2021 M1 MacBook MDM question

[TheAntiMac]

Forgive the error should this be the wrong place to post this question.

I have an M1 chip 2021 Macbook that I was locked out of in a mass layoff. I'm getting it set to return, but have local files I would prefer to recover as well as information (stored site passwords, for example--nothing nefarious) that I'd like to delete. Is there anyway to bypass the the MDM lockscreen to get access to those files, or would removing the drive and attaching it an external to my desktop work?

 

[DeltaMac]

Your storage is physically part of the M1 chip--nothing that you can remove.
Your only hope is to contact IT, and ask about removing personal files from your company-owned laptop.
I expect they will remind you (if you hear back at all) that the laptop belongs to the company, and you shouldn't expect to gain access to your personal files from a laptop that, in the end, does not belong to you. I think that once you are locked out, it is now on the company to wipe drives that would need that level of security.

 

[TheAntiMac]

Yes, I did ask them and they said they'd send me whatever I want from the desktop, but one never knows if that will actually happen.

All the official work applications are things they could have blocked access to without disabling local access to the drives, and there is absolutely nothing on this computer that warrants it. The level of security they have has been a long-standing joke at the company because, aside from standard network safety and third-party commercial site logins, we honestly and truly have no data that needs to be protected. Every 60 days we'd change our passwords and people would send notes saying "The memes are safe!"

 

[russell_314]

Forgive the error should this be the wrong place to post this question.

I have an M1 chip 2021 Macbook that I was locked out of in a mass layoff. I'm getting it set to return, but have local files I would prefer to recover

To be honest, you’re probably SOL unless IT takes pity on you. I would say have a personal backup but a lot of times that’s not an option. If you’re organization allows it, have a SSD to back up the files you use regularly. Ensure it is encrypted if any of the files are sensitive.

as well as information (stored site passwords, for example--nothing nefarious) that I'd like to delete.

Your IT department should be able to do that. The files are either going to be deleted or recovered so. If they are recovered for you, then you can delete them. Of course, never ever ever have anything on a work device that is embarrassing or personal. Even if it is a BYOD keep that device work only. Don’t even use your personal iCloud account for a work computer. Of course that’s just my recommendation.

Is there anyway to bypass the the MDM lockscreen to get access to those files, or would removing the drive and attaching it an external to my desktop work?

No and no. If it were only that there would be no point for MDM. I’m sure there are certain programs available to governments that can accomplish this, but not to normal people

 

[TheAntiMac]

I actually had copied things over to a thumbdrive a couple of months ago, but it was one of those drives that made you think "Wow! How amazing that this tiny drive can hold that much data!" and now for the life of me I cannot find it.

Anyway, we shall see if they let me gather old files, etc. off of it. Given my choice, I always prefer to wipe down a piece of harware before it goes anywhere, but the only things that might be "private" are the password to the home network I only used for that computer, and one for a recovery email account used only in case I needed to recover my work email. Nothing crucial.

Thanks for the info.

 

[maflynn]

Is there anyway to bypass the the MDM lockscreen

Nope, and its unlikely they will let you access the information for the reasons you stated, i.e., deleting data. They do not want ex-employees going into their computers and deleting stuff - while I understand you have no ill intentions, managment tends to not take chances.

I'm part of the process of off-boarding (terminating) employees, while I have a tiny piece in the workflow, its quite clear with my organization that we lock people out ASAP, they hand in their equipment. At some point its scheduled to get wiped.