Mac OS X single user mode
You can start up Mac OS X computers in single user mode and, by default, have immediate root-level access to the operating system. This does not require a password or other authentication by default. This is covered in Apple Knowledgebase article 106388.
This can be a critical security risk, and to mitigate that, you should apply an Open Firmware password. If you apply an Open Firmware password, you should also physically secure the computer so that unauthorized people are not able to open its case.
Section: Maintain a Macintosh
Keywords: desktop computer, laptop computer, mac os x, security, system administration
Question: What is Mac OS X single user mode?
FAQ item: true
Score: 500
