Unrestricted internet access in recovery mode?

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Level 1

6 points

Unrestricted internet access in recovery mode?

Hi all

I've discovered that when I reboot into recovery mode (Cmnd-R) Safari has unrestricted internet access. This is quite a concern for me as I've got young kids using my computer. I don't want them figuring out that using recovery mode is a way to get around my parental controls.

I've set up parental controls for the guest account and the kids accounts but recovery mode still seems to be unrestricted. Does anyone know how I can restrict Safari?

Thanks very much

Seb

MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9), mid-2010

Posted on Dec 15, 2013 3:16 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Drew Reece

Level 6

10,660 points

Dec 15, 2013 5:14 PM in response to Seb NZ

You can set an 'EFI password' to prevent anyone using the startup commands. It will require the password to use target disk mode & the cmd+R etc.

The Apple docs seem old (& I can't see a new version).

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1352

Intel Macs have EFI, not 'Open Firmware' so the instructions are different.

This seems to cover it…

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-57542601-263/efi-firmware-protection-locks- down-newer-macs/

Just don't ever forget it, some models require an Apple technician to unlock!

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Answer 2

Seb NZ Author

Level 1

6 points

Dec 16, 2013 2:11 AM in response to Drew Reece

Thanks Drew. This looks like a solution! I've got a mid-2010 MBP so it looks like the only way around this firmware password would be for someone to physically uninstall the RAM and then put it back in?

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Answer 3

Drew Reece

Level 6

10,660 points

Dec 16, 2013 10:52 AM in response to Seb NZ

Possibly, there are some other workarounds (like a tool to try to read the password - assuming they can install & use sudo), but I think it should stop the most determined kids.

🙂

Restrict them to a non-admin account with parental controls & it should be OK so long as you don't expose your passwords.

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