by , 7:30 AM EDT, June 13th, 2008

I've mentioned before why it's important to protect your Mac's Root user and explained how Mac OS X 10.4 users can assign a password to their Root user. The steps are different in Mac OS X 10.5, but they aren't any more difficult.

Just like in Tiger, Leopard's Root user is disabled by default, but does not have a password. Assigning a password to your Root user adds an extra layer of protection, which is a great idea because anyone that gains Root-level control over your Mac can do anything they want -- including deleting files, adding and removing applications, and changing settings without your knowledge.

Use Directory Utility to set your Root user password.

Here's how to add a password to your Root user account in Leopard:

• Launch Directory Utility. It's hiding in Applications/Utilities.
• CLick the padlock in the lower left of the application's window, and enter your administrator user name and password to authenticate.

Enable the Root user so you can assign a password.

• Select Edit > Enable Root User.
• Enter a password for your root user, and make sure it isn't a password that you are already using for another account on your Mac.
• Click OK.
• Now select Edit > Disable Root User.
• Click the padlock to prevent any other changes.

Enter a password for your Root user.

Password protecting and disabling your Mac's Root user won't protect you from every possible attack, but it is one piece in the bigger security puzzle.