Apple + Security & Privacy

An Apple technical note points out what is a fairly important change in password protection for two new Mac models. An open firmware password is one you can apply to a Mac to block all access at startup. The password is stored, as its name suggests, in the computer’s firmware – a chip on the motherboard – and is requested before the Mac gets to the login screen.

However, it has always been trivial to crack this password, and information as to how to do so is easily available on the internet. Now, “Only Apple retail stores or Apple Authorized Service Providers can unlock a MacBook Air (Late 2010) or MacBook Pro (Early 2011) protected by a firmware password.”

For more information about the open firmware password and how to set it, see this Apple technical note.