Apply Watch Unlock / DisplayLink / Screen Sharing

paultzirides · 10-26-2018, 02:48 PM

I checked into this a number of months back - this is an issue that manifests with any third-party display drivers (Duet Display, Air Display, DisplayLink, etc.). The basic idea is that these USB-based solutions can be insecure, or, if coming from a disreputable developer, can intercept the secure communication between the Mac and Apple Watch, which would compromise security for all Apple Watch users. If a malicious actor can reverse-engineer the way Apple securely authenticates and unlocks the workstation, they'll have the keys to the kingdom. To mitigate this, Apple prevents this function from working completely when any third-party USB-based display is connected.

SCM · 10-27-2018, 04:45 AM

The basic gist is correct though not tied to an interface type (USB/Thunderbolt/Etc). If the provider (DisplayLink) cannot adhere to a secure hardware solution, therefore succumbing to a software emulation type it can't be secured.

It's worked in the past, DL knows the issue, it will work when they get around to it.

MickeKling · 11-02-2018, 12:28 PM

I can also confirm that the AW-unlock if not funktion with DL-installen.

I have also trouble with the screen zooming function.

SCM · 11-07-2018, 04:48 PM

Interesting, just upgraded to MacOS 10.14.1 and displaylink is no longer using Airplay. Extended display to one monitor is working fine and also unlock with Apple Watch!

I have not changed the 4.3 beta 6 drivers yet to 5.x since its working at the moment.

Time will tell!

SCM · 11-07-2018, 08:18 PM

Well that was short lived, only worked after on reboot. All issues still remain regardless of 5.0.1 or 4.3.beta 6.

DisplayLink... any updates to this issue and Mac 2018 capability without AirPLay?!

Steve

bucweat · 05-03-2019, 03:55 PM

I thought I read somewhere that with Airplay was no longer being used with 5.X driver in Mojave as it provides a new/better interface. However, I'm still having the same issue with Apple Watch login with DisplayLink monitor connected. Is the 5.X driver still using something under the hood that Apple interprets as screen sharing?

Other than this, DisplayLInk has been working fairly well for me...Macbook Air 2015 with one Thunderbolt display and one DisplayLink display.

05-03-2019, 03:55 PM	#6
bucweat Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Posts: 1	Still an issue in Mojave? I thought I read somewhere that with Airplay was no longer being used with 5.X driver in Mojave as it provides a new/better interface. However, I'm still having the same issue with Apple Watch login with DisplayLink monitor connected. Is the 5.X driver still using something under the hood that Apple interprets as screen sharing? Other than this, DisplayLInk has been working fairly well for me...Macbook Air 2015 with one Thunderbolt display and one DisplayLink display.

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10-26-2018, 02:48 PM	#1
paultzirides Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 50	I checked into this a number of months back - this is an issue that manifests with any third-party display drivers (Duet Display, Air Display, DisplayLink, etc.). The basic idea is that these USB-based solutions can be insecure, or, if coming from a disreputable developer, can intercept the secure communication between the Mac and Apple Watch, which would compromise security for all Apple Watch users. If a malicious actor can reverse-engineer the way Apple securely authenticates and unlocks the workstation, they'll have the keys to the kingdom. To mitigate this, Apple prevents this function from working completely when any third-party USB-based display is connected.

10-27-2018, 04:45 AM	#2
SCM Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 4	The basic gist is correct though not tied to an interface type (USB/Thunderbolt/Etc). If the provider (DisplayLink) cannot adhere to a secure hardware solution, therefore succumbing to a software emulation type it can't be secured. It's worked in the past, DL knows the issue, it will work when they get around to it.

11-02-2018, 12:28 PM	#3
MickeKling Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Posts: 2	I can also confirm that the AW-unlock if not funktion with DL-installen. I have also trouble with the screen zooming function.

11-07-2018, 04:48 PM	#4
SCM Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 4	Interesting, just upgraded to MacOS 10.14.1 and displaylink is no longer using Airplay. Extended display to one monitor is working fine and also unlock with Apple Watch! I have not changed the 4.3 beta 6 drivers yet to 5.x since its working at the moment. Time will tell!

11-07-2018, 08:18 PM	#5
SCM Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 4	Well that was short lived, only worked after on reboot. All issues still remain regardless of 5.0.1 or 4.3.beta 6. DisplayLink... any updates to this issue and Mac 2018 capability without AirPLay?! Steve