{"id":13286,"date":"2018-10-31T14:33:44","date_gmt":"2018-10-31T14:33:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cleverfiles.com\/help\/?p=13286"},"modified":"2025-08-27T12:32:45","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T12:32:45","slug":"what-you-need-to-know-about-system-integrity-protection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cleverfiles.com\/help\/system-integrity-protection.html","title":{"rendered":"What You Need to Know About System Integrity Protection (SIP) on macOS"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img src=\"\/help\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/sip-protection-mac.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1500\" height=\"300\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-13424 size-full colorbox-13286\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cleverfiles.com\/help\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/sip-protection-mac.png 1500w, https:\/\/www.cleverfiles.com\/help\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/sip-protection-mac-300x60.png 300w, https:\/\/www.cleverfiles.com\/help\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/sip-protection-mac-768x154.png 768w, https:\/\/www.cleverfiles.com\/help\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/sip-protection-mac-500x100.png 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>System Integrity Protection (<a href=\"https:\/\/support.apple.com\/en-us\/102149\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"external\">SIP<\/a>) is a kernel\u2011level security technology that locks down critical areas of macOS (for example, <code>\/System<\/code>, <code>\/usr<\/code>, <code>\/bin<\/code>, <code>\/sbin<\/code>, <code>\/var<\/code> and Apple\u2011preinstalled apps). It\u2019s on by default and restricts even the root user. You can check it with csrutil status and change it only from macOS Recovery. Always re\u2011enable SIP when you\u2019re done with low\u2011level tasks like data recovery.<\/p>\n<div class=\"embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9\">\r\n<iframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" class=\"embed-responsive-item\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/KxasHCP-e40?si=aA23bSIqPGhus4hu\"  allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\"><\/iframe>\r\n\r\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what_sip_is_and_why_apple_enforces_it\"><\/span><b>What SIP Is (and Why Apple Enforces It)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>SIP helps prevent malware and misconfigured tools from modifying protected files, directories, and system processes\u2014even with root privileges. It allows changes only by Apple\u2011signed processes with special entitlements (such as macOS installers and software updates). Apple introduced SIP in OS X 10.11 El Capitan and it remains foundational in modern macOS releases. Protected paths include <code>\/System<\/code>, <code>\/usr<\/code> (but not \/usr\/local), <code>\/bin<\/code>, <code>\/sbin<\/code>, <code>\/var<\/code>, and apps preinstalled by macOS; writable locations for third\u2011party software include <code>\/Applications<\/code>, <code>\/Library<\/code>, and <code>\/usr\/local<\/code>.  \ufffc<\/p>\n<p>Beginning with macOS 10.15 Catalina and evolving in macOS 11 Big Sur and later, SIP works alongside the Signed System Volume (<a href=\"https:\/\/support.apple.com\/guide\/mac-help\/what-is-a-signed-system-volume-mchl0f9af76f\/mac\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"external\">SSV<\/a>), which cryptographically seals the system volume. This adds runtime integrity checks so altered system files won\u2019t load without breaking the seal (more on SSV below).<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what_sip_protects_at_a_glance\"><\/span><b>What SIP Protects (at a Glance)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"table-responsive\">\n<table style=\"width: 100%; font-size: 14px; padding: 0px;\" class=\"easy-table easy-table-default\" border=\"0\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Area \/ capability<\/th>\n<th>What SIP does<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>System directories<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Protects core system paths from modification: \/System, \/usr (except \/usr\/local), \/bin, \/sbin, \/var, and other files on the read\u2011only signed system volume.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Apple\u2011preinstalled apps<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Prevents tampering with Apple\u2011installed apps (e.g., Safari, Mail). Only Apple\u2011signed updates with the proper entitlements can modify them.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Low\u2011level operations<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Restricts privileged actions such as loading unsigned kernel extensions, certain dtrace\/debug operations, direct NVRAM writes, and other system\u2011level changes unless adjusted from macOS Recovery.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Startup selection &amp; security policy<\/strong><\/td>\n<td>Blocks software from programmatically changing the startup disk and requires Recovery to alter security settings (e.g., Apple silicon Full\/Reduced Security or Intel T2 Startup Security Utility options).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-relative post-download\">\r\n<i class=\"box-60x36 icons icon-winmac-xs  \"><\/i>\r\nDownload Disk Drill data recovery app\r\n<a class=\"btn btn-primary btn-xs-block pull-right\" href=\"\/\/www.cleverfiles.com\/dl.html\">Download now<\/a>\r\n<div class=\"clearfix\"><\/div>\r\n<\/div><p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"disk_drill_sip_what_you_actually_need\"><\/span><b>Disk Drill &#038; SIP (What You Actually Need)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h5><b>Do I have to disable SIP to recover my files?<\/b><\/h5>\n<p>Often no. For most cases\u2014especially external disks\u2014all you need is to give Disk Drill Full Disk Access in System Settings \u25b8 Privacy &#038; Security \u25b8 Full Disk Access.<\/p>\n<h5><b>When might I need SIP changes?<\/b><\/h5>\n<p>For startup\u2011disk recovery on macOS 10.13+ (High Sierra and later), Disk Drill needs raw, read\u2011only access to the volume. Historically, this could require temporarily relaxing SIP\u2019s filesystem protection (or working from a bootable environment). If that\u2019s your path, use macOS Recovery to change SIP only for the time you\u2019re performing file recovery, then turn SIP back on immediately after.<\/p>\n<h5><b>Best\u2011practice alternatives if you prefer not to touch SIP:<\/b><\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"\/help\/data-recovery-target-disk-mode.html\"><b>Target Disk Mode<\/b><\/a>: Connect the affected Mac to another Mac and scan the troubled drive from the healthy machine (for old intel machines).<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/help\/disk-drill-recovery-mode.html\"><b>Run Disk Drill in macOS Recovery Mode<\/b><\/a>: Start your Mac in the built\u2011in macOS Recovery environment, open Utilities \u25b8 Terminal, and launch Disk Drill using the recovery command provided in our guide (internet connection required).<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/help\/disk-drill-system-extension.html\"><b>Install Disk Drill\u2019s system kernel extension (KEXT)<\/b><\/a>: For startup\u2011disk recovery, install the signed kernel extension developed by Disk Drill to gain direct, read\u2011only device access without disabling SIP.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how_to_check_whether_sip_is_enabled\"><\/span><b>How to Check Whether SIP Is Enabled<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Open Terminal and run:<br \/>\n<span class=\"copy-container\"><span class=\"copy-content bg-none\"><kbd>csrutil status<\/kbd><\/span><span class=\"copy-button\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" version=\"1.1\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 41.1 50.8\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 41.1 50.8;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><path d=\"M31.1,20.7l-11-11.4c-0.6-0.6-1.3-0.9-2.1-0.9H2.9C1.3,8.4,0,9.7,0,11.3v36.6c0,1.6,1.3,2.9,2.9,2.9H29  c1.6,0,2.9-1.3,2.9-2.9V22.7C31.9,22,31.6,21.3,31.1,20.7z\"\/><path d=\"M40.3,12.3l-11-11.4C28.7,0.3,28,0,27.2,0H12.1c-1.6,0-2.9,1.3-2.9,2.9v2.5H18c1.6,0,3.2, 0.7, 4.3, 1.8l11,11.4  c1.1,1.1,1.6,2.6,1.6,4.1v19.7h3.2c1.6,0,2.9-1.3,2.9-2.9V14.4C41.1,13.6,40.8,12.9,40.3,12.3z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Expect one of the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>System Integrity Protection status: enabled.<\/li>\n<li>\u2026disabled.<\/li>\n<li>\u2026enabled (Custom Configuration) or sometimes \u2026unknown (seen when only specific protections are toggled).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You can only change SIP from <a href=\"https:\/\/support.apple.com\/en-us\/102518\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"external\">macOS Recovery<\/a>; macOS stores the setting in a secure policy store (Intel Macs historically used NVRAM; Apple silicon uses a LocalPolicy governed via Recovery).<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"change_sip_on_apple_silicon_m%e2%80%91series\"><\/span><b>Change SIP on Apple Silicon (M\u2011series)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"alert alert-info\" role=\"alert\">\n<b>Use for<\/b>: temporary low\u2011level tasks (development, troubleshooting, some recovery workflows). Leave SIP enabled for normal use.\n<\/div>\n<ol>\n<li>Shut down the Mac.<\/li>\n<li>Press and hold the power button until you see <b>Loading startup options<\/b> \u25b8 click <b>Options<\/b> \u25b8 <b>Continue<\/b>.<\/li>\n<li>Authenticate with an admin account.<\/li>\n<li>In the top menu, open <b>Utilities<\/b> \u25b8 <b>Terminal<\/b>.<\/li>\n<li>Run one of:\n<ul style=\"list-style-type:disc\">\n<li>Disable SIP completely (temporary):<br \/>\n\t<span class=\"copy-container\"><span class=\"copy-content bg-none\"><kbd>csrutil disable<\/kbd><\/span><span class=\"copy-button\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" version=\"1.1\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 41.1 50.8\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 41.1 50.8;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><path d=\"M31.1,20.7l-11-11.4c-0.6-0.6-1.3-0.9-2.1-0.9H2.9C1.3,8.4,0,9.7,0,11.3v36.6c0,1.6,1.3,2.9,2.9,2.9H29  c1.6,0,2.9-1.3,2.9-2.9V22.7C31.9,22,31.6,21.3,31.1,20.7z\"\/><path d=\"M40.3,12.3l-11-11.4C28.7,0.3,28,0,27.2,0H12.1c-1.6,0-2.9,1.3-2.9,2.9v2.5H18c1.6,0,3.2, 0.7, 4.3, 1.8l11,11.4  c1.1,1.1,1.6,2.6,1.6,4.1v19.7h3.2c1.6,0,2.9-1.3,2.9-2.9V14.4C41.1,13.6,40.8,12.9,40.3,12.3z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li>Re\u2011enable SIP (default):<br \/>\n\t<span class=\"copy-container\"><span class=\"copy-content bg-none\"><kbd>csrutil enable<\/kbd><\/span><span class=\"copy-button\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" version=\"1.1\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 41.1 50.8\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 41.1 50.8;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><path d=\"M31.1,20.7l-11-11.4c-0.6-0.6-1.3-0.9-2.1-0.9H2.9C1.3,8.4,0,9.7,0,11.3v36.6c0,1.6,1.3,2.9,2.9,2.9H29  c1.6,0,2.9-1.3,2.9-2.9V22.7C31.9,22,31.6,21.3,31.1,20.7z\"\/><path d=\"M40.3,12.3l-11-11.4C28.7,0.3,28,0,27.2,0H12.1c-1.6,0-2.9,1.3-2.9,2.9v2.5H18c1.6,0,3.2, 0.7, 4.3, 1.8l11,11.4  c1.1,1.1,1.6,2.6,1.6,4.1v19.7h3.2c1.6,0,2.9-1.3,2.9-2.9V14.4C41.1,13.6,40.8,12.9,40.3,12.3z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Restart.<\/li>\n<li>Verify from Terminal:<br \/>\n\t<span class=\"copy-container\"><span class=\"copy-content bg-none\"><kbd>csrutil status<\/kbd><\/span><span class=\"copy-button\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" version=\"1.1\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 41.1 50.8\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 41.1 50.8;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><path d=\"M31.1,20.7l-11-11.4c-0.6-0.6-1.3-0.9-2.1-0.9H2.9C1.3,8.4,0,9.7,0,11.3v36.6c0,1.6,1.3,2.9,2.9,2.9H29  c1.6,0,2.9-1.3,2.9-2.9V22.7C31.9,22,31.6,21.3,31.1,20.7z\"\/><path d=\"M40.3,12.3l-11-11.4C28.7,0.3,28,0,27.2,0H12.1c-1.6,0-2.9,1.3-2.9,2.9v2.5H18c1.6,0,3.2, 0.7, 4.3, 1.8l11,11.4  c1.1,1.1,1.6,2.6,1.6,4.1v19.7h3.2c1.6,0,2.9-1.3,2.9-2.9V14.4C41.1,13.6,40.8,12.9,40.3,12.3z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"change_sip_on_intel_macs_with_or_without_t2\"><\/span><b>Change SIP on Intel Macs (with or without T2)<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Restart and hold <span class=\"label label-default\">Command (\u2318)<\/span> + <span class=\"label label-default\">R<\/span> to enter macOS Recovery.<\/li>\n<li>From the menu bar, open <b>Utilities<\/b> \u25b8 <b>Terminal<\/b>.<\/li>\n<li>Run one of:\n<ul style=\"list-style-type:disc\">\n<li>Disable SIP completely (temporary):<br \/>\n\t<span class=\"copy-container\"><span class=\"copy-content bg-none\"><kbd>csrutil disable<\/kbd><\/span><span class=\"copy-button\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" version=\"1.1\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 41.1 50.8\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 41.1 50.8;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><path d=\"M31.1,20.7l-11-11.4c-0.6-0.6-1.3-0.9-2.1-0.9H2.9C1.3,8.4,0,9.7,0,11.3v36.6c0,1.6,1.3,2.9,2.9,2.9H29  c1.6,0,2.9-1.3,2.9-2.9V22.7C31.9,22,31.6,21.3,31.1,20.7z\"\/><path d=\"M40.3,12.3l-11-11.4C28.7,0.3,28,0,27.2,0H12.1c-1.6,0-2.9,1.3-2.9,2.9v2.5H18c1.6,0,3.2, 0.7, 4.3, 1.8l11,11.4  c1.1,1.1,1.6,2.6,1.6,4.1v19.7h3.2c1.6,0,2.9-1.3,2.9-2.9V14.4C41.1,13.6,40.8,12.9,40.3,12.3z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li>Re\u2011enable SIP (default):<br \/>\n\t<span class=\"copy-container\"><span class=\"copy-content bg-none\"><kbd>csrutil enable<\/kbd><\/span><span class=\"copy-button\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" version=\"1.1\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 41.1 50.8\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 41.1 50.8;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><path d=\"M31.1,20.7l-11-11.4c-0.6-0.6-1.3-0.9-2.1-0.9H2.9C1.3,8.4,0,9.7,0,11.3v36.6c0,1.6,1.3,2.9,2.9,2.9H29  c1.6,0,2.9-1.3,2.9-2.9V22.7C31.9,22,31.6,21.3,31.1,20.7z\"\/><path d=\"M40.3,12.3l-11-11.4C28.7,0.3,28,0,27.2,0H12.1c-1.6,0-2.9,1.3-2.9,2.9v2.5H18c1.6,0,3.2, 0.7, 4.3, 1.8l11,11.4  c1.1,1.1,1.6,2.6,1.6,4.1v19.7h3.2c1.6,0,2.9-1.3,2.9-2.9V14.4C41.1,13.6,40.8,12.9,40.3,12.3z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Restart and verify with:<br \/>\n\t<span class=\"copy-container\"><span class=\"copy-content bg-none\"><kbd>csrutil status<\/kbd><\/span><span class=\"copy-button\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" version=\"1.1\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 41.1 50.8\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 41.1 50.8;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><path d=\"M31.1,20.7l-11-11.4c-0.6-0.6-1.3-0.9-2.1-0.9H2.9C1.3,8.4,0,9.7,0,11.3v36.6c0,1.6,1.3,2.9,2.9,2.9H29  c1.6,0,2.9-1.3,2.9-2.9V22.7C31.9,22,31.6,21.3,31.1,20.7z\"\/><path d=\"M40.3,12.3l-11-11.4C28.7,0.3,28,0,27.2,0H12.1c-1.6,0-2.9,1.3-2.9,2.9v2.5H18c1.6,0,3.2, 0.7, 4.3, 1.8l11,11.4  c1.1,1.1,1.6,2.6,1.6,4.1v19.7h3.2c1.6,0,2.9-1.3,2.9-2.9V14.4C41.1,13.6,40.8,12.9,40.3,12.3z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"advanced_partial_granular_sip_changes\"><\/span><b>Advanced: Partial (Granular) SIP Changes<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>SIP is a family of protections. On some macOS versions, Apple\u2019s csrutil supports enabling SIP while selectively omitting specific protections (for example, filesystem, debugging, dtrace, nvram). This results in a status like \u201cenabled (Custom Configuration)\u201d. Example (from Recovery):<\/p>\n<div class=\"alert alert-secondary\" role=\"alert\">\n<code># Enable SIP but omit filesystem protection only<\/code><br \/>\n<span class=\"copy-container\"><span class=\"copy-content bg-none\"><kbd>csrutil enable --without fs<\/kbd><\/span><span class=\"copy-button\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" version=\"1.1\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" viewBox=\"0 0 41.1 50.8\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 41.1 50.8;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><path d=\"M31.1,20.7l-11-11.4c-0.6-0.6-1.3-0.9-2.1-0.9H2.9C1.3,8.4,0,9.7,0,11.3v36.6c0,1.6,1.3,2.9,2.9,2.9H29  c1.6,0,2.9-1.3,2.9-2.9V22.7C31.9,22,31.6,21.3,31.1,20.7z\"\/><path d=\"M40.3,12.3l-11-11.4C28.7,0.3,28,0,27.2,0H12.1c-1.6,0-2.9,1.3-2.9,2.9v2.5H18c1.6,0,3.2, 0.7, 4.3, 1.8l11,11.4  c1.1,1.1,1.6,2.6,1.6,4.1v19.7h3.2c1.6,0,2.9-1.3,2.9-2.9V14.4C41.1,13.6,40.8,12.9,40.3,12.3z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"alert alert-warning\" role=\"alert\">\n&#x1f4a1; <b>Important<\/b>: <a href=\"https:\/\/developer.apple.com\/documentation\/security\/disabling-and-enabling-system-integrity-protection\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"external\">Apple\u2019s public Support pages<\/a> intentionally don\u2019t document these developer\u2011oriented flags and their availability can change between releases. Always confirm on your macOS by running csrutil help in Recovery, and restore defaults when finished. The official stance remains: disable protections only temporarily for development or service tasks.<\/p>\n<p>For a readable (non\u2011Apple) overview of current flags observed in Sonoma\/Sequoia era builds, see <a href=\"https:\/\/eclecticlight.co\/2024\/08\/21\/controlling-system-integrity-protection-using-csrutil-a-reference\/\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"external\">Howard Oakley\u2019s reference<\/a>.\n<\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"faq\"><\/span><b>FAQ<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<div><section itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\">\n<div style=\"border-bottom: 00px solid rgb(213, 217, 217);\" class=\"panel panel-default faq-block\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" role=\"tablist\">\r\n            <div class=\"panel-heading\" role=\"tab\" id=\"heading1\">\r\n                <div class=\"panel-title\" itemprop=\"name\">\r\n                    <a class=\"toggle-link transition-all collapsed\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-item-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse-item-1\"><h3 class=\"panel-title\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"i_dont_feel_safe_using_terminal_and_typing_those_commands_any_automated_way\"><\/span>I Don\u2019t Feel Safe Using Terminal and Typing Those Commands, Any Automated Way?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t    <span class=\"faq-toggle-icon\"><\/span>\r\n                   <\/a>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <div id=\"collapse-item-1\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"heading1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" style=\"\">\r\n              <div class=\"panel-body\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\r\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\r\n                <p>Yes. You can use Disk Drill\u2019s system kernel extension (<a href=\"\/help\/disk-drill-system-extension.html\">kext<\/a>) to enable the low\u2011level, read\u2011only device access needed for startup\u2011disk recovery without disabling SIP or manually running Terminal commands.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n                <div class=\"clearfix\"><\/div>\r\n              <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"border-bottom: 00px solid rgb(213, 217, 217);\" class=\"panel panel-default faq-block\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" role=\"tablist\">\r\n            <div class=\"panel-heading\" role=\"tab\" id=\"heading2\">\r\n                <div class=\"panel-title\" itemprop=\"name\">\r\n                    <a class=\"toggle-link transition-all collapsed\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-item-2\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse-item-2\"><h3 class=\"panel-title\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"is_it_really_safe_to_keep_using_my_mac_when_sip_is_partially_disabled\"><\/span>Is It Really Safe to Keep Using My Mac When Sip is Partially Disabled?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t    <span class=\"faq-toggle-icon\"><\/span>\r\n                   <\/a>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <div id=\"collapse-item-2\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"heading2\" aria-expanded=\"false\" style=\"\">\r\n              <div class=\"panel-body\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\r\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\r\n                <p>If you are concerned with your security while SIP is partially disabled, you may take your Mac offline by disconnecting from your wired or wireless network. Though it\u2019s not that necessary, as your file system (the protection of which you just disabled temporarily) is not accessible to anything or anyone from outside of this computer.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n                <div class=\"clearfix\"><\/div>\r\n              <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"border-bottom: 00px solid rgb(213, 217, 217);\" class=\"panel panel-default faq-block\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" role=\"tablist\">\r\n            <div class=\"panel-heading\" role=\"tab\" id=\"heading3\">\r\n                <div class=\"panel-title\" itemprop=\"name\">\r\n                    <a class=\"toggle-link transition-all collapsed\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-item-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse-item-3\"><h3 class=\"panel-title\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"my_ma%d1%81_boots_from_the_external_drive_but_i_still_cant_see_my_system_drive_to_recover_lost_data_from\"><\/span>My Ma\u0441 Boots From the External Drive, but I Still Can\u2019t See My System Drive to Recover Lost Data From<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t    <span class=\"faq-toggle-icon\"><\/span>\r\n                   <\/a>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <div id=\"collapse-item-3\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"heading3\" aria-expanded=\"false\" style=\"\">\r\n              <div class=\"panel-body\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\r\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\r\n                <p>We are aware of similar cases when users can\u2019t access their internal drives even though their computers boot from external storage devices. When this happens, most probably your internal drive still happens to be under active protection of SIP (System Integrity Protection). This is exactly why you are reading this guide. Just disable SIP on your Mac for the time when you need to recover data from your internal drives. It\u2019s simple and totally safe, you can re-enable it back after your files are recovered.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n                <div class=\"clearfix\"><\/div>\r\n              <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"border-bottom: 01px solid rgb(213, 217, 217);\" class=\"panel panel-default faq-block\" itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/Question\" role=\"tablist\">\r\n            <div class=\"panel-heading\" role=\"tab\" id=\"heading4\">\r\n                <div class=\"panel-title\" itemprop=\"name\">\r\n                    <a class=\"toggle-link transition-all collapsed\" role=\"button\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-item-4\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"collapse-item-4\"><h3 class=\"panel-title\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"my_external_drive_is_not_visible_in_disk_drill_in_macos_1015\"><\/span>My External Drive is Not Visible in Disk Drill in Macos 10.15+<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>    \r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t    <span class=\"faq-toggle-icon\"><\/span>\r\n                   <\/a>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n            <div id=\"collapse-item-4\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" role=\"tabpanel\" aria-labelledby=\"heading4\" aria-expanded=\"false\" style=\"\">\r\n              <div class=\"panel-body\" itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"http:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\">\r\n<div itemprop=\"text\">\r\n                <p>If your external drive is utilized as a storage for Time Machine backups, macOS Catalina (10.15) or newer might be automatically protecting as part of SIP.<\/p>\r\n<\/div>\r\n                <div class=\"clearfix\"><\/div>\r\n              <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>System Integrity Protection (SIP) is a kernel\u2011level security technology that locks down critical areas of macOS (for example, \/System, \/usr, \/bin, \/sbin, \/var and Apple\u2011preinstalled apps). It\u2019s on by default and restricts even the root user. You can check it [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,3],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-13286","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-recovery","7":"category-tutorials"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What Is System Integrity Protection (SIP) on Mac? Disable\/Enable SIP (Apple silicon &amp; T2)<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn what SIP protects, how to check status, and how to (safely) disable\/enable it on Apple silicon and T2 Macs for data recovery or development.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cleverfiles.com\/help\/system-integrity-protection.html\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Is System Integrity Protection (SIP) on Mac? 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