SEP

The Secure Enclave Processor (SEP), is a security chip that's part of the T2 Security Chip of the Macintosh family of computers using the M-series of chips from Apple, Inc. It was introduced with the first T2 Intel Mac, the iMac Pro (2017). It stores firmware passwords (if FileVault is enabled), and Apple ID information (if erased/restored, activation lock is triggered, requiring the user to enter the Apple ID credentials to remove the Apple ID linked to the Mac).

Damn it! We can't get the passwords because of this stupid SEP chip in this computer, we might as well just throw it away, and they can say bye-bye to their precious work.