventura 13:<\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update<\/em><\/strong>.<\/li>\n
      2. Click the information button beside Automatic Updates<\/em><\/strong>.<\/li>\n
      3. Turn on Install Security Responses and system files<\/em><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        These updates help keep protections such as XProtect<\/a> current. XProtect works in the background to help detect, block, and remove known malware. Gatekeeper checks downloaded apps before you open them. It checks the developer\u2019s identity, whether Apple has checked the app for known malware, and whether it has been altered since the developer signed it. These checks help reduce risk, but they don\u2019t guarantee an app is harmless.<\/p>\n

        Update your apps<\/h4>\n

        Apps need security fixes too. To update apps downloaded from the App Store:<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Open the App Store<\/em><\/strong>.<\/li>\n
        2. Click Updates<\/em><\/strong> in the sidebar.<\/li>\n
        3. Click Update All<\/em><\/strong> to install available updates.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          For apps downloaded elsewhere, look for Check for Updates<\/em><\/strong> in the app\u2019s menus or settings. If you can\u2019t find it, check the developer\u2019s official website for instructions. If you use an antivirus app, make sure both the app and the information it uses to detect threats are up to date.<\/p>\n

          2. Check user accounts and lock-screen settings<\/h3>\n

          Check who can sign in to your Mac and how quickly it locks when you leave it unattended. Separate accounts give each person their own files and settings. A locked screen helps prevent someone else from using your account while you\u2019re away.<\/p>\n

          Review the user accounts<\/h4>\n
            \n
          1. Open System Settings > Users & Groups<\/em><\/strong>.
            \n\"Users<\/li>\n
          2. Review the accounts listed and confirm who each one belongs to. Also, check which accounts are marked Admin<\/em><\/strong> or Administrator<\/em><\/strong>.<\/li>\n
          3. If Automatically log in as<\/em><\/strong> is available, set it to Off<\/em><\/strong> so your Mac asks for a password at sign-in.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            An administrator can add users and make important system changes. Someone who only needs to use apps and work with their own files will usually be fine with a standard account. Apple\u2019s guide to user accounts<\/a> explains the account types.<\/p>\n

            If you don\u2019t recognize an account, ask anyone who shares or manages the Mac whether they created it. Leave it in place until you know who it belongs to, as removing an account can also remove that person\u2019s files.<\/p>\n

            Check your login password<\/h4>\n

            Use a password that\u2019s difficult to guess and different from those you use for email, shopping, or other accounts. Avoid names, birthdays, and simple patterns such as “123456.”<\/p>\n

            If someone else knows your password, change your Mac login password. Give anyone who regularly uses your Mac their own account so they don\u2019t need to sign in as you.<\/p>\n

            Check when your screen locks<\/h4>\n
              \n
            1. Open System Settings > Lock Screen<\/em><\/strong>. <\/em>Find Require password after screen saver begins or display is turned off<\/em><\/strong>.<\/em>
              \n\"Lock<\/li>\n
            2. Set it to Immediately<\/em><\/strong>.<\/em>
              \n\"Password<\/li>\n
            3. Set the display to turn off after a short period of inactivity, such as five minutes, for both battery and power adapter use where those options appear.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              These lock-screen settings<\/a> work together. The inactivity timer turns off the display, and the password setting requires you to unlock your Mac when you return.<\/p>\n

              When you step away, choose Apple menu > Lock Screen<\/em><\/strong> to lock it straight away, without waiting for the timer.<\/p>\n

              3. Check whether FileVault protects your stored files<\/h3>\n

              FileVault<\/a> helps protect files stored on your Mac if it\u2019s lost or stolen. It uses encryption to make the stored data unreadable without the password or recovery method needed to unlock it.<\/p>\n

              Macs with Apple silicon or an Apple T2 Security Chip already encrypt their internal storage. Turning on FileVault adds protection by requiring your login password to unlock the stored data.<\/p>\n

              Check whether FileVault is on<\/h4>\n
                \n
              1. Open System Settings<\/em><\/strong> and <\/em>click Privacy & Security<\/em><\/strong>, then scroll to FileVault<\/em><\/strong>.<\/em>
                \n\"Privacy<\/li>\n
              2. Check whether FileVault<\/em><\/strong> is turned on.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                If it\u2019s on, leave it enabled. If it\u2019s off on your personal Mac, make sure you have a recent backup, then click Turn On<\/strong><\/em> and follow the instructions.<\/p>\n

                Keep a way to recover your files<\/h4>\n

                During setup, your Mac will ask you to choose a recovery method in case you forget your login password. Follow the prompts carefully.<\/p>\n

                If you receive a recovery key<\/strong>, keep a secure copy somewhere you can reach without unlocking this Mac. For example, you could keep a written copy in a locked drawer or safe, separate from your Mac, so they\u2019re less likely to be lost or stolen together. Don\u2019t keep your only copy on the Mac itself.<\/p>\n

                If you lose both your password and your recovery options, you may be unable to retrieve your files.<\/p>\n

                FileVault protects stored files, but someone using your unlocked account can still open them. Keep locking your Mac whenever you step away.<\/p>\n

                4. Review app permissions<\/h3>\n

                Permissions let apps use things such as your camera, microphone, and files. You may have allowed this when you first installed an app, even if you no longer use the feature that needed it. Review these permissions and turn off any the app no longer needs.<\/p>\n

                See which apps have permission<\/h4>\n
                  \n
                1. Open Apple menu > System Settings > Privacy & Security<\/em><\/strong>.<\/em><\/li>\n
                2. Select a category, such as Camera<\/em><\/strong> or Microphone<\/em><\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                3. Review the apps listed and check which have permission turned on.<\/li>\n
                4. Turn off permission for any app that no longer needs it.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  Start with these categories in your Privacy & Security<\/em><\/strong> settings:<\/p>\n