A design firm is currently editing a campaign video on a MacBook Pro when the creative director opens a collaboration app. This app silently requests permissions to access the microphone and camera. While macOS typically alerts users about such requests, it seems the security checks are not stringent, allowing the app to gain access without proper approval.
Another Mac in the same office has file sharing enabled using an older protocol known as SMB v1. This protocol, though convenient and fast, poses security risks due to its outdated nature. If exposed online, it can be easily exploited by attackers in a matter of minutes.
These misconfigurations occur frequently, even in organizations that prioritize security. They are not due to faulty hardware or antivirus systems, but stem from overlooked configuration gaps that provide opportunities for attackers to exploit.
To address this issue, ThreatLocker has introduced a new feature called Defense Against Configurations (DAC). Misconfigurations are a vulnerability for attackers, such as leaving default settings open or enabling unnecessary remote accesses.
The recent DAC release for macOS aims to identify these weaknesses before they lead to security incidents. Following its earlier launch for Windows in August 2025, the macOS version is currently in beta. Utilizing the existing ThreatLocker agent, it scans Macs multiple times a day to uncover risky or non-compliant settings displayed on a unified dashboard alongside Windows devices.
Key Features in the Beta
The initial version of DAC for macOS focuses on essential controls, including:
- Disk encryption status with FileVault
- Built-in firewall status
- Remote access settings, including remote login
- Checks on local administrator accounts
- Automatic update settings
- Gatekeeper and app source controls
- Security and privacy settings that minimize potential attack vectors
The findings from these scans are organized by endpoint and category, providing clear remediation guidance and correlating it with standards such as CIS, NIST, ISO 27001, and HIPAA. This approach aims to streamline the process from identification to resolution, rather than inundating users with alerts.
Importance of DAC
Design studios, media agencies, and production teams favor Macs for their robust hardware, especially the M-series processors, which perform efficiently with design software. However, their security practices have struggled to keep pace.
Introducing configuration scanning on macOS allows these teams to identify vulnerabilities like unsecured drives, disabled firewalls, and overly permissive sharing settings before they can be exploited. This enhancement not only gives administrators the same level of visibility they have for Windows systems but also helps organizations better align with security frameworks, fulfill insurance requirements, and strengthen defenses without unnecessary uncertainty. Many users adopt ThreatLocker for DAC and continue using it because the resulting insights enhance their overall security management.
Configuration visibility plays a crucial role in empowering organizations to achieve real control over their security environments.
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