Step-by-Step Privacy Hardening:
Apple is better than Microsoft and Google when it comes to privacy—but they still collect way too much of your data. If you want the strongest digital privacy, Linux is the gold standard. But if you’re not ready to make the switch just yet, you can still dramatically improve your Mac’s privacy.
In this video, we walk you through privacy expert Michael Bazzell’s recommended macOS setup—from purchasing a device (without linking it to your identity), to reformatting, disabling invasive features, and installing the right tools.
00:00 Apple promises only THEY will abuse your data
02:20 Purchasing Your Mac
03:14 Choose a Model
03:41 Used Devices: Update, Reformat, Install OS
08:28 Initial Setup
11:32 WiFi and Bluetooth
11:50 OS Firewall
13:14 Notifications
14:16 Airdrop, Siri, and Sharing
15:33 Gatekeeper
18:26 Analytics and Ads
19:01 Time
20:15 Filevault
22:02 Dock, Wallpaper and Finder
25:35 Application Firewall / 3rd Party Apps
28:09 Conclusion
Apple does build decent privacy tools—but they definitely don’t make it easy to opt out of their own surveillance. With the right tools and configurations, though, you can take back control of your digital environment. Whether you’re doing sensitive work or simply believe in the right to privacy, these steps put you in charge.
Special Thanks to Michael Bazzell for leading the way in tech privacy and research! You can purchase his book here:
https://inteltechniques.com/book7.html
Brought to you by NBTV team members: Lee Rennie, Cube Boy, Derek Porter, Will Sandoval, and Naomi Brockwell
NBTV is a project of the Ludlow Institute, a 501c3 non profit whose mission is to advance freedom through technology.
To support NBTV, visit:
https://LudlowInstitute.org/donate
(As a 501(c)(3) non profit, all donations are tax-deductible in the USA as permitted by law.)
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Our eBook “Beginner’s Introduction To Privacy:
https://amzn.to/3WDSfku
Beware of scammers, I will never give you a phone number or reach out to you with investment advice. I do not give investment advice.
Watch this video on Odysee!
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Here are a bunch of products I like and use. Using these links helps support the channel and future videos!
Recommended Books:
Beginner’s Introduction To Privacy – Naomi Brockwell
https://amzn.to/3WDSfku
Permanent Record – Edward Snowden
https://amzn.to/305negc
What has the government done to our money – Rothbard
https://amzn.to/2KMzmcu
Extreme Privacy – Michael Bazzel (The best privacy book I’ve ever read)
https://amzn.to/3BLZ1gq
Digital version: https://inteltechniques.com/book7.html (non affiliate link)
No Place to Hide: Edward Snowden, the NSA, and the U.S. Surveillance State – Glenn Greenwald
https://amzn.to/2UQmJ4m
Some of my favorite products to help protect your privacy!
Brave browser: https://brave.com/nao076
Faraday bag (signal stopping, to protect your fob, credit card, computer, and phone)
https://amzn.to/3z02UiF
Data Blocker (if you’re charging your phone in an unknown port, use this so that no data is transferred)
https://amzn.to/2SVh0J2
Camera tape (electrical tape is the best tape for covering phone and computer cameras)
https://amzn.to/3Xn8xBn
USB-C to ethernet adapter:
https://amzn.to/2lOVBoy
Privacy Screens (use your phone and computer in public? Keep your information safe!)
Computer: (Search for the size right for your computer)
MacBook Air 13″ https://amzn.to/3VQvpZ7
HP/Dell/Acer/Asus/Lenovo 15.6″ https://amzn.to/3KK1Oda
Lenovo Thinkpad/HP Elitebook/Dell 14″ https://amzn.to/4enT2zq
Phone: (Search for the size for your phone, decide whether you want glass or plastic!)
Galaxy s24 – https://amzn.to/3VGgb8H
iPhone 15 – https://amzn.to/45vCd1h
Pixel 8 – https://amzn.to/3KFDuJF
