Secure Your Mac

With the growing threat of malicious software and identity theft (someone trying to steal your personal information so as to make purchases and do other things while pretending to be you), it is important to secure your computer with a password, and to "lock" your computer with that password when you step away from it. This will help protect you against hacker attempts to access your system, and from someone accessing your files when you are away from your computer or in the event it is stolen. Of course, you should also secure your computer with a cable lock and be wary of where you leave it!

And don't forget: always log out of whatever Simmons system you're using when you're done, whether it's a computer, the online registration system, or your email!

Set a password and make your system use it

  1. In the upper left corner, click the Apple, then click select System Preferences.

  2. Click the Security icon. The Security window will appear.

  3. If the padlock in the lower left corner appears locked, click the padlock. The Authenticate dialog box will appear. Type your administrator user name and password. If the padlock is already unlocked skip this step.

  4. In the Security system preference, check the following option boxes (but not the FileVault button):
    • Require password to wake this computer from sleep or screen saver
      • Doing this will require your password to be entered after the screen saver comes on or after it goes to sleep.
      • You can set when your screen saver comes on in the Desktop & Screen Saver system preference, in the Screen Saver pane.
      • You can also set a "hot corner" in the Desktop & Screen Saver system preference, in the Screen Saver panel, which allows you to move your mouse to the corner of your screen you designate, and activate the screensaver. This is a great way to secure your computer when you need to leave it for a few minutes (in a physically secure location, of course).
    • Disable automatic login
      • When you turn on your computer, you have to select your account name and enter your password.
    • Require password to unlock each secure system preference
      • Your computer prompts you for your administrator's password before you can make any changes to your secure system preferences.
    • Log out after 60 minutes of inactivity
      • After your computer has been idle for an hour, it logs you off, requiring that you select your account name and enter your password in order to use it again.
      • To set when your computer goes to sleep, go to Energy Saver in system preference

    Note: If you are using the Tiger version of OS X (OS X.4), you will see another option listed after "Log out after 60 minutes of inactivity"; leave "Use secure virtual memory" unchecked.

    In the top part of the Security system preference, you will see information about FileVault. FileVault is a security measure that encrypts all of the data in your home folder. For more information on FileVault please see Apple Security Page. Bear in mind the warning: If you turn on FileVault, and then forget or lose your File Vault and master password, your data cannot be recovered. We do not endorse or recommend against using FileVault.

  5. In the upper left corner of the systems Preferences click the red dot to close the Security window.

Enable your firewall

  1. In the upper left corner, click the Apple, then click select System Preferences.

  2. Click the Sharing icon. The Security window will appear.

  3. If the padlock in the lower left corner appears locked, click the padlock. The Authenticate dialog box will appear. Type your administrator user name and password. If the padlock is already unlocked skip this step.

  4. In the Sharing system preference, click the Firewall tab.


  5. Click the Start button.

If you have OSX 10.2(Jaguar) or 10.3(Panther).

  • You are done enabling your firewall.  In the upper left corner of the systems Preferences click the red dot to close the Sharing window
If you have OSX 10.4 (Tiger): a few more steps before you're done setting up your firewall
  1. In the bottom right corner of the Firewall tab click the Advanced button.

  2. Check the Enable Firewall Logging, and Enable stealth Mode. Leave the box next to Block UDp Traffic unchecked.

  3. Click OK.

Setting Up and Securing a Personal Wireless Network

If you own a laptop that can attach to a wireless network, you can use that feature in a number of places on the Simmons campus.  Simmons has not yet added wireless coverage to the entire residence campus.  If you would like to use wireless in your home, or in your Simmons residence hall, you may do so by purchasing a wireless router.

If you have a wireless router, we urge you to configure its security features, especially the administrative password for it.  By default, if you plug the wireless router into the ethernet port in your residence hall room (or your DSL or cable modem at home), the router is set to broadcast a preset name (i.e. Linksys) and will allow anyone within range of your router access to your Internet connection.  Sharing your Internet connection with others will slow down your own access.  On campus, sharing your on-campus Internet connection with residents in near-by non-Simmons buildings is a violation of the Acceptable Use Policy (a prohibited use: "Allowing unauthorized access to the Simmons network through any computer, modem, or network device (including wireless access points).

To avoid sharing your Internet connection, and, critically, to minimize the possibility that you will expose your personal data to others who are connected to your network, secure your wireless router according to the manufacturer's instructions.  If you do not have the manual, check the manufacturer's web site.  For a good list of what changes you should make to your wireless router, see the Yale Wireless Security page; for general information about wireless routers, personal wireless networks, and security on a wireless network, see How Stuff Works: How WiFi Works.

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