Skip to content
Thoughtful, detailed coverage of everything Apple for 33 years
and the TidBITS Content Network for Apple professionals

Chapter 9 of “Take Control of Security for Mac Users” Available

When it comes to Mac security, Apple’s iCloud online service merits your attention. That’s not because Apple has done a bad job of securing iCloud, but because iCloud is heavily used and stores a vast amount of personal data, rendering it attractive to attackers. So in Chapter 9, “Manage iCloud Security,” this week’s installment from “Take Control of Security for Mac Users,” Joe Kissell helps you understand Apple’s security policies, see where iCloud is more and less secure, and shows you how to increase your overall security level.

In particular, Joe walks you through turning on two-step verification, which protects your account even if your password is compromised, and then looks at which iCloud services you might want to avoid — and why — if you’re particularly concerned about security. Those who turn on two-step verification will also learn how to generate the app-specific passwords that are necessary for third-party apps that rely on iCloud, such as BusyCal and BusyContacts, Outlook, Thunderbird, and so on.

If you’re just getting started with “Take Control of Security for Mac Users” now, the first two chapticles are available to everyone, but all subsequent ones are limited to TidBITS members. Those who join the TidBITS membership program receive other benefits too (like discounts off top Mac software!), but what’s most important is that revenues contributed by TidBITS members have kept TidBITS running the last few years — your support has made all the difference. If you’re already a TidBITS member, log in to the TidBITS site using the email address from which you joined to read and comment on these chapters.

We have three more chapters to go, and once we’ve published those in TidBITS, the full ebook of “Take Control of Security for Mac Users” will be available for purchase by everyone in PDF, EPUB, and Mobipocket (Kindle) formats.

Subscribe today so you don’t miss any TidBITS articles!

Every week you’ll get tech tips, in-depth reviews, and insightful news analysis for discerning Apple users. For over 33 years, we’ve published professional, member-supported tech journalism that makes you smarter.

Registration confirmation will be emailed to you.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. The Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.