User authentication is a critical aspect of system security, ensuring that only authorized users can access sensitive information and system resources. In the Apple ecosystem, particularly on macOS, user authentication can be managed through several built-in mechanisms, such as user accounts, passwords, and biometric authentication (Touch ID). This article will guide you through setting up and managing user authentication on macOS, highlighting its importance and providing practical examples.

Examples:

1. Creating a New User Account via System Preferences:

   • Open "System Preferences" from the Apple menu.
   • Click on "Users & Groups."
   • Click the lock icon and enter your administrator password to make changes.
   • Click the "+" button to add a new user.
   • Fill in the required details (Full Name, Account Name, Password, and Password Hint).
   • Click "Create User."

2. Creating a New User Account via Terminal:

   • Open the Terminal application.
   • Use the sysadminctl command to create a new user. For example:

     sudo sysadminctl -addUser newusername -fullName "New User" -password "userpassword"

   • This command creates a new user with the specified username, full name, and password.

3. Enabling Touch ID for Authentication:

   • Open "System Preferences" from the Apple menu.
   • Click on "Touch ID."
   • Click the "+" button to add a fingerprint.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to register your fingerprint.
   • Once registered, you can use Touch ID for authentication in supported applications and for unlocking your Mac.

4. Configuring Password Policies:

   • Open the Terminal application.
   • Use the pwpolicy command to set password policies. For example, to require a minimum password length of 8 characters:

     sudo pwpolicy -setglobalpolicy "minChars=8"

   • This command sets a global password policy requiring passwords to be at least 8 characters long.

5. Checking User Authentication Logs:

   • Open the Terminal application.
   • Use the log command to view authentication logs. For example:

     log show --predicate 'eventMessage contains "Authentication"' --info

   • This command displays logs related to authentication events, helping you monitor and troubleshoot authentication issues.