Config Files allow you to protect settings on a Mac so that they can't be changed. If you've enable content filtering, and need to make sure filtering can't be bypassed, then Tech Lockdown's Config Preset Tools for Mac can help.
Config Files can be installed onto most Mac computers without requiring special setup. They can also be gated behind profile locking , meaning that your Tech Lockdown profile will need to be unlocked in order to remove these config files.
Available Presets
Install one of our Config Preset to enforce and protect specific settings from manual changes on your Mac computer. Each Config Preset enforces one type of setting, so we encourage installing multiple.
Apple's Built-in Adult Content Filter
Apple provides a built-in web content filter that can restrict adult content. This blocking layer works alongside a Content Policy , so we highly recommend enabling it as a fallback blocking layer.
Browser Safe Search
It's possible to enforce SafeSearch using a web browser's settings, which works as a fallback for if the Content Policy SafeSearch enforcement rule is bypassed.
This preset will toggle on the web browser's SafeSearch option, which enforces the associated search engine's safesearch mode for that browser's primary search engine (bing for Microsoft edge, Google for Chrome).
Mac Users
Some users will bypass content filtering by creating a new account on the Mac, which may not have the full blocking system configured. Restricting the option to add new users to the Mac with our preset can effectively mitigate this loophole.
Mac Guest Account
Similar to the browser guest mode, it's possible to sign in as a guest on some Macs that have this option configured. We highly recommend disabling guest accounts with this provided preset.
App Store
When this preset is installed, the Mac App Store will be completely disabled so that new apps can't be installed via the App Store. Automatic app updates will still continue to work even though the App Store will be disabled.
Browser History
Improve web browsing transparency by removing the option to deleting browser history in supported browsers.
This config applies to Microsoft Edge, Chrome, and brave browser.
Browser Profiles
Some web browsers provide the option to switch between or add new "profiles", which have their own distinct settings and associated browsing history, bookmark data, etc.
Our provided config preset enforces the existing browser profile so that the user can't switch to or create a new one.
Browser Guest Mode
Similar to disable adding browser profiles, this config preset will prevent a user from switching to a temporary browser profile (guest mode).
Incognito Mode
Browsers provide a "private" browsing mode (referred to as incognito mode in Chrome) which doesn't save the browser history or cookies from the browser session. To increase browsing transparency for shared devices, we recommend installing this config preset to disable incognito mode .
Browser DNS Settings
Some web browsers provide the option to specify a secure DNS provider or a proxy, which can conflict with a content policy. We recommend installing our provided config preset to prevent a user from overriding DNS .
Images in Web Browser
Although incredibly limiting, we provide a preset that completely disables images in web browsers. We doubt many people will opt for this, but if a dumb phone is appealing to you, you might consider this preset on your Mac too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find Config Preset Tools on the Dashboard?
On the Tech Lockdown dashboard, go to Tools > Mac > Config Presets.
Do I need to setup my Mac device before installing Config Presets?
No. Config Presets can be installed on most modern versions of MacOS.
We strongly recommend starting by connecting your Mac to your Content Policy before adding Config Presets. However, this is not required in order for the Config Presets to be installed correctly.
How do I install a Config Preset?
On the Tech Lockdown dashboard, go to Tools > Mac > Config Presets.
Follow the instructions on the dashboard to correctly install Config Presets.
How do I remove a Config Preset?
By default, Config Presets are protected from being uninstalled using the toggle:
On the Tech Lockdown dashboard, go to Tools > Mac > Config Presets > Uninstall. We have instructions for accessing and correctly deleting Config Preset there. This includes the passcode for each Config Preset.
Why does trying to remove a Config Preset from my Mac ask for a Passcode?
For those self-managing their own devices, Passcodes can be enabled by toggling on the Uninstall Prevented switch.
These Passcodes are stored on the Tech Lockdown dashboard, and will provided if your profile is unlocked .
Can I install Config Presets without needing a Passcode?
Yes, ensure that the Uninstall Prevented toggle is switched off to remove the passcode for the Config Preset.
Note that in order to toggle of the Passcode, your profile will need to be unlocked .