[PedroCandeias]

Even with a "mute" checkbox, it stands to reason that a hack that grants access to the mic will also at least attempt to bypass the "mute" setting. So, without a hardware solution, there's no real way to secure the mics on these macbooks.

Personally I'm not that worried, but I can see why this could be a problem for some.

[Aqua_Geek]

Exactly. I was going to suggest using something like Soundflower to create a fake sound input device, but at the end of the day it's still a software thing that can be overridden.

If you're really paranoid, you could always remove the mic with a soldering iron... =)

[maukdaddy]

That's exactly what's done with cameras and microphones in high-security environments.

[LogicHoleFlaw]

Yep, my father used to work in high-security (think live nuclear sites)... the standard answer was to use a drill press to ream out any camera lenses on cell phones that needed to be on-site.

[mjwalshe]

Agreed a mate who used to work for Qinetiq - he commented that buying a new phone was getting to be a problem as taking a phone with a camera onsite was strictly forbidden.