Message states I signed in on my Macbook Pro.

Question

Message states I signed in on my Macbook Pro.

Hello everyone,

A while ago I posted a question here about Mac OS security and received many helpful posts. I have since set up a firmware password on my Macbook Pro 17 inch. In case it is relevant the Macbook Pro 17 is running the latest version of macOS High Sierra.

When I first posted my message I learned someone could bypass my admin password and change it. I was advised to set up a firmware password to avoid it. I did set it up but the same happened now. This is now the second time I leave my Macbook Pro at home and receive a message on my Mac Pro that states the following:

"Your Apple ID and phone number are now being used for iMessage and FaceTime on a new Mac.

If you recently signed into "Notebook17's MacBook Pro" you can ignore this notification."

Is it possible this message may have been sent without anyone actually having logged into my notebook? Is there any scenario in which this message may have been sent in error? As I stated before the notebook now has a firmware password. How could anyone bypass my password and still gain access to my computer?

Attached is a screen capture of the message I received.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

MacBook Pro 17″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Nov 23, 2021 8:42 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

PRP_53

Level 10

91,477 points

Nov 24, 2021 2:34 AM in response to apple_customer

The message as per screen would be totally normal if Two-factor authentication for Apple ID has been enabled.

It works independent from the Firmware Password on the computer and no one has actually accessed the P/W Protected computer.

The message is only confirming your Apple ID on a New Computer was used and is part of the notification process setup in Two Factor Auth.

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Answer 2

PRP_53

Level 10

91,477 points

Nov 27, 2021 11:13 AM in response to apple_customer

Actually no.

Example from personal usages if I may. Have two Apple Desktop computer and one Apple Laptop all signed into the same Apple User ID. Use one of the Desktop daily and the other one in a while. The laptop is of and on every other day.

The least used, like your maybe once every 2 - 3 weeks - and when I try to check for updates from the Apple Store - I get the 2FA notice like you did on one of the Other Trusted Devices. The notification could be presented on the iPhone 12 mini which is alway ON.

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Answer 3

Nov 27, 2021 11:02 AM in response to PRP_53

Hi P. Phillips,

Thank you for your reply to my question and for your helpful answer.

The reason I felt suspicious was the bottom portion of the message that states: If you recently signed into "Notebook17's MacBook Pro". I had not recently signed into that notebook and in fact had not used it in several weeks (perhaps longer). I felt that the message was perhaps informing me someone else had signed into it.

Is this not the case?

Thank you again for your help.

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Answer 4

Nov 29, 2021 12:07 AM in response to PRP_53

Hi P. Phillips,

Thank you for the detailed explanation. I am now at ease knowing what happened is normal and not an attempt to log in on my Macbook Pro.

It's good to know that the combination of a password and a firmware password proved the kind of security I need.

Thank you again for your help and explanation.

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Answer 5

PRP_53

Level 10

91,477 points

Nov 29, 2021 12:49 AM in response to apple_customer

Welcome and thank you too.

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Message states I signed in on my Macbook Pro.

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