Security & Sustainability

The Mac supported desktop is now more secure and efficient.

Filevault disk encryption on MacBooks

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FileVault icon

The JAMF-based Mac supported desktop includes automated disk encryption on MacBooks via Apple's own Filevault 2 facility. When a MacBook's disk is encrypted, a decryption key is escrowed in the JAMF system, accessible by Information Services. Should you need access to your machine's decryption key, please contact the IS Helpline.

For more information on encryption, including the securing of external hard drives, please see:

Encrypting devices and documents

Firewall

Apple's in-built firewall, found via Apple menu > System Preferences > Security & Privacy is enabled by default on the Mac supported desktop.

Administrators on the machines are able to add firewall exceptions as per the instructions at:

macOS: About the application firewall

Anti-Virus Software

The supported desktop automatically installs Microsoft Defender Anti-Virus software that maintains its own updates and runs on a regular basis.

For more information, please visit:

Use anti-virus

Power Management

The supported desktop now enforces a set power management policy on wired Macs and MacBooks plugged into power adapters to attempt to increase energy efficiency, as follows:

  Desktop / MacBook on charger MacBook off charger
Computer sleep

After 30 mins

After 15 mins
Display sleep After 10 mins After 5 mins
Hard disk sleep whenever possible On On
Wake for Ethernet network administrator access On On
Start up automatically after a power failure On On