Apple Introduces New Touch ID and Security Chip to MacBook

Apple Introduces New Touch ID and Security Chip to MacBook Air

Apple's new security chip now disables MacBook's microphone when the lid closes.

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Nov 01, 2018

Apple is increasing the security of their devices with new features like biometric Touch ID and a new security chip embedded in the new MacBook Air introduced on Tuesday. 

The new MacBook Air was revealed at the Apple Event in New York, and now includes Apple's Touch ID sensor on the keyboard. The fingerprint sensor is used to unlock devices and was introduced in the iPhone 5s in September of 2015. The biometric security feature has proven to be a faster, more convenient alternative to passwords. 

The Touch ID feature does more than unlock the new MacBook Air, however. You can not use the biometric feature to shop using Apple Pay as well as authenticate third-party apps.

Your fingerprint data is encrypted and secured on Apple's T2 security chip, which uses Secure Enclave. All your data, including passwords and your fingerprint is stored on the device and doesn't leave the MacBook Air. The tech giant explained they don't even receive the data.

Apple's T2 chip will now also disable your MacBook's microphone when the lid is closed, according to its latest security overview. This change is hardware-based, which means no software (including malware from potential hackers) can turn on your microphone when the lid is shut.  

The T2 chip was first introduced this summer, and adds an extra layer of security for all of Apple's devices. Though security features are often embedded in the processors, more tech giants have been replying on standalone chips.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

Most   Popular

New Products

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • Luma x20

    Luma x20

    Snap One has announced its popular Luma x20 family of surveillance products now offers even greater security and privacy for home and business owners across the globe by giving them full control over integrators’ system access to view live and recorded video. According to Snap One Product Manager Derek Webb, the new “customer handoff” feature provides enhanced user control after initial installation, allowing the owners to have total privacy while also making it easy to reinstate integrator access when maintenance or assistance is required. This new feature is now available to all Luma x20 users globally. “The Luma x20 family of surveillance solutions provides excellent image and audio capture, and with the new customer handoff feature, it now offers absolute privacy for camera feeds and recordings,” Webb said. “With notifications and integrator access controlled through the powerful OvrC remote system management platform, it’s easy for integrators to give their clients full control of their footage and then to get temporary access from the client for any troubleshooting needs.”

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.