Apple T2 security chip hacked. Passware uses the vulnerability for brute force.
Apple Mac computers have many Apple-branded hardware features. Among them is the presence of a T2 security chip. This chip allows computers to encrypt and decrypt data on the fly. It’s a way for the Cupertino company’s machines to make their data safer and more reliable.
Apple T2 security chip hacked
Unfortunately, it looks like this chip is not as invulnerable as Apple thought. Indeed, Passware, a company that specializes in password cracking tools, recently announced that its latest software can now be used to crack the T2 chip’s security and bypass Apple’s brute-force protection.
Apparently, this was made possible by exploiting a flaw in the T2 chip that allows software to bypass the number of password attempts. This means that, in theory, an attacker could use a password dictionary and brute-force all combinations to gain access to a machine and decrypt its data.
Passware uses brute force vulnerability
In this case, brute force is based on probabilities. This means that, depending on the length and complexity of your password, it can take a very long time for the Passware software to guess it. Additionally, physical access to the Mac is required to exploit this vulnerability, and this method only works on Macs with an Intel chip. Simply put, it’s not an easy hack, and it’s good for users who have an Intel Mac.
Now let’s hope that the Cupertino company can respond, further strengthen its next security chip.