Improve Computer Security – Disable Remote Access

(This tip was suggested by Gloria Messer, after reading an article by Ned Soltz.)

Remote Access is Mac software, designed by Apple, to allow one computer on a local network to control another computer on the same network. I use it here to control a headless Mac Mini for media compression and scanning.

However, this also leaves that remote computer vulnerable to unauthorized users accessing it. So, if you don’t need remote access, it’s a good idea to turn it off.

NOTE: As I was writing this article, I discovered that Remote Management was turned on for a computer that I never access remotely. Turning this off is another way to keep my main computer secure.

Here’s how.

• On the remote computer, not the computer you use to access another computer, go to Apple logo > System Preferences > Sharing.

• Uncheck both Remote Login and Remote Management.

That’s it. Remote access can always be turned on again whenever you need to remotely access a computer.

For now, though, if you don’t need it, turn it off.