Securing enterprise macOS devices is critical in today’s evolving digital landscape. While macOS is known for its robust security features, enterprises must proactively enforce policies to protect against cyber threats. Scalefusion Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) simplifies this process, enabling IT administrators to enforce security policies seamlessly. This blog will guide you through implementing Password Policies and Security & Privacy Settings for macOS devices using Scalefusion UEM.  

Step 1: Configuring Password Policies 

Establishing strong password policies is the first line of defense against unauthorized access. With Scalefusion UEM, administrators can enforce specific password requirements on macOS devices. 

1. Access the Scalefusion Dashboard: Log in to your Scalefusion account to access the management console. 
2. Navigate to Password Policies:
   
   
   • Navigate to Device Profiles & Policies > Passcode Policy and click on the MacOS section. 
   • Toggle the require password switch to enable various password settings. 

• Require Password: Enforce mandatory password protection. 
• Password Type: Choose Numeric or Alphanumeric. 
• Minimum Length: Set between 4 to 16 characters. 
• Force Password Change: Require users to reset their password at next login (may cause repeated prompts on some macOS versions). 
• Complex Password: Require symbols for added security. 
• Password Expiry: Set an expiry period to enforce regular password updates. 
• Password History: Restrict users from reusing previous passwords. 
• Failed Attempts & Lockout: Set a limit for failed login attempts before account lock. 
• Lockout Duration: Define the time before users can attempt login after exceeding failed attempts. 
• Auto-Lock on Inactivity: Configure device to lock after a set period of inactivity. 
  
  

• Save the configured settings. 
• Assign the policy to the desired macOS device profile. 
  
  

End-User Impact: 

• Users will be prompted to set compliant passwords at their next login or when changing passwords through System Preferences. 
• Devices will auto-lock after inactivity, enhancing security against unattended access.
  
  

Step 2: Configuring Security & Privacy Settings 

Beyond password policies, it's crucial to manage security and privacy settings to protect sensitive information and ensure compliance. 

• Navigate to Device Profiles & Policies > Device Profiles section. 
• Create a new Profile or Edit an existing one then click on Security & Privacy Settings. 
  
  

• • Gatekeeper Settings: 
    • Mac App Store – Allows app installations only from the App Store. 
    • Mac App Store & Identified Developers – Permits third-party apps signed by valid developers. 
    • Prevent Override – Blocks users from bypassing Gatekeeper by right-clicking and opening unsigned apps. 

• • User Access Controls: 
    • Restrict password changes from System Preferences. 
    • Set password requirement after sleep/screensaver. 
    • Control lock screen message changes. 
    • Allow or restrict Mac unlocking via Apple Watch. 
    • Restrict removal of Configuration Profiles. 

• • Firewall Settings: 
    
    
    • Enable Firewall – Controls network connections for security. 
    • Stealth Mode – Hides the device from network probes. 
    • Block Incoming Connections – Restricts all except essential services. 

• • Privacy Settings: 
    
    
    • Allow or block sharing of diagnostic & crash data with Apple and app developers. 

• After configuring, click SAVE to apply changes. 
  
  

Benefits: 

• Prevents installation of unverified apps, reducing malware risks. 
• Ensures only authorized apps have access to sensitive device features 
  
  

Conclusion 

Implementing robust security policies on macOS devices is essential for protecting organizational data and maintaining compliance. Scalefusion UEM simplifies this process by providing intuitive tools to enforce password requirements and manage security settings. By following the steps outlined above, administrators can ensure that macOS devices within their organization are secure and compliant with internal policies.