2.5.3 Ensure Location Services Is Enabled

Information

macOS uses location information gathered through local Wi-Fi networks to enable applications to supply relevant information to users. With the operating system verifying the location, users do not need to change the time or the time zone. The computer will change them based on the user's location. They do not need to specify their location for weather or travel times and even get alerts on travel times to meetings and appointment where location information is supplied.

Location Services simplify some processes, for the purpose of asset management and time and log management, with mobile computers.

There are some use cases where it is important that the computer not be able to report its exact location. While the general use case is to enable Location Services, it should not be allowed if the physical location of the computer and the user should not be public knowledge.

Rationale:

Location Services are helpful in most use cases and can simplify log and time management where computers change time zones.

Solution

Perform the following to enable Location Services:
Graphical Method:

Open System Preferences

Select Security & Privacy

Select Privacy

Select Enable Location Services

Terminal Method:
Run the following command to enable Location Services

$ sudo launchctl load -w /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.locationd.plist

Note: In some use cases organizations may not want Location Services running. To disable Location Services, System Integrity Protection must be disabled.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/3644