how to get around new requirement that filevault be enabled?

[GoGoNico]

Hello --
I have a MBP 2013 that has started a strange habit. Several weeks ago on startup I got the message, "You have 3 more logins before you must turn on filevault." [It noted that this was required by my Administrator.] Eventually I had no more logins and now I either have to say yes to filevault (a very bad idea as my computer at this point is 1/2 beachball and 1/2 functional) or login as a different user. I'm now logging in as a different user, which is mostly fine. The supposed administrator of this computer -- my university employer -- knows nothing about this requirement. The (admittedly low level) tech said he thought it had nothing to do with them. So...could this be a virus of some kind?


Question/point --> Can I get around this 'requirement' somehow?

Thank you!


Somewhat related: I just purchased a new MBP and am going to do a clean install and manually move over mail, etc. The main reason I'd like to access my main User account again so I can check out the mail set up and archive/export the mailboxes. (If I can figure out how -- any advice/links on that are very welcome!).

 

[russell_314]

I’d say talk to your administrator. These requirements are probably due to laptops being stolen and PII leaking. I think it’s time they give you a new Mac

 

[Slartibart]

First: for recent Macs there is really no disadvantage to use FileVault.
But you can easily turn it off on your new Mac.

Second: if the university employs a profile to their machines - and most if not all of them do - the FileVault requirement is almost certainly obligatory and rightfully so. Why not activate - it keeps your data and university provided services safe(r).

 

[russell_314]

First: for recent Macs there is really no disadvantage to use FileVault.
But you can easily turn it off on your new Mac.

Second: if the university employs a profile to their machines - and most if them not all do - the FileVault requirement is almost certainly obligatory and rightfully so. Why not activate - it keeps your data and university provided services safe(r).

According to this post there is an advantage to having FileVault enabled even on newer Apple Silicon Macs. I don't think Apple would have it on by default if it was useless. Of course on older Macs without FileVault on all it takes is to pull the drive and everything is accessible. I feel bad for the OP because that Mac is so old that turning it on will probably slow it down more than it already is. I guess maybe the university doesn't have the budget for a newer Mac 😢

What is the practical difference between an unencrypted, password-protected Mac and a FileVault encrypted Mac?

In efforts to learn how to protect a new Apple-silicone laptop from theft, I'm trying to decide whether or not to use FileVault. I know it encrypts all your files on-the-fly, and the barrier to the...

apple.stackexchange.com

 

[kitKAC]

I'd go into System Preferences, then Profiles and see what's installed there. If you're being forced to turn on FileVault, there should be a profile there that's causing it.