File sharing should be disabled

With “File sharing” you can provide access to a given folder via network for other computers. While this can make sense for some circumstances or temporary, it is often forgotten to disable it again. Turn off “file sharing” if this is not needed.

File sharing activates Service Message Block (SMB) protocol and the Apple File Protocol (AFP) which opens several network ports on your Mac and have had some vulnerabilities in the past.

How to fix it

macOS 13 - 14

  1. Open “System Preferences”
  2. Go to “General” > “Sharing”
  3. Disable “File sharing”

macOS 10.11 – 12

  1. Go to “System Preferences” > “Sharing”
  2. Disable “File sharing”
Sharing Preferences
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