OS X contains powerful defenses to help keep your Mac safe from PC viruses and other malware without the hassle of constant alerts and sweeps.
Defense against viruses and other malware.
With virtually no effort on your part, OS X offers a multilayered system of defenses against viruses and other malicious applications, or malware. For example, a technique called sandboxing prevents attackers from harming your programs — restricting what actions applications can perform on your Mac, what files they can access, and what other programs they can launch. Other automatic security features include Library Randomization, which prevents malicious commands from finding their targets, and Execute Disable, which protects the memory in your Mac from attacks.
A new level of security.
With FileVault 2, your data is safe and secure — even if it falls into the wrong hands. FileVault 2 encrypts the entire drive on your Mac, protecting your data with XTS-AESW 128 encryption. Initial encryption is fast and unobtrusive. It can also encrypt any removable drive, helping you secure Time Machine backups or other external drives with ease. Want to start fresh or give your Mac to someone else? FileVault 2 makes it easy to clean data off your Mac. Instant wipe removes the encryption key from your Mac — making the data completely inaccessible — then proceeds with a thorough wipe of all data from the disk.
Always on the alert.
Innocent-looking files downloaded over the Internet may contain dangerous malware in disguise. That’s why files you download using Safari, Mail, and iChat are screened to determine if they contain applications. If they do, OS X alerts you, then warns you the first time you open one. You decide whether to open the application or cancel the attempt. And if a file contains software identified as malicious, OS X offers to move it to the Trash.
Stay up to date. Automatically.
When a potential security threat arises, Apple responds by providing software updates and security enhancements that can be downloaded automatically and installed with a click. Apple works with the incident response community, including the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST) and the FreeBSD Security Team, to proactively identify and quickly correct operating system vulnerabilities. In addition, Apple cooperates closely with organizations such as the Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Center (CERT/CC).
Easy to customize.
With OS X, it’s easy to customize and use security features. Setting up secure file sharing, for example, involves a quick trip to System Preferences. FileVault 2 lets you encrypt all the files in your home folder with just a few clicks and a password of your choosing. Simply turn on the firewall with the click of a button to provide enhanced protection for your data.
Protect your privacy.
System Preferences now contains privacy controls for location and diagnostic information sharing. And Safari preferences includes a privacy pane that allows you to limit or block cookies and limit website access to location services.
Exercise parental control.
As a parent, you want your kids to have a safe and happy experience on the computer. OS X keeps an eye out even when you can’t. With a simple setup in Parental Controls preferences, you can manage, monitor, and control the time your kids spend on the Mac, the sites they visit, and the people they chat with.
Don’t go phishing.
Phishing is a form of attack in which online thieves try to acquire sensitive information such as user names, passwords, and credit card details by creating fake websites that look like legitimate companies. The antiphishing technology in Safari can protect you from such scams by detecting these fraudulent websites. If you try to visit a suspicious site, Safari disables the page and displays an alert warning you about its suspect nature.
Surf safely.
OS X makes it easy to stay safe online, whether you’re checking your bank account, sending confidential email, or sharing files with friends and coworkers. Features such as Password Assistant help you create stronger passwords to thwart identity thieves, while built-in encryption technologies protect your private information and communications.
Security without the hassle.
OS X won’t slow you down with constant security alerts and sweeps. Every Mac ships with a secure configuration so you don’t have to worry about understanding complex settings. Just turn your Mac on and start working. When you need to be aware of something, it will let you know. And if you want to change the security configuration, just open System Preferences and make any adjustments.