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MacOS Operating System

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MacOS Operating System

Created: 2025-11-25 Tags: operating-systems macos apple unix

Description

MacOS is Appleā€™s Unix-based operating system for Mac computers. It combines Unix power with user-friendly design and is increasingly common in enterprise environments.

Key Concepts

Architecture

  • Darwin: Unix-based core (BSD and Mach kernel)
  • XNU Kernel: Hybrid kernel architecture
  • Cocoa: Application framework
  • Aqua: Graphical user interface

Core Components

  • Terminal: Unix command-line interface
  • Finder: File management GUI
  • Keychain: Password and certificate management
  • Spotlight: System-wide search
  • Time Machine: Backup system

File System

  • APFS (Apple File System): Modern, optimized for SSDs
  • HFS+: Legacy file system
  • Directory structure: Similar to Linux with some differences

Security Features

  • Gatekeeper: App verification and code signing
  • FileVault: Full disk encryption
  • XProtect: Built-in malware detection
  • System Integrity Protection (SIP): Protects system files
  • Secure Enclave: Hardware security for encryption keys
  • T2 Security Chip: Secure boot and encryption

Security Considerations

Strengths

  • Unix-based security model
  • Code signing and app sandboxing
  • Hardware-level security features
  • Integrated encryption solutions
  • Regular security updates

Vulnerabilities

  • Increasing malware targeting macOS
  • Social engineering attacks
  • Supply chain attacks via third-party apps
  • Privilege escalation vulnerabilities
  • Legacy software vulnerabilities

Common Commands

MacOS supports most Linux/Unix commands:

# File operations
ls, cd, pwd, cp, mv, rm
find, grep, cat, less
 
# System information
sw_vers
system_profiler
diskutil
 
# Network
ifconfig, netstat
networksetup
 
# Package management
brew (Homebrew - third party)
 
# Security
csrutil (SIP management)
spctl (Gatekeeper)

Security Hardening

  • Enable FileVault disk encryption
  • Configure firewall (Security & Privacy settings)
  • Enable Gatekeeper for app verification
  • Keep system and apps updated
  • Use strong passwords and enable MFA
  • Review Privacy settings
  • Disable unnecessary sharing services
  • Regular backups with Time Machine
  • Secure SSH configuration

Practical Applications

  • MacOS security assessments
  • Enterprise Mac management
  • Incident response on macOS systems
  • Development environment security

Unique macOS Considerations

  • App Store vs. third-party installation
  • Code signing requirements
  • Notarization for distributed apps
  • Rosetta 2 (Intel to ARM translation)
  • M1/M2/M3 ARM architecture security

Back to: 00-MOC-Cybersecurity-Roadmap

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