DonSeñor

Q: Stolen MacBook

My son’s MacBook was stolen some weeks ago now.

He searched through “Find my iPhone”-app but of course it was offline.

He then gave the command to blok the MacBook the moment it would be online, since there was some confidential material in it.

 

Only yesterday he received an email informing his MacBook was blokked. Obvisously only yesterday somebody tried going online.

He tried to look for his Mac through “Find my iPhone” but without luck.

Any suggestions?

Will the unrightful holder be able to use the MacBook?

Is it still traceable?

 

Any help is much appreciated.

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X El Capitan (10.11)

Posted on Dec 23, 2015 11:23 PM

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Q: Stolen MacBook

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  • Helpful answers

  • by carl wolf,

    carl wolf carl wolf Dec 24, 2015 1:38 AM in response to DonSeñor
    Level 6 (14,625 points)
    Dec 24, 2015 1:38 AM in response to DonSeñor

    Report the stolen computer to the police.  File a claim with your homeowner's insurance.  Tell your son that a computer is valuable, and it is up to him to take care of it.

  • by DonSeñor,

    DonSeñor DonSeñor Dec 24, 2015 1:47 PM in response to carl wolf
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 24, 2015 1:47 PM in response to carl wolf

    Wise guy! Is that the way you got your level 6 and your points? Good grief! Sigh ...

  • by BobTheFisherman,

    BobTheFisherman BobTheFisherman Dec 24, 2015 1:56 PM in response to DonSeñor
    Level 6 (15,334 points)
    Dec 24, 2015 1:56 PM in response to DonSeñor

    What more do you want? The thief has a new computer. Take this experience as an opportunity for you to get your son a computer for Christmas, or for whatever holiday you celebrate.

  • by steve359,

    steve359 steve359 Dec 24, 2015 1:57 PM in response to DonSeñor
    Level 6 (14,032 points)
    Dec 24, 2015 1:57 PM in response to DonSeñor

    Apple does not track stolen devices.  Everyone, including me, with an expensive device is responsible for keeping it safe.  Sometimes we cannot, and we need to involve civil authorities to correct the situation.  Sometimes we do not live up to our personal responsibilities.

     

    Carl Wolf was just speaking truth.

  • by DonSeñor,

    DonSeñor DonSeñor Dec 24, 2015 2:09 PM in response to steve359
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 24, 2015 2:09 PM in response to steve359

    I was just wondering if Apple provided technically something I was not aware of since I' not very familiar with Apple or with computers for that matter.

    So it is not a matter of speaking truth. But a matter of answering my merely asked questions. Nothing more and nothing less.

    But I guess you already did.

  • by my ginger,Apple recommended

    my ginger my ginger Dec 24, 2015 3:19 PM in response to DonSeñor
    Level 4 (2,472 points)
    Dec 24, 2015 3:19 PM in response to DonSeñor

    Here is what find my make does.   https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204756 It is not precise,but it might help some. The other  advise is good also.

  • by JasonNvm,Helpful

    JasonNvm JasonNvm Dec 27, 2015 1:07 AM in response to DonSeñor
    Level 1 (112 points)
    Notebooks
    Dec 27, 2015 1:07 AM in response to DonSeñor

    Sorry for hearing that and i understand about the stolen or unauthorized access of your personal files may more frustrating than simply lost a device. I don't even want to people access my normal file without my permission. not even confidential file.

     

    as you said, your son used Find my iPhone, so is that a 4-dig pin? if yes, as i know its usually pretty hard to go thru it, but since I'm in China, i can definitely confirm theres already somebody knows how to remove that pin, so your device might be able to reuse, sorry for letting you know about that.

    and as you mentioned about the data, first we are not sure the guy took the device, ONLY WANT TO SELL THE DEVICE? OR WANT CREEP INTO YOUR FILES? thats a big concern.

    If you have FileVault turned on before, this will be a big no worry cuz no body can sneak in your data if FileVault turned on. (so after this you need to remember always turn on FileVault turn on for the computers contain confidential documents), if not, we only can wish the guy just want the device and he will just go erase the drive and sell it.

     

    because I'm not sure if still can take out the drive from from the device then access the data after use 4-dig pin to remotely block your mac, i didn't test it before, but if you don't have FileVault turned on, this is a big possible. sorry for letting you know that.

     

    next time(hope theres no next time), recommend to directly use erase bottom to erase the drive remotely other than blocking it.

     

    good luck and hope your data won't got sneak in.\

     

     

    Jason Nvm

  • by JasonNvm,

    JasonNvm JasonNvm Dec 26, 2015 8:25 PM in response to DonSeñor
    Level 1 (112 points)
    Notebooks
    Dec 26, 2015 8:25 PM in response to DonSeñor

    and also remember to inform apple to black list the computer serial number (its on the box) so if anyone attempt to get service from a Apple Store or a ASPP, they will refuse to do so and possibly keep the device and call police

     

    Jason Nvm `

  • by DonSeñor,

    DonSeñor DonSeñor Dec 27, 2015 1:11 AM in response to JasonNvm
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Dec 27, 2015 1:11 AM in response to JasonNvm

      Thanks for your comments

  • by my ginger,

    my ginger my ginger Dec 27, 2015 10:09 AM in response to DonSeñor
    Level 4 (2,472 points)
    Dec 27, 2015 10:09 AM in response to DonSeñor

    As my link stated. You are able to remotely erase the Mac and also to lock it with a password. Once done though it can no longer be tracted. But if the password is installed the computer also cannot be used. the password is stored to the firmware and even erasing or removing the hard drive will not get rid of it. It requires a special program to remove it.