Access through the USB-C port

[zoran]

There is a USB-C port on my Mac Book (Retina, 12-inch) and I’d like to know if one can have access to my files through it -and how?- when I do not have the user passwords.

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

There is a USB-C port on my Mac Book (Retina, 12-inch) and I’d like to know if one can have access to my files through it -and how?- when I do not have the user passwords.

You’ll need a password for Target Disk Mode to transfer files, but I think you can clone the files to another Mac via Migration Assistant if FileVault is not enabled.

 

[zoran]

You’ll need a password for Target Disk Mode to transfer files.

That passsword would be the login user pass?

 

[zoran]

Can it be connected to a Windows pc and then get to the drives without using any passwords?

 

[hg.wells]

Can it be connected to a Windows pc and then get to the drives without using any passwords?

No you would need the users password.

 

[zoran]

So in other words, there is no way someone can have access to my files through the USB-C port and without a password even if I haven’t turned on FileVault?

 

[hg.wells]

If you’ve set a password you’re good to go.

Any reason why you haven’t turned on FileVault?

 

[zoran]

I have no idea what FileVault does?
But is it really needed if there is a user password?

 

[hg.wells]

It encrypts the data on the drive, have a look here:

Protect data on your Mac with FileVault

Turn on FileVault to add an extra layer of security to the encrypted data on your Mac.

support.apple.com

 

[zoran]

Are there any downsides when using FileVault?

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

Are there any downsides when using FileVault?

The migration assistant method wouldn’t work

 

[zoran]

Are there any downsides when using FileVault?

The migration assistant method wouldn’t work

So I would have to shut down FV, then use migration assistant and then start FV again, right?

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

migration assistant can be run while FileVault is in use, with the password.