Setting up a new Mac for government work requires careful attention to security configurations, software installation, and policy compliance. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the process, from initial boot to full operational readiness.
Before You Begin
Before powering on your new government Mac, gather the following items and information. Having everything ready will make the setup process smoother and faster.
Required Items
You’ll need your PIV/CAC card and a compatible card reader. Most government-issued USB-C card readers work with modern Macs, but verify compatibility with your IT department. Keep your network credentials handy, including your username format (typically firstname.lastname or firstname.mi.lastname) and your initial password if one was assigned.
Obtain your agency’s WiFi or ethernet network information. Some agencies require wired connections for initial setup, while others allow WiFi. Know which networks you’re authorized to connect to and any required certificates.
Information to Gather
Contact your IT department to obtain your email server settings, VPN configuration details, and any required software licenses. Write down your help desk contact information—you’ll want it accessible if issues arise during setup.
Initial macOS Setup
Power on your Mac and follow the Setup Assistant. For government systems, specific choices matter at each step.
Country and Language
Select United States and English (US) unless your agency specifically requires different settings. These choices affect keyboard layout, date formats, and available features.
Accessibility
Configure any needed accessibility features. Vision, hearing, and motor accessibility options are available and fully supported on government systems. These settings can be changed later in System Settings.
Network Connection
Connect to your agency’s network. If using WiFi, select your agency’s network and enter credentials when prompted. For networks requiring certificates, you may need to complete this step after initial setup. Some agencies require an ethernet connection for the initial configuration—check your local policies.
Migration Assistant
For government Macs, skip Migration Assistant. Data should not be transferred from personal devices, and transfers from previous government Macs should follow your agency’s approved data transfer procedures. Select “Don’t transfer any information now.”
Apple ID
Government Macs typically should not be signed into personal Apple IDs. Select “Set Up Later” and then “Skip” when prompted. Your agency may have policies about managed Apple IDs for specific functions—check with IT before signing in with any Apple ID.
Account Creation
Create a local administrator account using your government username. Choose a strong password meeting your agency’s requirements—typically at least 15 characters with complexity requirements. This local account is separate from your network credentials.
Location Services
Disable Location Services unless specifically required for your work. Most government security policies recommend disabling this feature. It can be enabled later for specific applications if needed.
Analytics and Siri
Disable sharing analytics with Apple and third-party developers. Disable Siri unless your agency explicitly permits its use. These settings protect sensitive information from being transmitted outside government networks.
Essential Security Configuration
After completing initial setup, configure critical security settings before connecting to government networks or accessing sensitive data.
FileVault Encryption
Enable FileVault disk encryption immediately. Open System Settings > Privacy & Security > FileVault. Click “Turn On FileVault.” Choose the option to allow your institutional recovery key rather than your Apple ID—this is the government-standard approach.
Your IT department should provide the institutional recovery key or use MDM to escrow the key automatically. Do not write down or share your personal recovery key if one is generated.
Firewall Configuration
Enable the built-in firewall. Go to System Settings > Network > Firewall and turn it on. For government use, consider enabling “Block all incoming connections” if your work doesn’t require accepting incoming connections. Add exceptions only for specifically authorized applications.
Gatekeeper Settings
Verify Gatekeeper is configured correctly. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security. Under “Allow applications downloaded from,” select “App Store and identified developers” at minimum. Many agencies require “App Store” only—check your local policy.
Automatic Updates
Configure automatic updates according to your agency’s policy. Some agencies manage updates through MDM and disable automatic updates. Others require automatic security updates. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates to configure.
PIV/CAC Card Configuration
Setting up your PIV or CAC card is essential for authenticating to government systems and signing documents.
Card Reader Setup
Connect your USB card reader. macOS includes native support for most CCID-compliant readers. Insert your PIV/CAC card and wait for the system to recognize it.
Keychain Access Configuration
Open Keychain Access from Applications > Utilities. Your PIV card should appear in the left sidebar under “Keychains.” If prompted, enter your PIV PIN to unlock the card.
Verify your certificates are visible by clicking on your PIV card in the keychain list. You should see your authentication certificate, encryption certificate, and signing certificate.
Safari and Chrome Configuration
For web-based PIV authentication, Safari uses the system keychain automatically. For Chrome, you may need to configure certificate settings. Go to Chrome Settings > Privacy and Security > Security > Manage certificates to verify your PIV certificates are accessible.
Testing Authentication
Test your PIV login by visiting a government site requiring CAC authentication, such as your agency’s webmail or portal. When prompted, select your authentication certificate and enter your PIN.
Email and Communication Setup
Configure email and approved communication tools according to your agency’s guidelines.
Microsoft Outlook
Most government agencies use Microsoft 365. Download Outlook from the Mac App Store or your agency’s software distribution system. Sign in with your government email address and follow the prompts. When prompted for authentication method, select your PIV certificate if available.
Configure your email signature according to agency policy. Many agencies have required signature formats including your name, title, office, and contact information.
Microsoft Teams
If your agency uses Teams, download it from the App Store or software distribution. Sign in with your government credentials. Configure notification settings to balance productivity with security—consider disabling notifications for personal time.
Apple Mail (If Authorized)
Some agencies permit using Apple Mail with S/MIME signing. If authorized, add your account via System Settings > Internet Accounts. Configure S/MIME by selecting your signing and encryption certificates in Mail > Settings > Accounts > [Your Account] > Advanced.
VPN Configuration
Most government work requires VPN access, especially for remote work scenarios.
Agency VPN Client
Install your agency’s approved VPN client. Common options include Cisco AnyConnect, Palo Alto GlobalProtect, and F5 BIG-IP. Download from your agency’s software portal or IT-provided links only—do not download from the vendor websites.
Configure the VPN with your agency’s gateway address. For certificate-based authentication, select your PIV authentication certificate when prompted. For username/password authentication, use your network credentials.
Testing VPN Connectivity
Connect to VPN and verify access to internal resources. Check that you can reach your agency’s intranet and internal applications. Document any connectivity issues and report them to your IT help desk.
Software Installation
Install only authorized software from approved sources.
Authorized Software Sources
Your agency likely has a software distribution system such as Jamf Self Service, Microsoft Intune Company Portal, or similar. Install software through these approved channels whenever possible.
For App Store applications, check your agency’s approved software list before downloading. Not all App Store applications are authorized for government use.
Common Government Applications
Most government users need the Microsoft 365 suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), Adobe Acrobat Reader, and agency-specific applications. Install these through your software distribution system.
Browser Configuration
Install any required browser extensions or certificates. Many government sites require specific certificate chains to be installed for proper access. Your IT department should provide instructions for any required certificate installations.
Printer and Peripheral Setup
Configure printers and other peripherals needed for your work.
Network Printers
Add network printers through System Settings > Printers & Scanners. Enter the printer’s IP address or hostname. Install any required drivers through your software distribution system—do not download drivers from printer manufacturer websites unless specifically authorized.
USB Devices
Most government agencies restrict USB storage devices. Removable storage may be disabled by policy. If you need to use authorized USB devices, check with IT about any required approval processes.
Final Security Checklist
Before beginning work, verify these security settings are correctly configured:
- FileVault encryption is enabled and fully encrypted
- Firewall is active
- Automatic screen lock is configured (typically 15 minutes or less)
- No personal Apple ID is signed in
- Location Services are disabled
- Analytics sharing is disabled
- PIV card authentication is working
- VPN connectivity is tested
Ongoing Maintenance
Keep your government Mac secure and up-to-date through regular maintenance.
Updates
Apply security updates according to your agency’s timeline. CISA typically requires patching critical vulnerabilities within 14 days. Check for updates weekly and apply them promptly.
Backups
Use your agency’s approved backup solution. Time Machine may be disabled by policy. Government data should be stored on network drives or approved cloud storage rather than local storage.
Reporting Issues
Report any security concerns to your IT security team immediately. If you notice unusual behavior, receive suspicious emails, or accidentally click on something concerning, report it right away. Early reporting helps protect the entire organization.
Getting Help
When you encounter issues, contact your local IT help desk first. They understand your agency’s specific configurations and policies. Document any error messages or unusual behavior to help troubleshoot more effectively.
For PIV card issues, you may need to visit your credentialing office. For software access requests, work through your agency’s official request process.
Welcome to working on Mac in government. With proper setup and maintenance, your Mac will be a secure and productive tool for your mission.
