The Rotten Apple computer service
3 Comments Published by Avi Green on Saturday, December 17, 2005 at 8:01 AM.
It seems that Apple computers may have violated the rights to privacy regarding software ownership. And in this case, the one whose rights were violated was none other than actor Kevin Costner. Lost Budgie Blog provides the details of how a hairstylist stole his Apple laptop unit, first published in the Aspen Daily News (note: registration is required).
What's disturbing is that they had access to his account password, which apparently is not encrypted, made additionally more so by their willingness to give it out to anyone who identified themselves as the owner. And this could allow for criminals, terrorists included to infiltrate other people's computer files more easily than one might think.
I should hope that after this, they're going to be more careful about protecting their clients' privacy rights, especially if they want to continue their success in the technology business.
What's disturbing is that they had access to his account password, which apparently is not encrypted, made additionally more so by their willingness to give it out to anyone who identified themselves as the owner. And this could allow for criminals, terrorists included to infiltrate other people's computer files more easily than one might think.
I should hope that after this, they're going to be more careful about protecting their clients' privacy rights, especially if they want to continue their success in the technology business.
anyone can reset (not get) the password on any Mac OS X computer as long as they have an install CD, and the user hasn't set this thing called FileVault to store a master password. it's easy to do it over the phone.
however, if you set a master password with FileVault, there's no way to get into the computer without that password.
as long as you are in physical possession of the computer, you can break into it. there is no safe OS.
Hello everyone
I've updated the original post to reflect an Apple response - but there are still concerns with Apple's assistance to the thief and other unknowns with both Windows and Apple concerning manufacturers' "back doors".
I see. Thanks for the notes.