Ensure Set Time and Date Automatically Is Enabled

MediumLevel 1Automatedmacos

Description

Correct date and time settings are required for authentication protocols, file creation, modification dates, and log entries. Note: If your organization has internal time servers, enter them here. Enterprise mobile devices may need to use a mix of internal and external time servers. If multiple servers are required, use the Date & Time System Preference with each server separated by a space.

How it is checked

Audit method: Shell command

shell

/usr/sbin/systemsetup -getusingnetworktime 2>/dev/null

Expected output: Network Time: On

How it is fixed

Fix method: Guidance or infrastructure patch

Terminal: sudo /usr/sbin/systemsetup -setnetworktimeserver <your.time.server> ; sudo /usr/sbin/systemsetup -setusingnetworktime on ; sudo /usr/sbin/systemsetup -setnetworktimeserver time.apple.com. GUI: System Settings > General > Date & Time > Set Set time and date automatically to enabled.

Properties

Operating systems: macos-26
Tags: macossystem-settings
Reference: CIS Apple macOS 26 Tahoe Benchmark v1.1.0 - 2.3.2.1 Ensure Set Time and Date Automatically Is Enabled

Check this host

Run this on a machine you are allowed to audit. The scan is read-only.

shell

tmaegis scan --target macos