Macbook was stolen

Question

Level 1

59 points

Macbook was stolen

Hello.

Yesterday afternoon, my Macbook (late 2010 - OS X Mavericks) was stolen.

I already went to the police and they're investigating the circunstances on which this happened, like investigating security camera footage, etc. ...

I already changed all my passwords. Also, I went to iCloud, and decided to use the 'lock the Hard Drive' function.

Till this moment, I get the message that my Macbook wasn't 'locked', because he hasen't been contected to the internet.

Exactly how does this work? I mean, I had a password, that was required to access the Finder and, obviously, use the computer. But, how does the 'lock' work exactly?!

Also, in case I never find my Macbook... what are the tasks I need to perform, in other to make sure I erase the Macbook from any information of mine (like iTunes, App Store). If that time comes, I don't want a stolen computer to be related to any of my personal Apple data...

Sadly, I also had lot's od personal documents there... how does the 'erase HDD' work exactly?!

Please, I desperatly need any information I might find, in order to preprae myself for the worst. Also, eventualy, I might buy a new Mac. Excatly how can I make sure that my stolen one isn't 'connected' to a new one, in order to steal any personal information?

Thank you to anyone who might help me.

MacBook, OS X Mavericks (10.9.1)

Posted on Feb 25, 2014 1:52 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Best reply

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Feb 25, 2014 1:55 PM in response to JMPC

What To Do If Your iDevice or Computer Is Lost Or Stolen

iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad

If you activated Find My Phone before it was lost or stolen, you can track it only if it is connected to the Internet by Wi-Fi or cellular. What you cannot do is track your device using a serial number or other identifying number. You cannot expect Apple or anyone else to find your device for you. You cannot recover your loss unless you insure your device for such loss. It is not covered by your warranty.

If your iPhone, iPod, iPod Touch, or iPad is lost or stolen what do you do? There are things you should have done in advance - before you lost it or it was stolen - and some things to do after the fact. Here are some suggestions:

This link, Re: Help! I misplaced / lost my iPhone 5 today morning in delta Chelsea hotel downtown an I am not able to track it. Please help!, has some good advice regarding your options when your iDevice is lost or stolen.

1. Reporting a lost or stolen Apple product

2. Find my lost iPod Touch

3. AT&T. Sprint, and Verizon can block stolen phones/tablets

4. What-To-Do-When-Iphone-Is-Stolen

5. iCloud- Use Lost Mode

6. What to do if your iOS device is lost or stolen

7. 6 Ways to Track and Recover Your Lost/Stolen iPhone

8. Find My iPhone

9. Report Stolen iPad | Stolen Lost Found Online

It pays to be proactive by following the advice on using Find My Phone before you lose your device:

1. Find My iPhone

2. Setup your iDevice oniCloud

3. OS X Lion/Mountain Lion- About Find My Mac

4. How To Set Up Free Find Your iPhone (Even on UnsupportedDevices)

Mac Computer

Find My Mac can be used from Find My Phone at iCloud.com and via Find

My Phone on your iDevice.

The following is third-party anti-theft software:

1. STEM 2.1

2. MacPhoneHome 3.5

3. MacTrack 7.5.0

4. VUWER 1.7

5. Sneaky Bastar* 0.2.0

6. Undercover 5.1.1

7. LoJack for Laptops

8. Hidden 2.0

9. Prey 0.6.2

Reply

Answer 2

JMPC Author

Level 1

59 points

Feb 25, 2014 2:09 PM in response to Kappy

Thank you for contact me so soon.

Well... according to the information it clearly seems that I did everything in my reach to assure that my Mac would be locked from unknown hands...

I just don't understand one thing... why hasn't anyone used my Mac?!?

Another question, please:

I used iCloud to lock my Mac, right? But, what will happen exactly?! I mean, a person just turns it on and a password is immediatly requested?! Or it only works if anyone can access my desktop?

Thanks!

Reply

Answer 3

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Feb 25, 2014 2:16 PM in response to JMPC

If you had a Firmware Password enabled or an encrypted drive, then the thief cannot use the computer so it never connects to the Internet. Or the thief simply pawned it ASAP for some quick cash.

Reply

Answer 4

JMPC Author

Level 1

59 points

Feb 25, 2014 2:27 PM in response to Kappy

Quite right.

The only password I had, was the administrator's password!

(one who with a bit of knowledge, anyone can find out how to erase, right?!)

In any case, I'll keep my expectations low, but also my fingers crossed!

Thank you for all the information you provided me.

Kind regards.

Reply

Answer 5

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Feb 25, 2014 2:33 PM in response to JMPC

Not so. If they successfully guess your password, then they can get in or if you used Autologin then the system is exposed and usable.

But if your computer opens with the Login Screen, then it's somewhat secure unless it was stolen by someone who knows OS X and can use the Terminal well.

Reply

Answer 6

JMPC Author

Level 1

59 points

Feb 25, 2014 2:37 PM in response to Kappy

Indeed! I'm quite aware of that, BUT, since I used iCloud to 'lock' my HDD... even if anyone uses Terminal to erase my password, they won't be able to use a Mac, that as an HDD locked over the internet. Hopefully....

Reply

Answer 7

Apr 18, 2014 1:26 PM in response to JMPC

This is the same problem I'm having! I have a password so they won't be able to use the internet. Does this mean I can never track it since they won't be able to connect to the internet? Mine just got stolen yesterday and I can't find an answer to this question.

Reply

Answer 8

JMPC Author

Level 1

59 points

Apr 18, 2014 2:34 PM in response to Alexxmayne

Hello.

I suppose it depends on wich type of password you're refering to!

According to iCloud, mine hasn't been used since the day it was stolen!! So, it never hasn't been located by it!

STILL, I encourage you to block your Mac's HD with your iCloud!!! That won't allow the person who stole it from accessing your personal files or using your Mac!!!

I decided that securing my Mac's HD was more important! It will be two months on the 24th and mine hasn't been located yet by the police. Let me know if OI can help you more.

Good luck.

Reply

Answer 9

JMPC Author

Level 1

59 points

Nov 16, 2014 5:31 AM in response to Alexxmayne

Hello.

I hope you were able to recover your Mac.

If not... I know how you feel. I finally have a new one, but my stolen MacBook - 2010 was never recovered.

Until today, iCould has never detected it's location. According to Apple support this is due to the fact that I had a Firmware password activated, which means that my Mac is completely inaccessible! Only I - because I know THE password - can unlock it!! The HDD it has is completely locked! Even if I got it back, only Apple technicians could unlock it, BUT, they would have to erase all it's content!

If you haven't done it yet, I suggest you activate iCloud! Then make sure to lock your HDD's! I had mine configured to completely erase my disc if it was used!

That never happened because of the Firmware password! Which basically locked all it's components!

I really hope my info helps. Feel free to contact if you have any other question. By own experience, I know how stressful this events can be.

Good luck.

Reply