Here are some security tips that I came across and wanted to share with you. Although Mac OS X is a secure interface but still there are some precautions to be taken.The data that an application writes to random-access memory (RAM) might contain sensitive information, such as user names and passwords. Mac OS X writes the contents of RAM to your local hard disk to free memory for other applications.
While the data is on the hard disk, it can be easily viewed or accessed. You can protect this data by securing your virtual memory in case of an attack or theft of your computer.
System Swap File
System swap is a process that your computer uses to free the RAM for other application uses.When your computer is turned off, the RAM on your computer contains no data. Computers use virtual memory to reduce problems caused by limited memory.
Virtual memory swaps data between your hard disk and RAM. It’s possible that sensitive information in your computer’s RAM will be written to your hard disk in virtual memory while you are working and remain there until overwritten. This data can be compromised if your computer is accessed by an unauthorized user because the data is stored on the hard disk unencrypted.
Even when you computer hibernation, it writes the content of RAM to a sleepimage file unencrypted.
You can prevent your sensitive RAM information from being left unencrypted on your hard disk by enabling secure virtual memory to encrypt the virtual memory.
How to Encrypt System Swap?
You can prevent your sensitive information from remaining on your hard disk and
eliminate the security risk by using secure virtual memory. Secure virtual memory
encrypts the data being written to disk.
Turn ON secure virtual memory:
- Open System Preferences
- Click on Security, then go to General tab.
- Select "Use secure virtual memory" checkbox.
- Reboot system.
If you use FileVault, your virtual memory or the home folder is encrypted because the data being written to virtual memory is encrypted by FileVault.
- System preferences
- Click Security, Go to FileVault tab.
- Click on "Turn On FileVault" button.
- Set a master password (DON'T FORGET IT).
written by Avipar\\
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2 comments:
Main point to remember if someone has physical access to your Mac your in trouble so don't leave your computer unattended. Also another thing to consider with using FileVault is that really can't be used with Time Machine (unless you want a full image every time).
That's why I love Macs. They can make great servers since they've got a UNIX base. I wonder if it's possible to turn your Mac into a virtual private server and sell the partitions. Any ideas?
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