December 2025

Default Security: OFF

*sponsored by Proton​

MacBook default security sucks

It's more than just password and 2FA - there are some basic security settings on a MacBook that, by default, aren't the ideal setup. Here's what you need to change (and why) whether you have a new Apple laptop or one you've been using for a while.

​19 Macbook Defaults you NEED to Change in 2026​

Go Deeper: I've also created a MacBook Security Guide download that you can access for free since you're already on this email list. And there are other changes you can make to Apple devices that I detail below:

iPhone Security These iPhone mistakes can really damage your overall privacy & security. ​iPhone Security Settings →​

Turn this On Whether iPhone or Mac, Advanced Data Protection is a MUST. Here's how: ​Advanced Data Protection →​

best-selling laptop

Hi [CORRECTED_NAME GOES HERE], it should come as no surprise that the MacBook has been a top selling laptop for the past few years. You can't walk into a coffee shop or office without seeing that big Apple logo on the back of a laptop screen.

There's a good chance you're reading this on a Macbook.

Don't worry - I'm not making fun of you. In fact, I'm writing this email from my MacBook while my boys are climbing at a local climbing wall (they're on Christmas break now).

While Apple is far from perfect, they've done a good job of building privacy and security into the core of their products.

Unforunately, not all these features aren't on by default.

In this week's video, I wanted to walk through the most important security features that should be changed or turned on. Obviously this includes a strong password and 2FA, but we're also going to talk about:

• Contact Key Verification: this is a new way to verify that you are messaging the right person in iMessage.
• Advanced Data Protection: Apple allows you to encrypt your iCloud data...but you have to turn it on!
• FileVault: add extra encryption to your hard drive - there's really no down side!

It's worth taking a look to see if you've changed all of these security settings. Watch the video now.​

Proton Pass One easy change you can make today is to start using a password manager like Proton Pass. This is what I use and I prefer it over Apple's Passwords app. You can easily migrate from whatever manager you currently use. Try Proton Pass

This Week in Privacy News

​Data Breach Impacts 5.8 million people​

Hackers stole names, addresses, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers from the credit report and identity verification services provider.

--> Securityweek.com/700credit-data-breach-impacts-5-8-million-individuals/

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​​Texas Sues 5 Smart TV Manufacturers​

Texas is suing five major television manufacturers for using technology that records what consumers watch and for allegedly deceiving customers about the practice. Manufacturers include Sony, Samsung, LG and others.

--> Therecord.media/texas-sues-5-smart-tv-makers-over-acr-tech
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​OpenAI Warns of "high" Cybersecurity risks with AI​

OpenAI on Wednesday warned that its upcoming artificial intelligence models could pose a "high" cybersecurity risk, as their capabilities advance rapidly. The AI models might either develop working zero-day remote exploits against well-defended systems or assist with complex enterprise or industrial intrusion operations aimed at real-world effects, the ChatGPT maker said in a blog post.

--> Reuters.com/business/openai-warns-new-models-pose-high-cybersecurity-risk-2025-12-10/

Your Thoughts?

Do you use a MacBook? I know there are a lot of people who are moving to Linux as an alternative, but MacBook still reigns as one of the most popular computer models.

Have a wonderful Christmas celebration!

✌️

Josh

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3824 Cedar Springs Rd #801-8170, Dallas, TX 75219
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