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Advancing Device Control for Apple Silicon

Advancing Device Control for Apple Silicon

Engineering Hardware-Level Security for the M1/M2 Architecture

Leading Global Security Company | Endpoint Security

The Challenge

The transition to Apple Silicon (M1/M2) introduced a paradigm shift in system architecture, rendering prior Intel-based security solutions obsolete. Significant performance degradation and compatibility gaps emerged when running legacy device control suites on the new ARM-based platform. Preventing data exfiltration via USB, Thunderbolt, and mobile tethering required a complete re-engineering of the security posture to align with Apple’s rapidly evolving macOS frameworks and ARM-specific kernel behaviors.

Our Solution

Leveraging our deep expertise in low-level systems engineering, we conducted a comprehensive technical transformation to implement native device control for the Apple Silicon ecosystem. We bridged the architectural gap by transforming a high-risk compatibility hurdle into a high-performance security asset that provided:

  • Native ARM Optimization: Engineered a high-performance solution using Swift and modern macOS frameworks, eliminating the performance lag associated with legacy Intel-based translations.
  • Granular Hardware Enforcement: Developed robust policy enforcement for USB storage, Thunderbolt interfaces, and external media, ensuring total control over potential data egress points.
  • Advanced Tethering Control: Implemented sophisticated detection and blocking for mobile device tethering and network dongles, closing a critical gap in enterprise perimeter security.
  • Architectural Future-Proofing: Validated complex device-chaining scenarios and dynamic policy changes, ensuring the solution remains resilient across future macOS iterations.

Impact & Results

100%

Compatibility

Full device control functionality on M1/M2 Macs

All Devices

Coverage

USB, Thunderbolt, mobile, tethering validated

<50ms

Response Time

Device policy decision latency on Apple Silicon

Native ARM

Performance

Swift implementation optimized for Apple Silicon

Key Outcomes

  • We enabled the client to adopt next-generation hardware without sacrificing security. This ensured their enterprise endpoints remained protected and compliant during a major hardware transition – all without compromising the user experience.

Insights for different stakeholders

For C-Level Executives & Product Leaders

  • Apple Silicon migration with detailed analysis and development
  • Accelerated time-to-market by 6+ months through early technical validation
  • Ensured competitive positioning supporting latest Mac hardware
  • Enabled confident product commitments to customers adopting Apple Silicon

For Engineering & Architecture Teams

  • Swift-based implementation optimized for Apple Silicon performance
  • macOS framework integration for device monitoring
  • Latest extension framework leverged for future extensibility

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