SoonerSpy

Q: How do I stop someone setting up a duplicate administrative account (hackmac)?

My child has learned how to set up a second administrative account to bypass parental controls.  How do I stop this?

iMac (20-inch Early 2009), iOS 5.1.1

Posted on Jun 3, 2012 9:17 PM

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Q: How do I stop someone setting up a duplicate administrative account (hackmac)?

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  • by John Galt,

    John Galt John Galt Jun 3, 2012 9:42 PM in response to SoonerSpy
    Level 8 (49,090 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 3, 2012 9:42 PM in response to SoonerSpy

    Log in as an Administrator, delete the account in System Preferences > Users & Groups, change your own password.

     

    If your child is enterprising enough to have figured out how to create an Administrator account from Single User mode, the only way to prevent that is to set an Open Firmware Password: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1352

     

    However, even that can be circumvented, so then all you can do is take away the keys to the Porsche.

  • by Malcolm J. Rayfield,

    Malcolm J. Rayfield Malcolm J. Rayfield Jun 3, 2012 11:47 PM in response to SoonerSpy
    Level 5 (7,945 points)
    Jun 3, 2012 11:47 PM in response to SoonerSpy

    With Lion, boot from the Recovery partition to set the firmware password.

     

    Bypassing the firmware password requires opening the computer.  To discourage this, put a padlock on the back of the computer.  There is a tab under the latch at the back of the Mac Pro.  When this tab is raised it provides a place for a lock that will hold the latch closed.  Depending on your child's lockpicking skills, you may need a high quality combination lock.  (Keys can be borrowed and copied while you sleep.)

     

    It is possible that your child installed backdoor software while he/she had access to an administrator account. This could allow access without knowing the administrator password.  A fresh install of OS X is the only sure way to secure a computer after malicious use of an administrator account.  Be sure to install all OS X updates.

  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder Jun 4, 2012 8:25 AM in response to SoonerSpy
    Level 9 (60,926 points)
    Desktops
    Jun 4, 2012 8:25 AM in response to SoonerSpy

    You are facing a "teachable moment".

     

    --------

     

    /** Begin insufferable "Knowing Dad" lecture. **/

     

    I set up these controls to protect you from dangerous stuff on the Internet.

     

    Teen, what you have done is not RIGHT, and that alone is enough reason to not do this. If you insist on cheating to bypass what I have set up, it damages TRUST, and means I will have to institute even more strict controls on your use of the computer. And now I do not trust you to "do the right thing" in this case or in other cases.

     

    It will take weeks to months of perfect trustworthy behavior to undo the deceitful actions you have just taken.

     

    I need and want to be able to trust you, and your behavior in doing things you know are not right, undermines that trust and in the long run, does not lead to more independence and better outcomes.

     

    This WILL influence my willingness to trust you in other areas, and give you additional priviledges as well.

     

    "I do not question that you generally mean well. I question your ability to show consistent good judgement. That is why the law says teens cannot operate a Meat Slicer at their supermarket jobs."

     

    /** End insufferable "Knowing Dad" lecture.  **/