How to Access Startup Security Utility Mac? [Latest Tips]

The Startup Security Utility is one of the most popular security features of the Mac. It is compatible with systems that have the Apple T2 security chip. The extra protection that the Startup Security Utility offers make it a great addition. It is an excellent way to protect your Mac from malicious intent and unauthorized access. 

However, you can only access the Startup Security Utility from the Recovery mode. This article will discuss Startup Security Utility and how to access and change its settings. 

What Is Startup Security Utility Mac? 

Are you wondering what the Startup Security Utility feature is on Mac? The Startup Security Utility features on Macs come with an Apple T2 security chip. It offers protection to the system from unauthorized access. The Startup Security Utility ensures protection with three distinct features – Secure Boot, Firmware password, and Allowed boot media. 

Any Mac with the T2 security chip has the Startup Security Utility in the Recovery mode. With this, users can set up the security settings for the device with ease. 

The features are –

• Firmware password: Without the firmware password, it is impossible to start the Mac from any disk other than the designated one. It preserves the physical integrity of the system. 
• Secure Boot: With this feature, users can ensure that the OS is verified and legitimate. There are three sub-options available. 
• Allowed boot media: Users can now control if they want the Mac to start from external or removable hard drives or media or not. It is a great way to control issues that might come from external sources. 

How To Access Startup Security Utility Mac?

Do you want to know how to access Startup Security Utility on Mac? Here are the steps you need to follow –

Step 1: Turn on the Mac. Press the Command (⌘)-R and hold until you see the Apple logo. The device starts booting from the macOS Recovery mode. (But in case of mac won't boot into recovery mode)

Step 2: Select the user profile you want. Type the administrator password, and you will see the macOS Utilities window.

Step 3: Select Utilities. Go to the Startup Security Utility option from the menu bar. Please wait for it to open.

Step 4: Type the macOS password for authentication. After that, select the desired administrator account and type the password.

Now, you can turn on the firmware password, set up a secure boot, and more!

How To Change Settings of Startup Security Utility Mac?

There are different ways you change the settings of the Startup Security Utility Mac. 

To set the firmware password, follow the steps given below –

Step 1: On the Startup Security Utility page, go to the Firmware Password option.

Step 2: You need to click on Turn On Firmware Password.

Step 3: After that, you need to type the password twice. Now, restart the Mac.

If you want to change the settings of the Secure Boot option, you need to click any of the options. Three options are available: Full Security, Medium Security, and No Security. 

Full Security offers the best security for the system and is thus the default option. If you click on this option, the Mac will verify the condition of the OS on the startup disk and make sure there are no issues. If the OS can't be verified as being legitimate or there is a lack of information, more information is downloaded. Still, if the OS doesn't get the verification, an alert is given for a software update. 

If you choose Medium Security, the steps taken are not too severe. In this case, the Mac verifies that the OS is properly signed or not. It, however, doesn't prevent the system from using that OS. In case of failed verification, the user gets an alert for the software update. 

If you opt for the third option, No Security, you don't have to worry about anything. There will be no security steps taken. The OS will not be verified. 

The Allowed Boot Media section comes with two options. These are – Disallow booting from external or removable media and allow booting from external or removable media. If you choose the first option, the Mac will not start from external media. In case the user attempts to do, a warning is given. 

Conclusion 

The Startup Security utility on Mac is a great security feature. It is available on Macs that come with an Apple T2 security chip. The Startup Security Utility offers three security features for added protection. These include Secure Boot, Firmware password, and allowed boot media. 

It is easy to access the Startup Security utility and change the settings. Make sure to restart the system to reinforce the updated settings. 

FAQs

Knowing more about the Startup Security utility on Mac is a great idea. That way, you can ensure your system gets more protection. Read through the questions and answers listed below to increase your knowledge.

1. How do I turn off the Startup Security utility Mac?

To turn off the Startup Security utility Mac, you need to turn off the settings done previously. For instance, if you have turned on the Firmware password, you must turn it off. If you have used full security for Secure Boot, click the No Security option.

2. How do I allow my Mac to use an external boot disk?

You need to go to the Startup Security utility to allow your Mac to use an external boot disk. There, go to the section of Allowed Boot Media. You must click on the Allow booting from external or removable media option. 

3. How do I get out of Safe Boot?

The easiest solution to get out of Safe Boot is to restart the device. Just press and then hold the power button. It would help if you waited till you saw the Apple logo on the screen. Tap on it and wait for the device to turn on. You will enter the normal mode automatically.