Not setting up Find My bricked my MacBook (tokyodev.com)

Article summary

The author's MacBook Air was swapped with a stranger's at airport security, and after recovering it, they found it was locked with an Activation Lock due to Find My being enabled with an unknown Apple ID. The author was unable to remove the lock despite providing proof of purchase to Apple. The incident highlights the importance of setting up Find My on Apple devices to prevent such issues. The author had to pay a significant amount to have the locked MacBook returned to them.

Main themes

• Apple device security
• Find My and Activation Lock
• Airport security and lost devices
• Apple's customer support and policies
• Device tampering and fraud
• Personal responsibility and vigilance

What commenters say

• Setting up Find My on Apple devices is crucial to prevent them from being bricked in case they are lost or stolen.
• Apple's security policies, such as not disclosing reasons for denying unlock requests, can be frustrating for legitimate users but are necessary to prevent attacks.
• Some commenters believe that Apple devices can be easily tampered with, such as swapping the bottom of the laptop or reprogramming the serial number, to commit fraud.
• Others argue that Apple's strict security measures are effective in preventing social engineering attacks, and that setting up Find My is a simple way to protect devices.
• There are concerns that Apple's policies may be too strict, creating a Kafkaesque experience for legitimate users trying to recover their devices.
• Some people think that using hardware with potential backdoors is a security risk, and that users should be aware of this when choosing their devices.
• The incident highlights the importance of being vigilant when going through airport security and keeping a close eye on personal belongings.
• It is also suggested that putting distinctive stickers or markings on devices can help prevent mix-ups and make them easier to recover if lost.