Security doesn't have to be complicated. This guide covers the most important habits for keeping your Mac safe at Mercury Insurance. Think of it as a quick reference you can come back to anytime. Everything here applies to macOS Tahoe, the version running on your Mac.
1. Lock Your Screen
The single most important habit you can build
Every time you walk away from your Mac — even for a minute — lock your screen. It takes less than a second and prevents anyone from accessing your email, files, or applications while you're gone.
Memorize This Shortcut
Press Control + Command + Q to instantly lock your screen. Do it every time you stand up.
Lock your screen right now: Press Control + ⌘ Command + Q. Your Mac will show the lock screen you saw above. Unlock it with your password or Touch ID to come right back.
2. Do's and Don'ts
Quick-reference habits for everyday security
DO
Control + ⌘ + Q — make it muscle memory
Updates patch security vulnerabilities. Install them when prompted.
It's in your Applications folder. Only install apps from here.
Weird pop-ups, unexpected emails, strange behavior — tell us.
Hover over the sender name to see the real email address.
DON'T
Not even for "just a second" in the break room
Only use Self Service. Random downloads can contain malware.
IT will never ask for your password. Ever.
If it feels urgent or too good to be true, it's probably phishing.
They can carry malware. If you find one, turn it in to IT.
3. Spot the Phishing Email
Click on the parts of this email that look suspicious
Phishing emails try to trick you into clicking malicious links or giving away your credentials. The email below has 4 red flags. Click each suspicious part to reveal why it's dangerous.
Dear Valued Employe,
We have detected suspicous activity on you're Mercury account. Your access will be permanantly revoked unless you verify your credentials immediatly. Red flag: Multiple spelling and grammar errors ("Employe," "suspicous," "you're" instead of "your," "permanantly," "immediatly"). Official corporate communications are proofread. Errors like these are a classic phishing sign.
Please click the link below to confirm your identity:
https://mercury-secure-verify.com/login Red flag: Fake link! This goes to "mercury-secure-verify.com," NOT a real Mercury Insurance website. Legitimate links would use mercuryinsurance.com. When in doubt, navigate to the site directly by typing the URL yourself.
Thank you,
IT Support Team
4. What To Do If...
Quick-action reference for common security situations
I Clicked a Suspicious Link
Don't panic. Disconnect from Wi-Fi immediately (click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar and turn it off). Do NOT enter any credentials if a login page appeared. Contact IT right away and let them know what happened.
Call the IT Service Desk immediatelyMy Mac Is Acting Strange
Unexpected pop-ups, new programs you didn't install, very slow performance, or the fan running constantly could indicate a problem. Don't try to fix it yourself — contact IT so they can check for malware or other issues.
Open a ServiceNow ticket or call ITMy Laptop Was Lost or Stolen
Report it to IT as soon as possible. They can remotely lock and wipe your Mac to protect company data. Also notify your manager and building security. The sooner you report it, the better.
Call IT Security immediately — don't waitI Forgot My Password
Don't keep guessing — too many wrong attempts can lock your account. Contact the IT Service Desk and they'll help you reset it. Have your employee ID ready.
Contact the IT Service Desk for a reset5. More Security Features on Your Mac
Click any topic below to learn more
Touch ID lets you unlock your Mac and approve actions with your fingerprint. It's fast and secure. Here's how to set it up:
- Open Apple menu > System Settings.
- Click Touch ID & Password in the sidebar.
- Click Add Fingerprint and enter your Mac password.
- Place your finger on the Touch ID sensor (top-right key on the keyboard) and lift repeatedly as instructed.
- Adjust your finger's angle to capture edges until the setup completes.
You can add up to three fingerprints. Touch ID works for unlocking your Mac, approving App Store purchases, and autofilling passwords in Safari.
macOS Tahoe handles updates through System Settings. Many updates are managed by IT automatically, but here's how to check manually:
- Open Apple menu > System Settings.
- Click General in the sidebar, then Software Update.
- Your Mac will check for available updates. If one is ready, click Update Now.
- Some updates require a restart. Save your work before starting.
Why updates matter: Updates fix security vulnerabilities that hackers try to exploit. When your Mac notifies you about an update, install it as soon as you can. If you see a notification from Self Service about required updates, follow those instructions — those are managed by IT and may be mandatory.
Self Service is your go-to app for installing approved software at Mercury Insurance. Think of it like the App Store, but curated by IT specifically for the tools you need.
- Open Finder > Applications > Self Service (or search for it with Spotlight: ⌘ + Space, then type "Self Service").
- Browse categories or use the search bar to find the app you need.
- Click Install and the app will download and set itself up.
If you need software that isn't in Self Service, submit a request through ServiceNow. Do not download software from the internet — unapproved software can introduce security risks and may violate company policy.
6. Try These Yourself
Hands-on exercises to build your security confidence
Open Apple menu > System Settings > Lock Screen. Look at these two settings:
• "Require password after screen saver begins or display is turned off" — this should be set to Immediately or a very short time.
• "Turn display off on battery when inactive" — a shorter time is more secure.
Open Outlook and look at a recent email. Hover over (or click on) the sender's name to see their actual email address. Does the domain (the part after the @) match who you'd expect?
For example, a message from Mercury Insurance should come from @mercuryinsurance.com, not from a lookalike domain.
Press ⌘ Command + Space to open Spotlight, then type Self Service and press Enter. Browse through the available apps to see what's approved for your Mac.