Is there a limit to the number of password attempts on an external SDD

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Level 1

8 points

Is there a limit to the number of password attempts on an external SDD

I have an external SDD that I password protected. I thought I entered the correct password to unlock it but it does not accept it. I tried and retried other possible passwords but each time I press unlock it shakes.

I'm reading on various forums there may be limits to the number of unsuccessful attempts.

My question is -- if I reach the maximum will it tell me the drive is permanently locked or will it keep letting me try and shaking even if I do enter the correct password?

If it's permanently locked I don't want to keep wasting my time trying to unlock it.

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 14.4

Posted on May 3, 2024 10:47 AM

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Answer 1

Tesserax

Level 10

148,829 points

May 3, 2024 1:11 PM in response to wreinhold

Let's start by you letting us know how your "password protected" this external SSD.

Did you do so:

Via the Finder?
Via the Disk Utility? Ref: Encrypt and protect a storage device with a password in Disk Utility on Mac - Apple Support
Via a third-party app, like BitLocker?

Regarding your concern about reaching the maximum attempts, it depends on the specific security measures implemented by the manufacturer on this SSD. In some cases, if you exceed the maximum number of unsuccessful attempts, the drive may indeed become permanently locked, making it inaccessible without specialized tools or assistance from the manufacturer. However, some drives might simply impose a temporary lockout period after a certain number of failed attempts, allowing you to try again after a set period of time. The only method to verify this would be to contact the SSD's manufacturer.

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Answer 2

wreinhold Author

Level 1

8 points

May 3, 2024 1:40 PM in response to Tesserax

Thanks for taking the time to reply for and the information.

My question about maximum attempts wasn't so much whether or not there is a max, but rather how I would know I've reached the max. After several dozen attempts it's still behaving exactly like it did on the first attempt.

I don't remember how I password protected it but most likely Finder or Disk Utility. That was around 5 years ago and I don't recall even setting a password.

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Answer 3

Tesserax

Level 10

148,829 points

May 3, 2024 4:00 PM in response to wreinhold

AFAIK, Apple does not stipulate a limit on the amount of times you can try entering an incorrect password for an external drive that you encrypted and set a password for. However, if you can't remember it, you will not be able to access this drive.

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Answer 4

wreinhold Author

Level 1

8 points

May 3, 2024 2:05 PM in response to wreinhold

The manufacturer tells me there is no built-in support for passwords so that behavior is dependent on whatever was used to set it.

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