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I assume this is related to the iCloud 'Find My Mac' feature: whenever a device wakes up one of the first few things it does is update its location on iCloud.
by jgeada 6y ago
I assume this is related to the iCloud 'Find My Mac' feature: whenever a device wakes up one of the first few things it does is update its location on iCloud.
Yes, it is both a security leak and a useful feature: it is useful to find a lost/stolen device as the location will become visible whenever anyone powers it up with access to an internet connection.
- dylan604 6y agoI've wondered about the practicality of this for some time, but never came up with an answer. For a device with an always on connection like an iDevice with cell chips, the location can always be updated. However, a locked laptop with WiFi only would need to be unlocked to be told to join an available WiFi network. If I'm someone that is inclined to do something with an Apple laptop with a T2 chip that has found its way to me, I'm not going to allow it to join a WiFi. How does find myMac work in this case?
- cwhiz 6y agoAs of macOS Catalina, it can piggyback off nearby devices. Even if the device is turned off, it still may be able to broadcast location if there are other devices nearby.
- pkaye 6y ago> If I'm someone that is inclined to do something with an Apple laptop with a T2 chip that has found its way to me, I'm not going to allow it to join a WiFi. So that means you will never use that laptop on a network again?
- OJFord 6y agoNot parent but are you saying wiping it doesn't stop it phoning home to report Find My Mac location for the previous installation? That's.. entirely good I suppose, but would be news to me.
- SulfurHexaFluri 6y agoIts more than that, You can't wipe it at all until you log in with the apple account it was connected to. Rendering a stolen laptop effectively bricked and only useful for parts.
- OJFord 6y agoIs that new with Big Sur? I wiped and reinstalled at the weekend (preparatory to upgrading) just by holding CMD+r on boot > disk utility > format.
- SulfurHexaFluri 6y agoI think its any macbook that has a T2 chip which only came out somewhat recently I think.
- dylan604 6y agoThat's not necessarily true. There is a permanent vuln embedded in the T2 chip. If you have a locked laptop, getting past the lock is possible.