Privileges is a tool provided by UM IT to allow users to temporarily grant themselves administrative privileges in order to accomplish various tasks. Privileges is assigned to a managed UM IT macOS device as part of the Assigned Administrative Privileges process. Working as a standard user instead of an administrator adds another layer of security to your Mac and is considered a security best practice.
Getting Started
Once installed from the UM Managed Software Center there will be a new lock icon you can click to temporarily get administrative privileges. The lock icon indicates that you are not currently an admin.
Note: If the dock icon is missing you can still run it from your applications folder and you can also drag it to your dock if desired.
- If the Privileges dock icon is green with a locked white lock, as pictured below, your user account does not currently have administrative privileges.
- To gain administrative privileges, click Privileges in your dock, then click Request privileges in the resulting pop-up.
- Your account now has administrative privileges, and you will receive a notification of the change to confirm this.
To remove temporary administrative privileges with Privileges
- If the Privileges dock icon is yellow with an unlocked black lock, as pictured below, your user account currently has administrative privileges.
- To remove administrative privileges, click Privileges in your dock, then click Remove privileges in the resulting pop-up.
- Your account now no longer has administrative privileges
Important Note
UM IT is working on a more refined and auditable process for using Privileges which will change some of the procedures outlined above. Privileges and associated Assigned Administrative Privileges may be revoked due to inappropriate use.
Getting Help
UM IT manages the infrastructure supporting the Managed Software Center and the process for Assigned Administrative Privileges. If you have questions about the Assigned Administrative Privileges process or if there is software not already in Managed Software Center, contact UM IT Help for assistance.