In this “Mac Security” post let’s see how we can secure our Mac OSX by setting a screen saver password.

If there is a remote possibility that your computer could be used by anyone other than you without your permission then it would always be a good idea to soft-lock your computer before you step out.

But many times it might not be possible and on those circumstances it would, at least, be a good idea to keep your Mac secure by enabling password protection on screen saver so when your Mac wakes up from screen saver it will ask for password, effectively preventing unauthorized users from using it.

It’s very simple to set a screen saver password in Mac OSX.

Launch “System Preferences” and click on the “Desktop & Screen saver” option.

On the “Desktop & Screen Saver” options dialog click on the “Screen Saver” tab and then choose a screen saver of your choice, in this case the fabulous “RSS Visualizer”. Optionally, adjust the screen saver start time by sliding the slider at the bottom of the page accordingly. Quick Tip: The shorter the time period the better it is for your Mac screen.

Once done, close out the “Desktop & Screen Saver” dialog by clicking on the “Show All” button at the top of the dialog.

Once back on the “System Preferences” page click on the “Security” option.

On the Security preferences page click on the “Require password to wake this computer from sleep or screen saver” option. If you have “automatic login” enabled you’ll be prompted to disable it as it would conflict with the “Require password” feature. Go ahead and disable it if prompted. Exit from System Preferences.

That’s all you have to do to secure your Mac with a screen saver password. It is a very simple trick that can save you some peace-of-mind when you are away from your computer.