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Macintosh Computer Certification

Overview

Before connecting to our network, we need you to certify that your personal computer is protected against malicious viruses and spyware. It is critical that you take the steps below to protect your data and privacy. Certification helps protect the Law School network and systems from viruses and security breaches.

Certification Steps

1. Install Antivirus Protection
2. Confirm Firewall is Enabled
3. Verify Updates Install Automatically
4. Verify Mac is Fully Patched
5. Set a Strong Password for All Accounts
6. Use a Restricted User Account

Install Antivirus Protection

Verify that your computer has antivirus protection installed and that your virus definitions are consistently updated. Penn offers Sophos Home for free for all students. 

 

Confirm Firewall is Enabled

Verify that your computer’s Firewall is activated. If you have a third party firewall application installed, you will need to disable it.

1. Click on the Apple logo in the top-left.
2. Choose System Preferences.
3. Click Security or Security & Privacy.
4. Click the Firewall tab.
5. Unlock the pane by clicking the lock in the lower-left corner and enter the administrator username and password.
6. Click Turn On Firewall or Start to enable the firewall.

Verify Updates Install Automatically

Verify your computer is set to install updates automatically.

1. Click on the Apple logo in the top-left.
2. Choose System Preferences.
3. Click App Store.
4. Select the Automatically check for updates and Install app updates check boxes.

Verify Mac is Fully Patched

Verify your computer is fully patched.

1. Click on the Apple logo in the top-left.
2. Choose System Preferences.
3. Click App Store.
4. Click Check Now.
5. Install any available updates.

Set a Strong Password for All Accounts

Set a strong password. Make sure you choose a strong password for every user account, including the Administrator account.

1. Click on the Apple logo in the top-left.
2. Choose System Preferences.
3. Click Users & Groups.
4. Select an account and click Change Password… and follow the instructions.

Use a Restricted User Account

Use a restricted user account. Most home computers are more susceptible to viruses and spyware because users log in with an account that has Administrator access. It is important to change your default login to have ‘limited’ access and create a new account with Administrator access for installing new software and changing system settings.

To create a new account:

1. Click on the Apple logo in the top-left.
2. Choose System Preferences.
3. Click Users & Groups.
4. Unlock the pane by clicking the lock in the lower-left corner and enter the administrator username and password.
5. Click the Plus Sign (+)  at the bottom of the left menu.
6. Enter all of the user information and click Create User.

To change the access level of your default login:

1. Click on the Apple logo in the top-left.
2. Choose System Preferences.
3. Click Users & Groups.
4. Unlock the pane by clicking the lock in the lower-left corner and enter the administrator username and password.
5. Uncheck the Allow user to administer this computer check box.

Information Security and Privacy Resources

Please visit the Security Overview page for more information.

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