Before Apple refresh security on Intel Macs with the T2 Security Chip and FileVault , the society offered a different way to discourage sealed variety of strong-arm attacks . Intel Mac proprietor can plant a microcode password , which keep a volume other than the one set to start up the Mac from being used on restart or from a stale scratch line .
Apple did away with the job wholly with Apple atomic number 14 by tot up low-spirited - level security measure policies and other system cause that preclude an M - series Mac from startle up with an arbitrary mass . ( This also made it difficult to have a bootable backup in case of a drive failure , but SSDs — the only built - in option for MB - serial Macs — are far more reliable than hard drives . )
If you have or are planning to buy an Intel Mac and desire to get laid how to remove the microcode password , it ’s an easy operation :
Apple can reset the microcode parole in person at an Apple Store or a store that ’s an authorized avail supplier . However , the party has always postulate trial impression of leverage by the original owner and then proof of identity for the person with that reception ( digital or paper ) . As far as I can secernate , if you ’re a secondary or former buyer , Apple or third - company personnel will not unlock the firmware .
This Mac 911 clause is in reception to a question submitted by Macworld reader Anthony .
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