MacOS Setup

MacOS is a great option for privacy if done correctly. Apple is great at protecting your privacy from other companies, the problem comes because they still collects your data. We can block Apple from collecting data, this comes at a cost. The cost is you won’t be able to use Apple’s own applications.

Ideally if you are looking to buy a new computer and you want an Apple computer. Then you will buy one of the latest Apple Silicon Macs there is. The reason to get a new one is because of unique identifiers within the machine. Resetting wont reset the unique identifiers. Regardless, it will be most private if you buy a new one but if your budget don’t allow it then don’t worry. It is okay. The MacOS setup that we will use with Little Snitch will allow us to block Apple.

If you decide to buy a new Mac computer, consider using cash. Even if buying in such big amount of cash, makes you look bad, then you are going to be more private. Give whatever name you want,

When you want to become private with a MacOS setup, the first step is to delete your old Apple account if you have any, consider that this will also probably be the one connected to your phone if you use iPhone. 

Resetting

ATTENTION: If you have a brand new computer skip the following step.

So first create a backup of your iCloud data if you have any, then backup any personal data on your local disc. When you did that, then do the following:

          • Turn the device completely off.
          • Hold “Command” and “R” together until the device boots.
          • Select the user account and enter password if prompted.
          • Click on “Utilities” in the menu bar and then select “Startup Security Utility”
          • Click on “Turn On Firmware Password”
          • Enter a strong password then click on “Set Password”
          • Write down this password within your password manager.
          • If it’s present, make sure “Secure Boot” is set to “Full Security”
          • If it’s present, make sure “Allowed Boot Media” is set to “Disallow…”
          • Close the window, then click on the Apple menu and choose “Restart”

When you do your MacOS setup, make sure not to create an Apple account!

Connect your Apple computer to the internet and update. 

          • Open the “System Settings” application.
          • Click on the “General” option.
          • Click on the “Transfer or Reset” option.
          • Click on the “Erase All Content and Settings” button.
          • Enter your password within the “Erase Assistant”.
          • Confirm all warnings and allow the process to complete. 

Configuration

The  MacOS setup is as I write setup for privacy and security. The first launch may vary but it goes something like this:

          • Select a language and click the right arrow.
          • Select a country and click “Continue”.
          • Click on “Customized Settings”.
          • Confirm your preferred language.
          • Confirm a location.
          • Confirm dictation (No way around this).
          • Click on “Not Now” for Accessibility options.
          • If you are prompted, choose “My computer does not connect to the internet”.
          • Click on “Continue” and “Continue” again if requested to connect to the internet.
          • Click on “Continue” for Data & Privacy notification.
          • Click on “Not Now” for the Migration Assistant.
          • Click on “Set Up Later” to bypass the Apple ID requirement.
          • Confirm by clicking “Skip”.
          • Click on “Agree” to the Terms and Conditions.
          • Confirm by clicking “Agree”.

After we accepted the terms of service we need to create an account. This should be a local account.

          • Create a local computer account. This should be a generic name, such as “Macbook” or “Computer”, and
          should include a very strong password which you can remember – The password should be made up of both
          numbers, big and small letters and signs. There is no reason to provide a password hint.
          Click on “Continue” when you are finished.
          • Do not enable “Location Service” and click “Continue”.
          • Confirm choice by clicking “Don’t Use”.
          • Select your desired time zone and click “Continue”.
          • Deselect all analytics options and click “Continue”.
          • Click on “Set Up Later” to bypass “Screen Time” settings.
          • Disable Siri and click “Continue”.
          • Choose your desired screen mode and click “Continue”.

And thats it for the initial MacOS setup.