Creative businesses are attractive targets. Your systems hold unreleased campaign assets, confidential client briefs, and financial data, and the assumption that "Macs don't get viruses" is dangerously out of date.
The threat landscape for macOS has changed significantly. Infostealers, ransomware, and phishing attacks now explicitly target Apple devices. Here's what actually matters when it comes to securing your Mac environment.
1. Enable FileVault on Every Device
FileVault encrypts the entire startup disk. If a laptop is stolen, the data on it is unreadable without the login password.
Enabling it takes under a minute (System Settings > Privacy & Security > FileVault), but in our experience, it's switched off on roughly half the Macs we audit.
What to do:
- Open System Settings and go to Privacy & Security
- Scroll to FileVault and click Turn On
- Choose whether to use your iCloud account or a local recovery key to unlock the disk
- Store the recovery key somewhere secure: a password manager or printed and locked away
If you manage a fleet, this can be enforced via MDM policy so it's enabled automatically on enrolment.
2. Keep macOS and Applications Updated
Apple regularly patches security vulnerabilities in macOS. Delaying updates leaves known attack vectors open.
What to do:
- Go to System Settings > General > Software Update and enable Automatic Updates
- Enable Install Security Responses and System Files: this allows Apple to push critical patches without a full macOS update
- For managed fleets, use MDM to enforce update compliance and set a maximum deferral window (we recommend no more than 14 days)
Don't forget applications. Adobe Creative Cloud, web browsers, and productivity tools all receive security patches that are separate from macOS updates.
3. Use a Password Manager and Enforce Strong Passphrases
Weak or reused passwords are one of the most common root causes of account compromise. A password manager removes the friction of using unique, complex credentials for every service.
What to do:
- Deploy a team password manager: 1Password for Business and Bitwarden are both strong choices
- Enforce a policy requiring unique passwords for all work accounts
- Enable Touch ID or Watch unlock so strong passwords don't slow people down
- Use macOS's built-in Passwords app as a fallback for personal accounts if budget is tight
4. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication Everywhere
MFA is the single highest-impact control for preventing account takeover. Even if a password is stolen, an attacker without the second factor cannot log in.
What to do:
- Enable MFA on all work accounts: Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Adobe, Figma, banking, and any SaaS tools
- Use an authenticator app (Microsoft Authenticator, Authy) rather than SMS where possible. SIM-swapping attacks can intercept text messages
- For Microsoft 365, enable Conditional Access to require MFA from unmanaged or unrecognised devices
5. Configure the Firewall and Review Sharing Settings
macOS includes a built-in application firewall. It's off by default.
What to do:
- Go to System Settings > Network > Firewall and turn it on
- Enable Stealth Mode to make the Mac less visible on networks
- Go to System Settings > General > Sharing and disable every service you don't actively use: Screen Sharing, File Sharing, Remote Login, and Remote Management in particular
These settings matter most on public or shared networks, but good hygiene means keeping them tight everywhere.
6. Manage Application Permissions Carefully
macOS requires explicit permission for apps to access the camera, microphone, location, contacts, and screen recording. Many applications request more access than they need.
What to do:
- Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security and review each category
- Remove camera and microphone access from any application that doesn't clearly require it
- Be especially careful with Screen Recording. Malicious software can use this to capture sensitive information
7. Use Managed Devices and MDM for Business Systems
If your team is using personal Macs for work, you have limited visibility and control. Managed devices (enrolled in Apple Business Manager and configured via MDM) allow you to enforce security policies, remotely wipe devices, and ensure compliance.
What MDM gives you:
- Enforce FileVault, screen lock timeouts, and passcode policies
- Remote lock or wipe lost or stolen devices
- Restrict access to sensitive systems from unmanaged devices
- Deploy software and configurations automatically on new device setup
- Ensure all devices are running a supported version of macOS
For businesses handling client content under NDA, or working toward TPN or Cyber Essentials certification, MDM is a requirement rather than a nice-to-have.
8. Train Your Team to Recognise Phishing
Technical controls only go so far. The most common way attackers gain access to business systems is through phishing: emails or messages that trick someone into entering credentials or installing malware.
What to do:
- Run regular phishing simulation exercises so staff experience what attacks actually look like
- Establish a clear process for reporting suspicious emails. Make it easy, not punitive
- Remind staff that Apple, Microsoft, and HMRC will never ask for passwords or payment details by email
Where to Start
If you're not sure how your current Mac environment measures up, we offer a free IT and security assessment. We'll review your devices, configurations, and policies, and give you a clear picture of where you stand and what to prioritise.