How to Use macOS Catalina’s New Security Controls

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Apple released macOS Catalina upgrade for Macintosh machines a couple of months ago, which comes power-packed with tons of useful features. Catalina happens to be the successor to macOS Mojave, and it is so far Apple’s biggest upgrade. This latest macOS version includes a handful of revolutionary features like Sidecar that allows you to use your iPad with Mac as a secondary screen, an auto dark mode, revamped Notes app, and also a bunch of privacy and security enhancements.

Image Source: CNET

If talking specifically about security, Apple has done a splendid job by rolling out enhanced security controls along with macOS Catalina update. One of the most prominent macOS Catalina security features being the T2 security chip that acts as an Activation lock to make your MacBook much more secure. In addition to this, Apple now grants permission-based access to apps to tighten the security on your macOS. Well, this is just the tip of the iceberg.

So, without wasting any more time, let’s take a quick tour and learn how to use new security features on macOS Catalina in-depth to add an extra layer of security to our Macintosh machines.

Also Read: 14 Common macOS Catalina Issues And Their Quick Fixes

Manage App Permissions

As we mentioned earlier, Apple now offers you full control to manage how much data a certain app can access on your MacBook. macOS Catalina has taken security to a whole new level—indeed. On macOS Catalina, apps will ask for your permission to access the parts of your system where you’ve stored your data, including iCloud and storage drives.

Image Source: Nektony

To check which all apps have full drive access on your Mac, head on to System Preferences> Security and Privacy, and then switch to the fourth tab, i.e. Privacy. Select the “File and Folders” option from the left-hand side menu pane to see a list of all the apps that have access to your files and folders stored on your device. If you’re not happy with any setting or a certain app that has access to your data, you can easily change this setting by unchecking it from this list.

Weak Passwords Warning on Safari

Another useful macOS Catalina security features are weak passwords warning offered by the Safari browser on both macOS and iOS. Yes, that’s right! While browsing on Safari, if you sign up and create a new password on any website, you will be notified that the password is not strong enough.

Image Source: Beebom

To manage passwords on Safari, head on to Preferences> Safari> Passwords. Here you will a list of all the weak and duplicated passwords that you used on Safari.

Also Read: 6 MacOS Catalina Features We’re Eagerly Waiting to Use this Fall

MacOS Stored Separately

Image Source: How to Geek

In case, you failed to notice macOS is now stored on a separate disk so that it doesn’t mess around with other system files. This strengthens the security on your MacBook, as the operating system files won’t be affected by any third-party apps or any malware threat.

The Gatekeeper

Gatekeeper is one of the notable macOS Catalina security features that makes sure you only install apps from authorized sources from the App Store. The Gatekeeper technology on macOS Catalina will thoroughly check the entire app info to make sure it’s legit, scan for viruses and malware before installing it on your device. As soon as the Gatekeeper detects anything suspicious, it will notify you instantly so that you can take the necessary action accordingly.

Image Source: iMore

To manage Gatekeeper settings on MacBook, head on to System Preferences> Security and Privacy> General and set the “Allow apps downloaded from:” setting to “App Store and identified developers”.

Also Read: How to Use Voice Control on macOS Catalina

Activation Lock

Image Source: Apple Support

As the latest MacBook machines come loaded with a special T2 security chip designed by Apple, it takes your Mac’s security to a whole new level. With the help of this chip, no thief or intruder will be able to gain unauthorized access to your device, and even if they try to factory reset your device and resell it as a used device, they will fail at this attempt.

Here was a complete guide on how to use new security features on macOS Catalina. Apple has dedicatedly made a decent effort in enhancing privacy and security on your Mac by introducing these features. Hope you make the most of these macOS Catalina security features and keep your device away from any troubles!

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