Hi all,
I'm taking my Macbook Air in for an overnight repair, and I was wondering if they can see my files while performing the repair. I have some private files on it, and I was wondering if I should back them up on a different device then delete them on my Macbook. I really don't want the apple technician to see my files, so I was wondering if he can.
MacBook Air 13", macOS 10.14
Hi retinazer25,
If any of the following apply, the technician can see your files:
If you don't want the technician to access your data, I recommend either turning on FileVault and not providing any passwords (or the recovery key), or erasing your MBA before it is serviced. The best option would be to turn on FileVault and then erase your data; that way, any fragments of data that could be recovered are encrypted and impossible to decrypt (the key is destroyed).
Back up your data before erasing your Mac. I recommend using Time Machine.
Hi retinazer25,
If any of the following apply, the technician can see your files:
If you don't want the technician to access your data, I recommend either turning on FileVault and not providing any passwords (or the recovery key), or erasing your MBA before it is serviced. The best option would be to turn on FileVault and then erase your data; that way, any fragments of data that could be recovered are encrypted and impossible to decrypt (the key is destroyed).
Back up your data before erasing your Mac. I recommend using Time Machine.
You need to grant them access, so yes, they could. You can either do what you proposed or create a second "test" user with a simple password and set it up to require a login. I also limit the apps they are allowed to use and keep it just to the absolute minimum they might need.
You did not mention what type of repair, but it is also best to have a complete backup just in case. Apple recommends that you do that.
Well, access to some minimal system components such as (possibly) Disk Utility, Terminal, a browser to access the internet, etc. is usually required. So, you will need to allow them an account with minimal access to a few things. How else would they be able to test any repair? Personally, I have an easy process: I have ALL my info including photos and music (do not use either Photos nor iTunes except to get updates as I prefer my own filing system) in a folder in Documents folder (with many sub folders). So, a) I back that up on three external drives, and b) I delete that folder before taking it in for service, but I still do not allow full access to anything else on the hard drive and have a test account with an easy password.
Backup your data then remove it from the computer. You never know what will happen during repair. Your data may be gone when you get your computer back.
Keeping your confidential data secure during hardware repair - Apple Support
Sounds like a good strategy, but the only weakness I see is if the technician needs to access the drive without the OS booted. In that case, all data on the drive is fair game unless FileVault is on.
Can the apple store see my macbook files?
