Security How Tos for macOS and iOS
SEE SECURITY STORIES BY CATEGORY
Private i
LastPass was hacked: Here’s what you have to do
LastPass had the worst thing happen, but don't panic: You're still in the clear and your password is likely not cracked.Working Mac
When adware attacks! And how to defeat it
If you download software from the Internet, you may have inadvertently installed adware on your Mac. Here's how to get rid of it.How-To
How to password-protect your Mac–and keep other people from using it
Whether you just bought a brand new MacBook or are tethered to a long-lasting Mac Pro, use these password tips and OS X's security features to keep your data away from prying eyes.
Private i
How to keep your email private with PGP encryption on your Mac
GPGTools works with Mail.app and Thunderbird, and Keybase helps you publish your public key and verify other people's.Private i
FileVault 2 encrypts your whole Mac, and Disk Utility can encrypt parts
Glenn Fleishman distills everything you need to know about encrypting files, disk images, or your Mac's entire hard drive.Private i
How to encrypt your Mac with FileVault 2, and why you absolutely should
Apple made whole-disk encryption of your Mac as easy as a few clicks, but there are a few warnings you should heed.
How-To
What to do if your Mac refuses to accept your password
Topher Kessler offers tips for dealing with a Mac that won't accept a password.Private i
How to help your family stay more secure online
New Year's is the perfect time to review your Internet security measures, and help your family do the same.How-To
How to better manage passwords with Keychain Access
OS X's Keychain Access provides the avenue for managing and retrieving your passwords. Topher Kessler dives deeper into its password powers.
Mac 911
Bad guys listening in? Take steps to avoid public Wi-Fi snooping
A reader is concerned about the security of his laptop on a public Wi-Fi network. We offer tips for keeping the bad guys out.How-To
The four Mac security options everyone should know
By default, the Mac is pretty secure. But with the help of a couple of built-in options, you can make it even more so. Topher Kessler explains.Mac 911
‘IT’s locked me out!’ Dealing with mandated password change
Effective or not, many IT departments insist that you change your password every 90 days. Here's how to do it as painlessly as possible.
Macworld Video
How to protect your Mac’s most secret stuff with an encrypted disk image
Chris Breen shows you how to stow your most sensitive data in a protected archive.How-To
3 key things to know about Yosemite and security
Yosemite introduces some useful features that allows your Mac greater access to the Web. But how safe are they? Chuck La Tournous explains.Mac 911
iCloud two-step verification just added another step: app-specific passwords
As of October 9, 2014, those using two-step verification will have to generate app specific passwords for third-party apps the use iCloud data.Mac 911
Mac 911 grab-bag: Phone-less two-factor authentication, iTunes and “Other”
In this collection of Mac 911 quick hits Chris Breen addresses issues of two-factor authentication without a mobile phone, a too-bright HipChat client, iTunes' "Other" entry, and iPhoto metadata.Updated
How to prevent your naughty pictures from appearing on the Internet
A reader has found images she thought safely locked up in her iCloud account slathered all over the Web. Here are the steps she should have taken to avoid this mess.How-To
Five ways to keep your student’s digital life safe
Technology is as much a part of school as it is the business world, and device and data loss can be just as serious. Here's how to protect your student's digital stuff (without getting all up in his or her business).Mac 911
Bugs & Fixes: Phony Photozoom malware adds ads
Ted Landau's personal website was showing unwanted ads. Here's how he tracked down and eliminated the culprit.Working Mac
How to prepare for a Mac disaster
There isn't much you can do about earthquakes, fires, and other misfortunes. But you can do something to minimize the harm they do your Mac and other digital assets.How-To
How to set up two-factor authentication for iCloud
Apple is reportedly implementing two-factor authentication for some new iCloud services. If you haven't set up that security system already, here's how to do so.Working Mac
How to make two-factor authentication less of a pain
Increasingly, online services are requiring two-factor authentication instead of simple old passwords. Too bad that authentication can be such a hassle. Here's how to make it easier.Mac 911
How to remove unwanted utilities from your Mac
Ridding your Mac of unwanted antivirus utilities isn't always a simple matter. Chris Breen explains how (and when) to remove it.Mac 911
How to identify VPN protocols in OS X
At first glance it can be difficult to determine exactly which VPN protocol was created in OS X's Network system preference. Ah, but with a second look…
How-To
Advice from an Apple Tech: ClamXav is a valuable troubleshooting tool
ClamXav is a free Mac app that fights viruses, trojans, and other nasties trying to mess with your computer.Macworld Video
Build a custom lock screen to save your iPhone, your iPad, or even your life
This week's video tip shows you how to quickly and easily make a custom lock-screen image for your iOS devices that contains contact and emergency information.iOS Basics
33 great tips and tricks for iOS 7
Whether you're an iOS master or just starting out, here are 33 tips that can help you get the most of your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.How-To
How I manage spam on my mobile devices
Taking care of spam wasn't a problem on his home Mac. But Rob Griffiths wanted a way to deal with it from his iPhone or laptop, too. Here's the system he devised.Mac 911
Fix a plug-in-related PDF printing issue in Safari
Having trouble printing to PDFs from Safari since installing Mavericks? Dan Moren has a potential workaround for plug-in woes.Mac 911
5 resolutions for a better digital life
This year, resolve to keep these five key resolutions. Do so and your data is safer, creeps won't use your credit cards, and you won't be a jerk.Mac 911
How secure is iCloud?
Concerned about storing passwords and other personal information in iCloud? Chris Breen suggests that the things we do with our information for the sake of convenience are far riskier.Mac 911
Keep snooping relatives out of your stuff
The holidays are a time for warm family gatherings. To help prevent them from becoming too heated, take steps to keep your dearest and nearest from rummaging through your Mac's most intimate files.How-To
iPads in schools: The right way to do it
The Los Angeles public school district's troubled iPad rollout has been billed as a security fail, but experienced educators say that locking down iPads isn't the answer.Working Mac
How to use iCloud Keychain
Tired of reentering passwords and usernames on multiple devices? Mavericks' new password utility can help you keep all this information synchronized across your Mac, iPhone, and iPad.How-To
How to break through the Great Firewall of China on iOS
If you're visiting China, you can use a VPN to gain access to banned sites like Facebook and Twitter.iOS Basics
How to use Touch ID on the iPhone 5s (and when it won’t work)
We examine the new iPhone 5s's Touch ID feature in Q&A format, and consider situations where you'll have to depend on your passcode instead.How-To
How the NSA snoop-proofs its Macs
It's the NSA's job to snoop on all of us, but it doesn't want to be snooped on itself. So it has guidelines for securing all the Macs in its service. Here's how the spooks keep their Macs safe.Updated
Automator workflow of the month: Easily encrypt folders
It's possible to create encrypted disk images with Apple's Disk Utility, but why bother when you can do it faster and more easily with Automator?How-To
Switch to Mac: Security basics
Just purchased your first Mac, or thinking of making the switch? Rich Mogull goes over what you need to know about security, antivirus software, and more.Mac 911
Skirting forbidden FaceTime restrictions
What can you do about making FaceTime calls when the country you're calling from prohibits it? Chris Breen lifts the veil.Mac 911
How to encrypt your email
What with all the talk of governments accessing our email, some people would like to prevent that from happening. Chris Breen explains how to encrypt email with Apple's Mail.Mac 911
Just how snoop-proof is your Mac?
If someone has physical access to your Mac and you've taken no steps to encrypt its data, it's game over. Chris Breen explains.How-To
How to track a lost computer with Find My Mac
Misplaced your Mac? If you've enabled the free Find My Mac feature of iCloud, you may be able to track it down.How-To
Happy World Backup Day: Start backing up your Mac today
World Backup Day may be a made-up holiday, but the lesson it brings is an important one: Back up your files, or risk losing everything. It's easier to get started than you might think.Mac 911
Pausing the Parental Controls timer
You say your grandkids have walked away from a Mac that continues to count down the remaining time they can continue using it? Chris Breen details how to put the timer on hold.How-To
How to disable Java on your Mac
Given the recent hacks at Apple, Facebook, and Twitter, it's time for drastic action: removing or disabling Java on your Mac. Rich Mogull explains why and how.Updated
Don’t get Apple picked: How to protect your Mac from theft in public places
Protecting your Mac from theft in public places might seem like a pain, but taking a few steps can save you a lot of hassle down the road, as Ben Boychuk learned firsthand.Working Mac
When password security questions aren’t secure
What's your biggest password weakness? Probably the security questions that let you reset your passwords for iCloud, Gmail, and other services. Keep ahead of the hackers with these tips.Working Mac
How to remember passwords (and which ones you should)
Even if you trust most of your passwords to a password manager, you'll have to remember a few. Here's the best way to make memorable ones without compromising security.Working Mac