Engadget Guide Urges MacBook Users to Review Privacy and Security Settings

The guide recommended using a strong passcode and setting up Touch ID, and reviewing System Settings > Lock Screen to require a password after sleep or screen saver and to choose how long the MacBook can sleep before prompting. It also advised checking Location Services under Privacy & Security, where users can turn the service off entirely or grant and revoke location access app by app. The same section lets users decide which apps can use the camera and microphone, Engadget reported.

For Wi-Fi, the article said users should go to Settings > Wi-Fi and make sure the MacBook does not automatically join unsecured networks, which it said could expose users to malware or data interception. One option sends a notification asking for permission before joining a network. Engadget also noted that the MacBook's firewall is off by default and can be turned on through System Settings > Network > Firewall; it blocks unwanted connections from other networks or the internet, especially on public Wi-Fi.

The guide further described controls over data Apple collects. Under Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising > View Ad Targeting Information, users can see what Apple knows about them, Engadget reported. Apple says it does not track users across websites or third-party apps, according to the article. Users can toggle off Personalized Ads, which a settings note says limits Apple's ability to deliver relevant ads but does not affect how many ads they see.

Engadget also pointed to Analytics & Improvements settings. Apple says the anonymous analytics data helps its developers improve products and can include information about system crashes and freezes, general usage, hardware and software specifications, the operating system and which apps are being used, the article said. With permission, Apple might share crash data with third-party developers, and analytics data is deleted after a month, according to the article. Engadget cited a Consumer Reports article in which experts were split on how risky sharing analytics data is, with the risk often depending on the companies involved. Users who do not want to take the risk can go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements and toggle off options such as Improve Siri & Dictation and Share with App Developers.

The article said a periodic check of settings can help keep private information secure as users and their MacBooks go out into the world.

Editor's Summary

Engadget's Oct. 25, 2026, guide directs MacBook users to adjust lock-screen, location, camera and microphone, Wi-Fi, firewall, ad-targeting and analytics settings. It cites Apple's descriptions of its data practices and a Consumer Reports article showing experts disagree on the risk of sharing analytics data. The guide frames these checks as a starting point rather than a complete security fix.