Accessing my iMac on my network and over internet?

[stanw]

I plan to turn on file sharing, Screen Sharing and remote management on my iMac so I can access it from my other Macs logged into the same iCloud account on my network. I have the firewall turned on.

1. Does doing this make it more vulnerable to hacks? Is there anything I should do to secure it?
2. Are there any other options I need to turn on?

Thanks.

 

[maflynn]

Doing it internally (on the same network), there should be a major risk. Things can get tricky with trying to use screen sharing and accessing it from the internet. I recommend instead to use Team Viewer its free, secure and is designed for remote access across the internet.

 

[dictoresno]

I second using Team Viewer. it offers remote access and file transferring for free, as stated.

 

[Chippy99]

I plan to turn on file sharing, Screen Sharing and remote management on my iMac so I can access it from my other Macs logged into the same iCloud account on my network. I have the firewall turned on.

1. Does doing this make it more vulnerable to hacks? Is there anything I should do to secure it?
2. Are there any other options I need to turn on?

Thanks.

I don't think anyone answered your very first question: Yes.

I am no expert at recommending how to make it most secure, but absolutely it is more vulnerable if you allow external access.

 

[stanw]

Doing it internally (on the same network), there should be a major risk. Things can get tricky with trying to use screen sharing and accessing it from the internet. I recommend instead to use Team Viewer its free, secure and is designed for remote access across the internet.

For clarification, are you saying the built in Mac OS way of screen sharing is not secure but going with a 3rd party solution such as Team Viewer is secure?

Thanks.

 

[EnderBeta]

I don't know how to do it but businesses use a VPN to accomplish the goal. If you can figure out how to make a VPN that would do the trick. However maflynn's suggestion for TeamViewer is what I do.

It's free and very simple to set up remote access. You will need to setup a account. I recommend in addition to the login for the account to get the list of computers you can connect to over the internet that you also have passwords for the machines in order to connect to them. A second line of defense if you will.