Security Mistery

Machiavello · Machiavello #1 (**permalink**)

03-13-2012, 12:41 AM

I am hoping someone can shed some light on a recent incident.

I have my computer security system preferences set to prompt for a password "immediately" to access the computer "after sleep or screen saver begins".

Yesterday, I opened my computer and my screen was blank. I ran my finger across the touch pad and it granted me access without prompting me for the password.

I was surprised but carried on. I began to back up the computer using Time Machine and my external hard drive. I walked away for a few minutes and when I returned to my computer, the password prompt was on the screen and it halted my backup.

I am curious if the security setting is flawed and can be breached.

osxx · osxx #2 (**permalink**)

03-13-2012, 01:17 AM

This must be on an OS before Lion because the only way you can wake Lion from sleep is a keystroke and the password is prompted every time and I thought SL was the same but could be woke up by trackpad,mouse or keystroke but would still prompt for password.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Wi-Fi Security	schweb	Schweb's Lounge	12	05-15-2009 04:31 PM
Windows Tweaks and Security	PowerBookG4	Running Windows (or anything else) on your Mac	5	07-07-2006 12:31 AM
VPN Troubles	shane440	OS X - Apps and Games	0	10-04-2005 11:08 AM
@Stake issues security advisories for Jaguar	Murlyn	OS X - Operating System	0	10-29-2003 03:31 PM
Severe Flash Security Flaw	schweb	Apple Rumors and Reports	1	03-04-2003 01:03 PM

Security Mistery

Internet Services

Web Development

Digital Marketing

Consumer Tech

Machiavello #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Mar 13, 2012 Posts: 1	03-13-2012, 12:41 AM I am hoping someone can shed some light on a recent incident. I have my computer security system preferences set to prompt for a password "immediately" to access the computer "after sleep or screen saver begins". Yesterday, I opened my computer and my screen was blank. I ran my finger across the touch pad and it granted me access without prompting me for the password. I was surprised but carried on. I began to back up the computer using Time Machine and my external hard drive. I walked away for a few minutes and when I returned to my computer, the password prompt was on the screen and it halted my backup. I am curious if the security setting is flawed and can be breached.
	QUOTE Thanks

osxx #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 19, 2008 Location: houston texas Posts: 3,950 Mac Specs: 15 MacBook Pro 2009 32GB iPad 4 32GB iPhone 5 Apple TV 3 AEBS/AE	03-13-2012, 01:17 AM This must be on an OS before Lion because the only way you can wake Lion from sleep is a keystroke and the password is prompted every time and I thought SL was the same but could be woke up by trackpad,mouse or keystroke but would still prompt for password.
	QUOTE Thanks

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)