For years, digital forensics on Macs looked a lot like working with Windows machines: power down the computer, connect it through a write blocker, and capture a complete forensic image of the drive. But Apple has changed the rules. With T2 security chips and M-series processors, traditional imaging methods no longer work the way they once did. For organizations, attorneys, and investigators, understanding this shift is critical to ensuring evidence is preserved properly.
The Old Way
In the past, investigators could create a “dead box” image of a Mac, a full, bit-for-bit copy of the hard drive that included not only active files but also deleted data and unallocated space. This was the gold standard because it gave the most complete view of what had happened on the system.
The New Challenges
With the introduction of Apple’s T2 security chip and now the M1/M2/M3/M4 processors, the landscape is completely different. Data is tied closely to the hardware through secure enclaves and encryption. Simply removing a drive for imaging is no longer possible in most cases. Even if you could, the encrypted contents are unreadable without the right keys.
Instead of a clean, straightforward image, investigators must work within Apple’s security framework. That often means live acquisitions, targeted collections, and a heavier reliance on logical data capture. It also requires an understanding of what can and cannot be collected defensibly under these new constraints.
Why This Matters for Cases
Attorneys and clients may still assume a Mac can be imaged just like a Windows PC. That misunderstanding can lead to lost opportunities, or worse, mishandled evidence. In a world where sensitive information often lives on MacBooks, overlooking these changes can jeopardize an investigation. Proper forensic handling now demands specialized tools, updated methods, and expertise with Apple’s evolving security architecture.
Mac forensics today is no longer about plugging in a write blocker and walking away with a complete image. It’s about adapting to Apple’s security environment and knowing how to preserve what matters most without compromising the integrity of the evidence. For law firms and corporations, partnering with experts who understand these challenges isn’t optional, it’s essential.
About Swailes Computer Forensics
Swailes Computer Forensics provides expert digital forensic services to law firms, corporations, and organizations nationwide. Our work includes investigations into intellectual property theft, employee misconduct, data breaches, and more. With decades of experience and a commitment to integrity and clarity, we help clients uncover critical evidence and take informed action. If your HR department is facing a sensitive investigation, we can help you identify and preserve the digital evidence that supports a fair, well-documented resolution.