How to Monitor Network Connections on Your Mac
In this article, we will teach you how to monitor network connections on your Mac.
1. Using the Network Utility App
The Network Utility app is a built-in tool on your Mac that allows you to monitor your network connections. To access it, go to Applications > Utilities > Network Utility. Once launched, click on the “Netstat” tab to see a list of all active connections on your Mac.
The information includes the IP address, protocol, local and remote addresses, and the state of the connection. You can also view the ports being used by the connections by clicking the “Port Scan” tab.
2. Activating the Firewall
The Firewall is a feature on your Mac that provides an extra layer of security to your network connection. When activated, it blocks unwanted incoming connections and alerts you when a connection attempt is made. To activate the Firewall, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall.
Once activated, you can also access the Firewall settings to customize the incoming connections that are allowed or blocked.
3. Using Third-Party Apps
Aside from the Network Utility app, there are also third-party apps available to monitor network connections on your Mac. Here are some examples of these apps:
– Little Snitch – This app monitors incoming and outgoing connections on your Mac, and alerts you when a connection attempt is made. You can also customize the connections that are allowed or blocked.
– TripMode – This app allows you to control the internet connections that access your Mac. You can choose which apps are allowed to use the internet and which ones are blocked.
– Private Eye – This app monitors and alerts you of any attempt to access your Mac’s camera or microphone. It also shows you which apps are currently using your camera or microphone.
In conclusion, it’s crucial to monitor network connections on your Mac to ensure your device’s security and privacy. By using built-in tools like the Network Utility app or activating the Firewall, you can keep track of incoming and outgoing connections. You can also use third-party apps like Little Snitch, TripMode, or Private Eye to have more control over your network connections.