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Reset using your Apple ID, privacy? Apple can have access to your computer?

U

umbilical

macrumors 65816
Original poster
May 3, 2008
1,329
362
FL, USA
I erase my mac, I install Sonoma via USB and I got a lock screen
https://imgur.com/6hMlLB8
, ask me for my Apple ID or for my previous password.

So if I erase my mac, how Apple can know my previous password? where that password is stored?

This screen related with active the mac is related with FIND MY MAC? if it's active the mac can locked in case somebody steal it.

Someone can explain me how it works?
 
If you allow Reset your password using your Apple ID in case you forget it. You are allowing to Apple reset your computer right? Anybody that have access to your Apple ID can reset your password computer.

I'd always have that in mind, so I disable it.
 
umbilical said:
If you allow Reset your password using your Apple ID in case you forget it. You are allowing to Apple reset your computer right? Anybody that have access to your Apple ID can reset your password computer.

I'd always have that in mind, so I disable it.
Click to expand...
This doesn't reset your computer, it unlocks the computer and resets the local password if you have forgotten it. It's basically like having a backup password (the one for your Apple ID).
 
headlessmike said:
This doesn't reset your computer, it unlocks the computer and resets the local password if you have forgotten it. It's basically like having a backup password (the one for your Apple ID).
Click to expand...
I mean sorry, I use wrong the words, yes I know this not reset my computer, I know unlocks the computer and reset the local password if I forget it USING APPLE ID! (so that means apple can access to my computer if they want). I know sounds paranoid but Apple know my Apple ID, or anybody that know my Apple ID can have access to my computer.
 
umbilical said:
I mean sorry, I use wrong the words, yes I know this not reset my computer, I know unlocks the computer and reset the local password if I forget it USING APPLE ID! (so that means apple can access to my computer if they want). I know sounds paranoid but Apple know my Apple ID, or anybody that know my Apple ID can have access to my computer.
Click to expand...
I see.

Yes, Apple can access parts of your computer in the sense that it can tell the computer to perform certain tasks remotely. That goes for any Mac that is signed in to iCloud. It’s what allows things like files, bookmarks, and passwords to sync across devices. That doesn’t mean that Apple can do whatever they want with your computer though. To reset the password using iCloud, the existing password key on the computer gets reset. It’s not too dissimilar to a file getting deleted from your local iCloud Drive when you delete it on another device.
 
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umbilical said:
I mean sorry, I use wrong the words, yes I know this not reset my computer, I know unlocks the computer and reset the local password if I forget it USING APPLE ID! (so that means apple can access to my computer if they want). I know sounds paranoid but Apple know my Apple ID, or anybody that know my Apple ID can have access to my computer.
Click to expand...
Apple does not have access to your Apple ID password.
 
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Apple_Robert said:
Apple does not have access to your Apple ID password.
Click to expand...
Ok about the Apple ID, but what about my password? how is possible that I erase my HD and install again from USB and lock the computer and to unlock ask me for my PREVIOUS PASSWORD, like his Apple know my password, where's stored that password inside the computer not apple servers?
 
umbilical said:
Ok about the Apple ID, but what about my password? how is possible that I erase my HD and install again from USB and lock the computer and to unlock ask me for my PREVIOUS PASSWORD, like his Apple know my password, where's stored that password inside the computer not apple servers?
Click to expand...

iCloud data security overview - Apple Support

iCloud uses strong security methods, employs strict policies to protect your information, and leads the industry in using privacy-preserving security technologies like end-to-end encryption for your data.
support.apple.com support.apple.com
 
umbilical said:
So if I erase my mac, how Apple can know my previous password? where that password is stored?
Click to expand...
You don't say what type of Mac you have so.... w/ old Intel it is stored encrypted in NVRAM, later Intel in the T2 security chip, and M-series Macs have secure enclave storage built right into the M silicon itself.
 
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Bigwaff said:
You don't say what type of Mac you have so.... w/ old Intel it is stored encrypted in NVRAM, later Intel in the T2 security chip, and M-series Macs have secure enclave storage built right into the M silicon itself.
Click to expand...

Sorry, it's MacMiniM2 base model. Original owner.

I buy brand new Apple, comes with Ventura, I start it, set a pass.

Now I erase it and install with disk utility, booting from usb key, and ask me my previous pass or apple id pass to unlock.

So based on what do you say, it knows my previous pass due is enclave on the M silicon itself, that's new to me, interesting!
 
It doesn't need know your password, but it knows an hash that is created using your password. The nice thing is that it's not easy to go back from an hash to a password (unless you have so much computing power and a looooooot of time).
 
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