Apple macOS 26 (Tahoe) STIG Implementation Checklist

20 items · Security · Hard difficulty · 1 day

Step-by-step STIG checklist to secure macOS 26 (Apple Silicon).

• Download Apple macOS 26 STIG documents

  Obtain STIG PDF from cyber.mil or public.cyber.mil for authoritative guidance.

• Download XCCDF and automated SCC content for macOS ARM64

  Get XCCDF 1.1.4 and SCC automated content for Apple Silicon from DISA.

• Verify device is Apple Silicon running macOS 26.0.0

  Confirm cpe:/o:apple:macos:26.0.0 target matches the system before applying guidance.

• Enroll the device in a managed MDM solution

  Required for centralized policy, updates, and compliance enforcement.

• Configure automatic system and security updates via MDM

  Ensure security updates are applied promptly and centrally managed.

• Enable FileVault full-disk encryption

  Activate FileVault and securely store recovery key per policy.

• Configure and enforce smart card / CAC authentication

  Follow STIG supplemental guidance; misconfiguration can lock out access.

• Install smart card middleware and trusted CAC certificates

  Add required middleware and system certificates for CAC authentication.

• Test smart card login and fallback administrative accounts

  Validate CAC login works and emergency admin access is available.

• Confirm System Integrity Protection (SIP) and secure-boot settings meet STIG

  Verify SIP enabled and secure-boot policies align with DISA guidance.

• Disable guest and other unused user accounts

  Remove or disable accounts that are not required to reduce attack surface.

• Configure firewall and limit incoming connections

  Enable macOS firewall; allow only required services and ports.

• Harden Gatekeeper and app execution policies

  Require notarized apps and enforce execution restrictions per STIG.

• Disable Remote Login (SSH) if not required

  Turn off remote access services or restrict them to authorized hosts.

• Configure audit logging and forward logs to a central server

  Send logs to SIEM or central collector per DoDI 8500.01 and STIG requirements.

• Run STIG/XCCDF scan and remediate findings

  Use SCAP/XCCDF tools to scan, then apply remediations for each finding.

• Verify FIPS-compliant cryptography where required

  Ensure crypto modules and settings meet FIPS requirements where applicable.

• Backup system configuration and document baseline settings

  Capture configuration, keys, and a system image for recovery and audit.

• Submit comments or change requests to DISA if needed

  Email proposed revisions to [email protected] per STIG maintenance process.

• Schedule regular STIG reviews and re-evaluations

  Plan periodic rescans after OS updates or configuration changes.

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