What happens with the data on a replaced hard drive?

markus_4x4 wrote:

Yes, I got the general concept here. But given the specific case, that the Mac was sent in to an Apple repair center. Is there a standard procedure in place to save the customers privacy? (regardless of a residual risk of course)

Apple is not here. You will have to contact Apple to have them explain their servicing processes to you.

Contact - How to Contact Us - Apple

But I am pretty sure Apple is not responsible for the security of your data on devices submitted to them for repair.

markus_4x4 Said:

"What happens with the data on a replaced hard drive?: Now I have some concerns about the data on this drive. How trusty is it that Apple destroys the board or deletes all data in an absolute secure way? Is it possible that someone might get hands on this data, which would be a desaster... ?"

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Was this Encrypted?:

No on here would have any knowledge of where this all stands. But, if it were secured (via encryption), then all should be just fine, as a password would likely be needed. So, take this as a lesson, knowing to encrypt your hard drive. If it were destroyed by water, then Apple would likely not have been able to access it.

You have two choices, encrypt the data while the drive is working or don't. If you do encrypt, your data will be safe. If you don't encrypt your data is subject to compromise.

If you consider the fixed in place SSD a "huge flaw", get a computer that does not have the SSD fixed to the logic board. Apple's design of a fixed SSD appears to be working for them.

markus_4x4 Said:

"What happens with the data on a replaced hard drive?"

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View Terms & Conditions:

View any eMail you have about this. See if you can find the Terms & Conditions mentioned on it. It would likely have a statement sorts about data management when sending in a device. It would be considered a liability concern on Apple's part, and if so, would be something you would have agreed to upon sending in your device for maintenance.

Even when a company has a policy in place to securely erase or destroy data on a drive a company can always hire someone with low morals and unscrupulous behaviors no matter how careful the hiring process. Any unencrypted data is always at risk.

markus_4x4 Said:

"What happens with the data on a replaced hard drive?: I get it. First thing I activated now on the repaired MBP is FileVault. Thank you guys for opening my eyes. It never was an issue as my previous MacBooks always had built in replaceable hard drives which I could have removed before sending in."

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You are welcome.

There is always a possibility that when you send a drive out that the data will be compromised. This is why you encrypt your drive or remove the data before sending it out for repair.