com.apple.virtualMemory.plist

Secure swap is easy, right? Macs are secure, right?

Get It Try It

1. Want secure swap? Easy enough, right?

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN"
"http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
    <key>UseEncryptedSwap</key>
    <true/>
</dict>
</plist>

Wrong.

It's in /Library/Preferences. So even if the file is protected the directory sure ain't.

2. Going to protect your screen saver so no one popping around when you're not in can get at your computer?

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple Computer//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN"
"http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
    <key>askForPassword</key>
    <integer>1</integer>
</dict>
</plist>

Wrong.

It's in ~/Library/Preferences/ByHost. So anyone who can get at your computer today can unleash it tomorrow.

When are Apple system engineers scheduled to take their introductory course in Unix system design? How many more calamities do we need with these 'Library' directories before Apple get a clue and stop putting compromising things in them?