AirDrop Management on macOS
Control AirDrop functionality on your MacFleet devices to enhance security and prevent unauthorized file transfers. This tutorial covers enabling, disabling, monitoring, and managing AirDrop settings for corporate compliance and data protection.
Understanding AirDrop on macOS
AirDrop is Apple's wireless file sharing technology that allows users to transfer files between nearby Apple devices including:
- Mac computers running macOS Lion (10.7) or later
- iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch) with iOS 7 or later
- Apple Watch for supported content types
Security Considerations
In enterprise environments, AirDrop can pose security risks:
- Data leakage through unauthorized file transfers
- Malware distribution via infected files
- Corporate policy violations through uncontrolled sharing
- Network security bypassing traditional file transfer controls
Basic AirDrop Control Commands
Disable AirDrop Functionality
#!/bin/sh
# Disable AirDrop by shutting down AWDL interface
sudo ifconfig awdl0 down
echo "AirDrop functionality disabled"
Enable AirDrop Functionality
#!/bin/sh
# Enable AirDrop by bringing up AWDL interface
sudo ifconfig awdl0 up
echo "AirDrop functionality enabled"
Check AirDrop Status
#!/bin/bash
# Check current AirDrop/AWDL interface status
check_airdrop_status() {
local awdl_status
awdl_status=$(ifconfig awdl0 2>/dev/null | grep "status:" | awk '{print $2}')
if [[ "$awdl_status" == "active" ]]; then
echo "AirDrop: ENABLED"
return 0
elif [[ "$awdl_status" == "inactive" ]]; then
echo "AirDrop: DISABLED"
return 1
else
echo "AirDrop: STATUS UNKNOWN"
return 2
fi
}
check_airdrop_status
Advanced AirDrop Management
Comprehensive AirDrop Control Script
#!/bin/bash
# Advanced AirDrop management with validation and logging
manage_airdrop() {
local action="$1"
local force="${2:-false}"
# Validate admin privileges
if [[ $EUID -ne 0 ]]; then
echo "Error: This script requires administrator privileges"
echo "Please run with sudo: sudo $0"
exit 1
fi
case "$action" in
"disable")
echo "Disabling AirDrop functionality..."
# Check current status
local current_status
current_status=$(ifconfig awdl0 2>/dev/null | grep "status:" | awk '{print $2}')
if [[ "$current_status" == "inactive" ]]; then
echo "AirDrop is already disabled"
return 0
fi
# Disable AWDL interface
if ifconfig awdl0 down 2>/dev/null; then
echo "✓ AirDrop disabled successfully"
# Verify the change
sleep 2
local new_status
new_status=$(ifconfig awdl0 2>/dev/null | grep "status:" | awk '{print $2}')
if [[ "$new_status" == "inactive" ]]; then
echo "✓ AirDrop status verified: DISABLED"
return 0
else
echo "⚠ Warning: AirDrop status verification failed"
return 1
fi
else
echo "✗ Failed to disable AirDrop"
return 1
fi
;;
"enable")
echo "Enabling AirDrop functionality..."
# Check current status
local current_status
current_status=$(ifconfig awdl0 2>/dev/null | grep "status:" | awk '{print $2}')
if [[ "$current_status" == "active" ]]; then
echo "AirDrop is already enabled"
return 0
fi
# Enable AWDL interface
if ifconfig awdl0 up 2>/dev/null; then
echo "✓ AirDrop enabled successfully"
# Verify the change
sleep 2
local new_status
new_status=$(ifconfig awdl0 2>/dev/null | grep "status:" | awk '{print $2}')
if [[ "$new_status" == "active" ]]; then
echo "✓ AirDrop status verified: ENABLED"
return 0
else
echo "⚠ Warning: AirDrop status verification failed"
return 1
fi
else
echo "✗ Failed to enable AirDrop"
return 1
fi
;;
"status")
echo "Checking AirDrop status..."
# Get detailed interface information
if ifconfig awdl0 &>/dev/null; then
local status_line
status_line=$(ifconfig awdl0 | grep "status:")
echo "AWDL Interface: $status_line"
local flags_line
flags_line=$(ifconfig awdl0 | head -1 | cut -d'<' -f2 | cut -d'>' -f1)
echo "Interface Flags: $flags_line"
# Check if interface is up and running
if echo "$flags_line" | grep -q "UP"; then
echo "AirDrop Status: ENABLED"
else
echo "AirDrop Status: DISABLED"
fi
else
echo "AWDL Interface: NOT AVAILABLE"
echo "AirDrop Status: NOT SUPPORTED"
fi
;;
*)
echo "Usage: manage_airdrop [disable|enable|status]"
echo " disable - Disable AirDrop functionality"
echo " enable - Enable AirDrop functionality"
echo " status - Check current AirDrop status"
return 1
;;
esac
}
# Execute function with provided arguments
manage_airdrop "$@"
User-Level AirDrop Settings Management
#!/bin/bash
# Manage user-level AirDrop discovery settings
manage_airdrop_discovery() {
local username="$1"
local setting="$2"
# Validate inputs
if [[ -z "$username" || -z "$setting" ]]; then
echo "Usage: manage_airdrop_discovery <username> <off|contacts|everyone>"
return 1
fi
# Check if user exists
if ! id "$username" &>/dev/null; then
echo "Error: User '$username' does not exist"
return 1
fi
# Map setting to numeric value
local discovery_value
case "$setting" in
"off")
discovery_value="0"
;;
"contacts")
discovery_value="1"
;;
"everyone")
discovery_value="2"
;;
*)
echo "Error: Invalid setting '$setting'"
echo "Valid options: off, contacts, everyone"
return 1
;;
esac
echo "Setting AirDrop discovery to '$setting' for user: $username"
# Set the preference for the user
if sudo -u "$username" defaults write com.apple.sharingd DiscoverableMode -int "$discovery_value"; then
echo "✓ AirDrop discovery setting updated"
# Restart sharing daemon to apply changes
sudo -u "$username" killall sharingd 2>/dev/null
echo "✓ Settings applied successfully"
return 0
else
echo "✗ Failed to update AirDrop discovery setting"
return 1
fi
}
# Usage examples
manage_airdrop_discovery "$(whoami)" "contacts"
Enterprise AirDrop Policy Management
#!/bin/bash
# Enterprise AirDrop policy enforcement
apply_airdrop_policy() {
local policy_type="$1"
local apply_to_all_users="${2:-false}"
echo "=== Applying AirDrop Policy: $policy_type ==="
case "$policy_type" in
"corporate_lockdown")
echo "Applying corporate lockdown policy..."
# Disable AirDrop system-wide
sudo ifconfig awdl0 down
# Disable for all users
if [[ "$apply_to_all_users" == "true" ]]; then
local users
users=$(dscl . -list /Users | grep -v "^_" | grep -v "daemon\|nobody\|root")
for user in $users; do
echo "Disabling AirDrop for user: $user"
sudo -u "$user" defaults write com.apple.sharingd DiscoverableMode -int 0
done
fi
echo "✓ Corporate lockdown policy applied"
;;
"contacts_only")
echo "Applying contacts-only policy..."
# Enable AirDrop but restrict to contacts
sudo ifconfig awdl0 up
if [[ "$apply_to_all_users" == "true" ]]; then
local users
users=$(dscl . -list /Users | grep -v "^_" | grep -v "daemon\|nobody\|root")
for user in $users; do
echo "Setting contacts-only for user: $user"
sudo -u "$user" defaults write com.apple.sharingd DiscoverableMode -int 1
done
fi
echo "✓ Contacts-only policy applied"
;;
"unrestricted")
echo "Applying unrestricted policy..."
# Enable AirDrop with full discovery
sudo ifconfig awdl0 up
if [[ "$apply_to_all_users" == "true" ]]; then
local users
users=$(dscl . -list /Users | grep -v "^_" | grep -v "daemon\|nobody\|root")
for user in $users; do
echo "Setting unrestricted for user: $user"
sudo -u "$user" defaults write com.apple.sharingd DiscoverableMode -int 2
done
fi
echo "✓ Unrestricted policy applied"
;;
*)
echo "Error: Unknown policy type '$policy_type'"
echo "Available policies: corporate_lockdown, contacts_only, unrestricted"
return 1
;;
esac
}
# Usage
apply_airdrop_policy "corporate_lockdown" "true"
Enterprise AirDrop Management System
#!/bin/bash
# MacFleet AirDrop Management Tool
# Comprehensive AirDrop control and monitoring for fleet devices
# Configuration
SCRIPT_VERSION="1.0.0"
LOG_FILE="/var/log/macfleet_airdrop.log"
REPORT_DIR="/etc/macfleet/reports/airdrop"
CONFIG_DIR="/etc/macfleet/airdrop"
POLICY_DIR="/etc/macfleet/policies/airdrop"
# Create directories if they don't exist
mkdir -p "$REPORT_DIR" "$CONFIG_DIR" "$POLICY_DIR"
# AirDrop policy templates
declare -A AIRDROP_POLICIES=(
["high_security"]="disabled,no_discovery,monitoring_enabled,audit_logging"
["medium_security"]="enabled,contacts_only,monitoring_enabled,audit_logging"
["low_security"]="enabled,everyone,monitoring_disabled,basic_logging"
["development"]="enabled,everyone,monitoring_enabled,debug_logging"
["kiosk_mode"]="disabled,no_discovery,monitoring_disabled,no_logging"
["guest_network"]="enabled,contacts_only,monitoring_enabled,audit_logging"
["executive"]="enabled,contacts_only,monitoring_enabled,executive_reporting"
["classroom"]="disabled,no_discovery,monitoring_enabled,educational_logging"
["healthcare"]="disabled,no_discovery,monitoring_enabled,hipaa_compliance"
["financial"]="disabled,no_discovery,monitoring_enabled,sox_compliance"
)
# Security compliance frameworks
declare -A COMPLIANCE_SETTINGS=(
["hipaa"]="airdrop_disabled,audit_all_attempts,data_loss_prevention"
["sox"]="airdrop_disabled,financial_data_protection,executive_monitoring"
["gdpr"]="privacy_controls,user_consent_required,data_transfer_logging"
["pci_dss"]="payment_data_protection,cardholder_isolation,secure_networks"
["iso27001"]="information_security,access_controls,incident_management"
)
# Logging function
log_action() {
local message="$1"
local timestamp=$(date '+%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S')
echo "[$timestamp] $message" | tee -a "$LOG_FILE"
}
# Advanced AirDrop status monitoring
monitor_airdrop_status() {
local detailed="${1:-false}"
log_action "Monitoring AirDrop status (detailed: $detailed)"
echo "=== AirDrop Status Monitor ==="
# Check AWDL interface status
local awdl_status="unknown"
local awdl_flags=""
local awdl_ip=""
if ifconfig awdl0 &>/dev/null; then
awdl_status=$(ifconfig awdl0 | grep "status:" | awk '{print $2}' || echo "unknown")
awdl_flags=$(ifconfig awdl0 | head -1 | grep -o '<.*>' | tr -d '<>')
awdl_ip=$(ifconfig awdl0 | grep "inet " | awk '{print $2}' || echo "none")
fi
echo "AWDL Interface Status: $awdl_status"
echo "Interface Flags: $awdl_flags"
echo "AWDL IP Address: $awdl_ip"
# Check system-wide AirDrop enablement
local system_airdrop_enabled="false"
if [[ "$awdl_status" == "active" ]] && echo "$awdl_flags" | grep -q "UP"; then
system_airdrop_enabled="true"
fi
echo "System AirDrop Status: $([ "$system_airdrop_enabled" == "true" ] && echo "ENABLED" || echo "DISABLED")"
if [[ "$detailed" == "true" ]]; then
echo ""
echo "=== Detailed Analysis ==="
# Check user-level settings
local users
users=$(dscl . -list /Users | grep -v "^_" | grep -v "daemon\|nobody\|root")
echo "User-Level AirDrop Settings:"
for user in $users; do
local user_setting
user_setting=$(sudo -u "$user" defaults read com.apple.sharingd DiscoverableMode 2>/dev/null || echo "not_set")
local setting_text
case "$user_setting" in
"0") setting_text="OFF" ;;
"1") setting_text="CONTACTS ONLY" ;;
"2") setting_text="EVERYONE" ;;
*) setting_text="NOT SET" ;;
esac
echo " $user: $setting_text"
done
# Check network connectivity
echo ""
echo "Network Interface Information:"
echo "Wi-Fi Status: $(networksetup -getairportpower en0 | awk '{print $4}')"
echo "Bluetooth Status: $(system_profiler SPBluetoothDataType | grep "State:" | awk '{print $2}' | head -1)"
# Check running processes
echo ""
echo "Related Processes:"
ps aux | grep -E "(sharingd|airportd)" | grep -v grep | awk '{print $11}'
fi
}
# Comprehensive AirDrop policy enforcement
enforce_airdrop_policy() {
local policy_name="$1"
local target_users="$2"
local dry_run="${3:-false}"
log_action "Enforcing AirDrop policy: $policy_name (dry_run: $dry_run)"
if [[ -z "${AIRDROP_POLICIES[$policy_name]}" ]]; then
log_action "ERROR: Unknown policy '$policy_name'"
echo "Available policies: ${!AIRDROP_POLICIES[*]}"
return 1
fi
# Parse policy configuration
IFS=',' read -ra POLICY_PARTS <<< "${AIRDROP_POLICIES[$policy_name]}"
local airdrop_state="${POLICY_PARTS[0]}"
local discovery_setting="${POLICY_PARTS[1]}"
local monitoring_level="${POLICY_PARTS[2]}"
local logging_level="${POLICY_PARTS[3]}"
echo "=== Enforcing Policy: $policy_name ==="
echo "AirDrop State: $airdrop_state"
echo "Discovery Setting: $discovery_setting"
echo "Monitoring Level: $monitoring_level"
echo "Logging Level: $logging_level"
if [[ "$dry_run" == "true" ]]; then
echo "DRY RUN MODE - No changes will be applied"
return 0
fi
# Apply system-level settings
case "$airdrop_state" in
"enabled")
echo "Enabling AirDrop system-wide..."
sudo ifconfig awdl0 up
;;
"disabled")
echo "Disabling AirDrop system-wide..."
sudo ifconfig awdl0 down
;;
esac
# Apply user-level settings
if [[ "$target_users" == "all" ]]; then
local users
users=$(dscl . -list /Users | grep -v "^_" | grep -v "daemon\|nobody\|root")
else
IFS=',' read -ra users <<< "$target_users"
fi
local discovery_value
case "$discovery_setting" in
"no_discovery") discovery_value="0" ;;
"contacts_only") discovery_value="1" ;;
"everyone") discovery_value="2" ;;
esac
for user in "${users[@]}"; do
if id "$user" &>/dev/null; then
echo "Applying settings for user: $user"
sudo -u "$user" defaults write com.apple.sharingd DiscoverableMode -int "$discovery_value"
# Restart sharing daemon
sudo -u "$user" killall sharingd 2>/dev/null
fi
done
# Configure monitoring
configure_airdrop_monitoring "$monitoring_level" "$logging_level"
# Generate policy compliance report
local report_file="$REPORT_DIR/policy_enforcement_${policy_name}_$(date +%Y%m%d_%H%M%S).json"
generate_policy_report "$policy_name" "$report_file"
log_action "Policy enforcement completed: $report_file"
echo "$report_file"
}
# Configure AirDrop monitoring and logging
configure_airdrop_monitoring() {
local monitoring_level="$1"
local logging_level="$2"
echo "Configuring monitoring (level: $monitoring_level, logging: $logging_level)"
case "$monitoring_level" in
"monitoring_enabled")
# Create monitoring script
cat > "/usr/local/bin/macfleet_airdrop_monitor.sh" << 'EOF'
#!/bin/bash
# AirDrop activity monitor
while true; do
# Monitor AWDL interface changes
ifconfig awdl0 | grep "status:" >> /var/log/macfleet_airdrop_activity.log
sleep 30
done
EOF
chmod +x "/usr/local/bin/macfleet_airdrop_monitor.sh"
# Create LaunchDaemon for monitoring
cat > "/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.macfleet.airdrop.monitor.plist" << EOF
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
<key>Label</key>
<string>com.macfleet.airdrop.monitor</string>
<key>ProgramArguments</key>
<array>
<string>/usr/local/bin/macfleet_airdrop_monitor.sh</string>
</array>
<key>RunAtLoad</key>
<true/>
<key>KeepAlive</key>
<true/>
</dict>
</plist>
EOF
launchctl load "/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.macfleet.airdrop.monitor.plist"
;;
"monitoring_disabled")
# Remove monitoring components
launchctl unload "/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.macfleet.airdrop.monitor.plist" 2>/dev/null
rm -f "/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.macfleet.airdrop.monitor.plist"
rm -f "/usr/local/bin/macfleet_airdrop_monitor.sh"
;;
esac
}
# Generate comprehensive policy compliance report
generate_policy_report() {
local policy_name="$1"
local report_file="$2"
# Get current system state
local awdl_status=$(ifconfig awdl0 2>/dev/null | grep "status:" | awk '{print $2}' || echo "unknown")
local system_enabled="false"
[[ "$awdl_status" == "active" ]] && system_enabled="true"
# Get user settings
local users
users=$(dscl . -list /Users | grep -v "^_" | grep -v "daemon\|nobody\|root")
cat > "$report_file" << EOF
{
"policy_report": {
"policy_name": "$policy_name",
"timestamp": "$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)",
"hostname": "$(hostname)",
"script_version": "$SCRIPT_VERSION",
"system_status": {
"awdl_interface": "$awdl_status",
"system_airdrop_enabled": $system_enabled
},
"user_settings": [],
"compliance_status": "compliant",
"recommendations": []
}
}
EOF
# Add user-specific settings
for user in $users; do
local user_setting
user_setting=$(sudo -u "$user" defaults read com.apple.sharingd DiscoverableMode 2>/dev/null || echo "-1")
jq --arg user "$user" \
--argjson setting "$user_setting" \
'.policy_report.user_settings += [{
"username": $user,
"discovery_mode": $setting,
"discovery_text": (if $setting == 0 then "OFF" elif $setting == 1 then "CONTACTS_ONLY" elif $setting == 2 then "EVERYONE" else "NOT_SET" end)
}]' "$report_file" > "${report_file}.tmp" && mv "${report_file}.tmp" "$report_file"
done
log_action "Policy report generated: $report_file"
}
# Fleet-wide AirDrop audit
audit_fleet_airdrop() {
local scope="${1:-all}"
echo "=== Fleet AirDrop Audit ==="
log_action "Starting fleet AirDrop audit (scope: $scope)"
local audit_report="$REPORT_DIR/fleet_airdrop_audit_$(date +%Y%m%d_%H%M%S).json"
cat > "$audit_report" << EOF
{
"audit_info": {
"timestamp": "$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)",
"hostname": "$(hostname)",
"scope": "$scope",
"audit_type": "airdrop_security"
},
"system_analysis": {},
"user_analysis": [],
"security_findings": [],
"recommendations": []
}
EOF
# System-level analysis
local awdl_status=$(ifconfig awdl0 2>/dev/null | grep "status:" | awk '{print $2}' || echo "unknown")
local wifi_status=$(networksetup -getairportpower en0 | awk '{print $4}')
local bluetooth_status=$(system_profiler SPBluetoothDataType | grep "State:" | awk '{print $2}' | head -1)
jq --arg awdl "$awdl_status" \
--arg wifi "$wifi_status" \
--arg bluetooth "$bluetooth_status" \
'.audit_info.system_analysis = {
"awdl_interface": $awdl,
"wifi_enabled": ($wifi == "On"),
"bluetooth_enabled": ($bluetooth == "On"),
"airdrop_capable": (($wifi == "On") and ($bluetooth == "On"))
}' "$audit_report" > "${audit_report}.tmp" && mv "${audit_report}.tmp" "$audit_report"
# User-level analysis
local users
users=$(dscl . -list /Users | grep -v "^_" | grep -v "daemon\|nobody\|root")
local security_issues=0
for user in $users; do
local discovery_mode
discovery_mode=$(sudo -u "$user" defaults read com.apple.sharingd DiscoverableMode 2>/dev/null || echo "-1")
local home_dir
home_dir=$(dscl . -read "/Users/$user" NFSHomeDirectory 2>/dev/null | cut -d: -f2 | xargs)
local is_admin="false"
if dseditgroup -o checkmember -m "$user" admin &>/dev/null; then
is_admin="true"
fi
# Check for security concerns
local security_concern="none"
if [[ "$discovery_mode" == "2" ]] && [[ "$is_admin" == "true" ]]; then
security_concern="admin_user_unrestricted_airdrop"
((security_issues++))
elif [[ "$discovery_mode" == "2" ]]; then
security_concern="unrestricted_airdrop_enabled"
fi
jq --arg user "$user" \
--argjson discovery "$discovery_mode" \
--arg home "$home_dir" \
--arg admin "$is_admin" \
--arg concern "$security_concern" \
'.audit_info.user_analysis += [{
"username": $user,
"discovery_mode": $discovery,
"home_directory": $home,
"is_admin": ($admin == "true"),
"security_concern": $concern
}]' "$audit_report" > "${audit_report}.tmp" && mv "${audit_report}.tmp" "$audit_report"
done
# Generate security summary
jq --argjson issues "$security_issues" \
'.audit_info.security_findings = [
{
"total_security_issues": $issues,
"severity": (if $issues == 0 then "low" elif $issues < 3 then "medium" else "high" end),
"compliance_status": (if $issues == 0 then "compliant" else "non_compliant" end)
}
]' "$audit_report" > "${audit_report}.tmp" && mv "${audit_report}.tmp" "$audit_report"
echo "Audit completed. Found $security_issues security issues."
log_action "Fleet audit completed: $audit_report"
echo "$audit_report"
}
# Main execution function
main() {
local action="${1:-status}"
local param1="${2:-}"
local param2="${3:-}"
local param3="${4:-}"
log_action "=== MacFleet AirDrop Management Started ==="
log_action "Action: $action"
# Ensure required privileges for most operations
if [[ "$action" != "status" && "$action" != "help" && $EUID -ne 0 ]]; then
echo "Error: This action requires administrator privileges"
echo "Please run with sudo: sudo $0 $*"
exit 1
fi
case "$action" in
"disable")
echo "Disabling AirDrop..."
sudo ifconfig awdl0 down && echo "✓ AirDrop disabled" || echo "✗ Failed to disable AirDrop"
;;
"enable")
echo "Enabling AirDrop..."
sudo ifconfig awdl0 up && echo "✓ AirDrop enabled" || echo "✗ Failed to enable AirDrop"
;;
"status")
monitor_airdrop_status "$param1"
;;
"policy")
if [[ -z "$param1" ]]; then
echo "Available policies: ${!AIRDROP_POLICIES[*]}"
exit 1
fi
enforce_airdrop_policy "$param1" "${param2:-all}" "$param3"
;;
"audit")
audit_fleet_airdrop "$param1"
;;
"user")
if [[ -z "$param1" || -z "$param2" ]]; then
echo "Usage: $0 user <username> <off|contacts|everyone>"
exit 1
fi
manage_airdrop_discovery "$param1" "$param2"
;;
"help")
echo "Usage: $0 [action] [options...]"
echo "Actions:"
echo " disable - Disable AirDrop system-wide"
echo " enable - Enable AirDrop system-wide"
echo " status [detailed] - Check AirDrop status"
echo " policy <policy_name> [users] [dry_run] - Apply policy"
echo " user <username> <setting> - Set user AirDrop setting"
echo " audit [scope] - Audit AirDrop security"
echo " help - Show this help"
echo ""
echo "Policies: ${!AIRDROP_POLICIES[*]}"
;;
*)
log_action "ERROR: Unknown action: $action"
echo "Use '$0 help' for usage information"
exit 1
;;
esac
log_action "=== AirDrop management completed ==="
}
# Execute main function
main "$@"
AirDrop Security Best Practices
Corporate Security Policies
#!/bin/bash
# Implement corporate AirDrop security policies
implement_corporate_security() {
echo "=== Implementing Corporate AirDrop Security ==="
# 1. Disable AirDrop on shared/public computers
echo "Disabling AirDrop on shared workstations..."
sudo ifconfig awdl0 down
# 2. Set restrictive user defaults
echo "Setting restrictive AirDrop defaults..."
local users
users=$(dscl . -list /Users | grep -v "^_" | grep -v "daemon\|nobody\|root")
for user in $users; do
sudo -u "$user" defaults write com.apple.sharingd DiscoverableMode -int 0
done
# 3. Create system-wide policy enforcement
cat > "/Library/Preferences/com.apple.sharingd.plist" << EOF
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE plist PUBLIC "-//Apple//DTD PLIST 1.0//EN" "http://www.apple.com/DTDs/PropertyList-1.0.dtd">
<plist version="1.0">
<dict>
<key>DiscoverableMode</key>
<integer>0</integer>
<key>AirDropEnabled</key>
<false/>
</dict>
</plist>
EOF
# 4. Set proper permissions
chmod 644 "/Library/Preferences/com.apple.sharingd.plist"
chown root:wheel "/Library/Preferences/com.apple.sharingd.plist"
echo "✓ Corporate security policies implemented"
}
implement_corporate_security
Compliance Monitoring
#!/bin/bash
# Monitor AirDrop compliance with security policies
monitor_compliance() {
local compliance_standard="$1"
echo "=== AirDrop Compliance Monitoring: $compliance_standard ==="
case "$compliance_standard" in
"hipaa")
# Healthcare compliance - AirDrop must be disabled
if ifconfig awdl0 | grep -q "status: active"; then
echo "⚠ HIPAA VIOLATION: AirDrop is enabled"
echo "Recommendation: Disable AirDrop to prevent PHI leakage"
return 1
else
echo "✓ HIPAA COMPLIANT: AirDrop is disabled"
fi
;;
"pci_dss")
# Payment card industry compliance
if ifconfig awdl0 | grep -q "status: active"; then
echo "⚠ PCI DSS VIOLATION: AirDrop creates uncontrolled network path"
echo "Recommendation: Disable AirDrop in cardholder data environment"
return 1
else
echo "✓ PCI DSS COMPLIANT: AirDrop is disabled"
fi
;;
"sox")
# Sarbanes-Oxley compliance for financial data
echo "Checking SOX compliance for financial data protection..."
# Implementation specific to financial data handling
;;
*)
echo "Unknown compliance standard: $compliance_standard"
return 1
;;
esac
}
# Usage
monitor_compliance "hipaa"
Troubleshooting AirDrop Issues
Network Diagnostics
#!/bin/bash
# Comprehensive AirDrop troubleshooting
troubleshoot_airdrop() {
echo "=== AirDrop Troubleshooting Diagnostics ==="
echo "1. Checking AWDL Interface..."
if ifconfig awdl0 &>/dev/null; then
ifconfig awdl0 | head -10
else
echo "AWDL interface not available"
fi
echo -e "\n2. Checking Wi-Fi Status..."
networksetup -getairportpower en0
echo -e "\n3. Checking Bluetooth Status..."
system_profiler SPBluetoothDataType | grep -A 5 "State:"
echo -e "\n4. Checking Firewall Settings..."
/usr/libexec/ApplicationFirewall/socketfilterfw --getglobalstate
echo -e "\n5. Checking Sharing Preferences..."
local users
users=$(dscl . -list /Users | grep -v "^_" | grep -v "daemon\|nobody\|root")
for user in $users; do
local setting
setting=$(sudo -u "$user" defaults read com.apple.sharingd DiscoverableMode 2>/dev/null || echo "not set")
echo "User $user: $setting"
done
echo -e "\n6. Checking Related Processes..."
ps aux | grep -E "(sharingd|airportd|bluetoothd)" | grep -v grep
echo -e "\n7. Network Interface Summary..."
networksetup -listallhardwareports | grep -A 1 "Wi-Fi\|Bluetooth"
}
troubleshoot_airdrop
Reset AirDrop Configuration
#!/bin/bash
# Reset AirDrop to default configuration
reset_airdrop_config() {
echo "=== Resetting AirDrop Configuration ==="
# Stop sharing daemon
echo "Stopping sharing daemon..."
sudo killall sharingd 2>/dev/null
# Reset AWDL interface
echo "Resetting AWDL interface..."
sudo ifconfig awdl0 down
sleep 2
sudo ifconfig awdl0 up
# Clear user preferences
echo "Clearing user AirDrop preferences..."
local users
users=$(dscl . -list /Users | grep -v "^_" | grep -v "daemon\|nobody\|root")
for user in $users; do
echo "Resetting preferences for user: $user"
sudo -u "$user" defaults delete com.apple.sharingd DiscoverableMode 2>/dev/null || true
done
# Remove system-wide policies
echo "Removing system-wide AirDrop policies..."
sudo rm -f "/Library/Preferences/com.apple.sharingd.plist"
# Restart sharing daemon
echo "Restarting sharing daemon..."
sudo launchctl kickstart -k system/com.apple.sharingd
echo "✓ AirDrop configuration reset to defaults"
}
reset_airdrop_config
Important Notes
- AWDL Interface - Apple Wireless Direct Link is the underlying technology for AirDrop
- Administrative privileges required for system-wide AirDrop control
- User-level settings can override system policies unless enforced
- Network dependencies - Requires both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to be enabled
- Security implications - Consider corporate policies before enabling
- Compliance requirements - Some industries require AirDrop to be disabled
- Test thoroughly - Validate changes on test devices before fleet deployment