Apple’s T2 security chip will prevent hackers from eavesdropping through a MacBook microphone

Apple T2 chip, a security-focused custom chip can prevent miscreants from ‘eavesdropping’ on the latest MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. According to the company’s security guide which was first spotted by TechCrunch, the chip will prevent hackers from eavesdropping through a laptop’s microphone.

Apple T2 security guide says that the custom T2 security chip includes a ‘hardware microphone disconnect’ feature that disables the microphone whenever the device is closed.

“This disconnect is implemented in hardware alone, and therefore prevents any software, even with root or kernel privileges in macOS, and even the software on the T2 chip, from engaging the microphone when the lid is closed,” Apple reportedly says in its guide. The tech giant, however, notes that the camera is not disconnected because “it’s field of view is completely obstructed with the lid closed.”

Apple’s T2 security chip which is incorporated in the latest MacBook range function separately from the main CPU and handle ‘encryption-related’ operations in a secure chipset. It includes Secure Enclave – which is a coprocessor fabricated on the SoC to provide dedicated security functions. Apple’s T2 chip comes with APFS encrypted storage, a secure boot process – which along with Secure Enclave – protects TouchID data.

While TechCrunch notes that switching off the microphone when the lid is closed will make it difficult for hackers to spy on a ‘dormant device’, reports suggest that existing MacBook models might require a software update to take advantage of hardware microphone disconnect feature.