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Creating a Secure Environment

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XXsocratic

macrumors newbie
Original poster
May 19, 2020
8
0
hello everybody.

Some time ago I read on the FBI website that it would be most secure if we had a dedicated computer for all our financial and important activities. So this dedicated computer isn't used for anything else but accessing bank accounts, doing taxes, etc. Nothing else is installed, no emails are checked, there is no aimless internet browsing and of course nobody else has access.

What I'd like to know is if there is a way to do with one computer.

Is there a way to create two completely separate environments to ensure that no hack or some dumb thing I did traverses?

I know that some of you may think this is overkill, but it sure would help me sleep better at night.


thanks....XXsocratic
 
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I am not a very technical person regarding with security but I am hearing things about virtual machines, where there is an operating system within an operating system, a windows OS within a windows OS, or a macOS within a macOS. To put it simply, these virtual machines are being used to test applications to avoid harming the real computer.

You can try it tho. There are a couple of instructions on how you can set it up on a computer.
 
What you are trying to do is noble, but you're defeating the purpose of having two computers with one computer.

If all you are doing is online banking, your taxes, your finances, etc on this dedicated Mac, then don't feel that you need the latest and greatest.

It is the OS, and securing the OS, which is more important than the hardware.

You should be able to take a mid-range Mac - even a used one - and have it last you 5-8 easily, while still upgrding to the latest macOS. (Ocassionally, Apple will make a big change in hardware and OS, where you'll need to upgrade the computer to keep using the latest OS, but that is rare.)

Edit:
To be clear, what I am suggesting is get a second Mac and dedicate it as your "safe" computer for important business things.

As to which Mac you use for what purpose depends on your needs. If you watch movies and play games and are into photography and video for "fun", then use the more powerful of the two for that. If you feel your business needs require more horsepower, then use the better Mac as your "safe" computer.

These are tough times, but owning a second, dedicated Mac for important, and only important things is a great long term investment, and as mentioned, it's not like you'll have to buy two new macs every 3 years, unless that is what you want.

HTH.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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XXsocratic said:
hello everybody.

Some time ago I read on the FBI website that it would be most secure if we had a dedicated computer for all our financial and important activities. So this dedicated computer isn't used for anything else but accessing bank accounts, doing taxes, etc. Nothing else is installed, no emails are checked, there is no aimless internet browsing and of course nobody else has access.

What I'd like to know is if there is a way to do with one computer.

Is there a way to create two completely separate environments to ensure that no hack or some dumb thing I did traverses?

I know that some of you may think this is overkill, but it sure would help me sleep better at night.


thanks....XXsocratic
Click to expand...

If you're serious and want to make an actual commitment to proper security...

QubesOS

www.qubes-os.org

Qubes OS: A reasonably secure operating system

Qubes is a security-oriented, free and open-source operating system for personal computers that allows you to securely compartmentalize your digital life.
www.qubes-os.org www.qubes-os.org
 
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Texas_Toast said:
What you are trying to do is noble, but you're defeating the purpose of having two computers with one computer.

If all you are doing is online banking, your taxes, your finances, etc on this dedicated Mac, then don't feel that you need the latest and greatest.

It is the OS, and securing the OS, which is more important than the hardware.

You should be able to take a mid-range Mac - even a used one - and have it last you 5-8 easily, while still upgrding to the latest macOS. (Ocassionally, Apple will make a big change in hardware and OS, where you'll need to upgrade the computer to keep using the latest OS, but that is rare.)

Edit:
To be clear, what I am suggesting is get a second Mac and dedicate it as your "safe" computer for important business things.

As to which Mac you use for what purpose depends on your needs. If you watch movies and play games and are into photography and video for "fun", then use the more powerful of the two for that. If you feel your business needs require more horsepower, then use the better Mac as your "safe" computer.

These are tough times, but owning a second, dedicated Mac for important, and only important things is a great long term investment, and as mentioned, it's not like you'll have to buy two new macs every 3 years, unless that is what you want.

HTH.
Click to expand...

thanks Texas. I had two Macs for this purpose for many years and now the 2011 air is running into some compatibility issues. For example, the latest turbotax doesn't run on it. I think reading the other posts in this thread, I should just get another laptop and have two. The other alternatives using one machine is just too complicated.
 
XXsocratic said:
thanks Texas. I had two Macs for this purpose for many years and now the 2011 air is running into some compatibility issues. For example, the latest turbotax doesn't run on it. I think reading the other posts in this thread, I should just get another laptop and have two. The other alternatives using one machine is just too complicated.
Click to expand...

Security is *complicated* and if you don't really know what you are doing you can get burned.

If you are interested, I'd encourage you to check this out...

wiki - Hyperjacking

It will give you an overview of why "in theory" virtual machines should help protect you, but for a determined foe they will not protect you.

You might want to check out: Macs4U

Like I said, if you buy a 2nd Mac and dedicate it to things like your finances, there is a good chance it will last you the next 7-10 years, so it's a good investment.

Let us know if you have more questions! :)
 
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