To help you capture iMessages, we connect Macs to the same AppleID as the phones. Macs are limited to 5 logged in users at any time. It's tempting to squeeze more users onto a Mac by logging the users in and out, over and over. This seems like a good idea, but not if you want to pass an SEC audit.
To avoid getting fined by the SEC, stick to 5 users per Mac. Here's why:
If Messages in iCloud ON
With 50 users on a Mac, 90% of messages that are sent/received can be deleted before the next login and thus not appear in the archive. Anything over 5 users will fail an audit.
If Messages in iCloud OFF
In our experience, turning this off causes syncing to fail sporadically when logging in and out lots of users. When we tested this, we saw data loss in 20-30% of accounts over the course of a year, which also won't survive audit.
The Apple Risk Is Real
The MacOS Terms of Service prohibits “Service Bureaus” (logging users in and out). Apple has, many times, remotely disabled non-compliant platforms with no notice, often locking all end-user Apple IDs as well.
We support some of the biggest names in compliance, making it easy for clients to centralize their data collection and seamlessly review iMessages along with other content.
Global Relay boasts over two decades of experience in providing industry-leading cloud archiving, compliance, and legal solutions tailored for financial and regulated organizations.
Proofpoint provides advanced protection by utilizing innovative cloud technology and a global intelligence platform that spans the most used communication channels.
Smarsh empowers businesses to focus on growth and innovation, backed by robust, cutting-edge solutions for seamless communication compliance management.
