Apple's New MacBook Disconnects Microphone "Physically" When Lid is Closed

[captain_to_fire]

3 hours ago, Deus Voltage said:

Hardware failure rate just jumped by 2000%

No. Because it’s a security feature. https://www.apple.com/mac/docs/Apple_T2_Security_Chip_Overview.pdf 

 

 

This means not even malware with root privileges can can record audio when the MacBook lid is closed. 

[Bcat00]

4 hours ago, Deus Voltage said:

Hardware failure rate just jumped by 2000%

Hey at least those who keep crying privacy this and privacy that can finally shut up about their conversations being recorded 

[ColeWorld]

3 hours ago, RorzNZ said:

Should probably wait for a more reputable news source before making judgements

I updated the post to include the direct explanation from Apple, along with their PDF from their website

[Curufinwe_wins]

46 minutes ago, captain_to_fire said:

No. Because it’s a security feature. https://www.apple.com/mac/docs/Apple_T2_Security_Chip_Overview.pdf 

 

 

This means not even malware with root privileges can can record audio when the MacBook lid is closed. 

So the way this is worded directly tells me it has nothing to do with the T2 chip.

 

Laptops with the t2 chip, ALSO have hardware disconnect. "Even software on the t2 chip".

 

I guess we will have to wait and see for a lid teardown, but this sounds like what I suggested with pin spring connectors on page 1.

 

The article mis-conflated the two as related.

 

Coolio!

[captain_to_fire]

13 minutes ago, Curufinwe_wins said:

Laptops with the t2 chip, ALSO have hardware disconnect. "Even software on the t2 chip".

If I’m reading this correctly, even if a malefactor successfully tampered the software inside the T2 chip with malware, the microphones would still not record audio when the lid is closed. 

[Curufinwe_wins]

8 minutes ago, captain_to_fire said:

If I’m reading this correctly, even if a malefactor successfully tampered the software inside the T2 chip with malware, the microphones would still not record audio when the lid is closed. 

Yes. That is what Apple says in its document. The disconnect is ONLY in hardware.

[ThePointblank]

6 hours ago, huilun02 said:

How about not having a microphone at all?

Someone might you know, want to have a teleconference call or Skype someone using their MacBook and they might not have a stand alone mic to do it.

[GoodBytes]