MacOS Advanced Data Protection - Do I need it?

I’m currently using MacOS for things like streaming, browsing, socializing on Discord, etc. It’s the only Apple product that I use. I never use App Store or iCloud. Most apps I got from the official websites instead such as Signal, Spotify, Proton suite, etc.

I do have an Apple ID because I used to use it on an iPad years ago. I made sure I don’t have any important files, emails, contacts etc stored in my iCloud. I cleaned them all up when I ditched my iPad.

I never bring my Mac outside of the house unless I’m on vacation, so I also don’t use the Find My service either.

So, I’m wondering if I can safely remove my Apple ID and therefore, iCloud as well, on which Advanced Data Protection feature depends. Tbh I’m not really sure if ADP also protects files stored on your hard drive, but my hard drive also doesn’t contain any personal files incl videos or images. I do sync Proton Drive via the app so not sure if that counts.

Thanks!

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If you don’t have any data stored in iCloud then you don’t need ADP.

Also note that if you remove your Apple Account from your device then you won’t be able to install apps from the App Store or use Activation Lock.

To secure data on your hard drive you use FileVault and not ADP.

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Thanks for your quick response. I had to search what Activation Lock does, lol. Looks like it’s to protect your Mac from being used if stolen? I do have FileVault on.

Even if I barely go outside with my Mac, that Activation Lock feature does seem to be reassuring. I wonder if it’s wise to remove my Apple ID and create a new one without my actual info.

This one has my personal data incl my past purchase a long time ago, so technically there’s a trace of my identity in there. What do you think?

Yes.

Your existing Apple Account has your hardware serial number tied to it. Creating a new account and signing in on the same device will tie the serial number to the new account too and thus, connecting both accounts to you.

PS. I have ADP turned on even though I have no data saved on iCloud (just in case).

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I see, thanks for shedding some light on that. I suppose either you let go of all Apple features or not. If I were a sensible person, technically I could live without it. But, I’m a bit paranoid and prefer to be safe than sorry, even if the chance of my Mac being stolen is extremely low (unless someone breaks into my house).

Guess I’m keeping it then.

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Is it wise? Up to you.
Is it ok morally? Definitely NOT
Is it of any use? Yes as long as you buy nothing with Apple Wallet.

Why shouldn’t it be okay morally?

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@faxe because by doing so you know that will be using this for sth not quite doable (for various reasons) on real data.

I disagree that it’s morally definitely not okay, but thanks for the explanation.

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I register all apple devices using a fresh Apple ID with junk info. Hotel address, fake name, etc. I set the device up inside the apple store using their WiFi so the IP of the activation is not my home IP.

All devices purchased cash.

These are some steps I learned from an extreme privacy book on setting up Apple devices.

If you believe Apple is not thrust worthy, then having an account without an identifier or normal account have no difference to me. They can collect a lot of metadata which is enough to detect you are the same person, not least the device identifiers.

In my view, there is little or no benefit in not using Apple ID if you go down via the Apple route. In theory it might seem good, but in practice I don’t believe it works.

This data collection can be easily blocked using apps like little snitch or others.

People argue that Apple is safer with your personal data since Apple makes most of its profit via hardware sales compared to other tech companies that monetize on advertisements and monitor your personal browsing habits…

If you go down this difficult path why are you buying Mac in the beginning?

Besides, if you don’t trust Apple what makes you think that they won’t bypass these apps. They are using a bunch of apis provided by Apple to function.

I am not saying this argument directly. Apple has a big ads business. Still it’s not their CORE business. If you want extreme privacy but think that you can be anonymous just using little snitch, buy it cash etc. then you have a very big problem. If Apple really wants to track you, it can. That’s their OS, folks. If you don’t trust Apple and want extreme privacy, use Linux.

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Regarding FileVault: It’s recommended in this community and I’ve done some research on it and it’s REALLY good! Have no fear with FileVault.

This is an awesome guide:

This goes into more detail: