PanicLock

Use it when

• Your threat model includes unwanted biometric unlock and you want a quick way to make the next Mac unlock require the password without shutting down the session.
• You want closing the laptop lid to disable Touch ID until the next password login.

What it solves

Not the fit when

• Macs without Touch ID or running macOS older than 14 (Sonoma)
• does not block other unlock methods such as Apple Watch or security keys
• not a remote lock, wipe, or anti-theft tool
• blocking Apple Watch or security key unlock
• remote lock or wipe of a lost device
• full disk encryption management
• Windows or Linux biometric lockdown

Install

brew install paniclock/tap/paniclock, or download PanicLock.dmg from the GitHub releases page; requires macOS 14+ on a Mac with Touch ID, with a one-time admin password prompt to install the privileged helper

Invoke

Left-click the menu bar icon or press the configured global hotkey to instantly disable Touch ID and lock the screen; enable Lock on Close in Preferences to trigger it on lid close

Alternatives

No reviewed alternatives recorded yet.