O'Grady's PowerPage

Tag: install

  • Apple resumes testing of its Background Security Improvement feature for upcoming iOS, iPadOS, and macOS updates

    Apple resumes testing of its Background Security Improvement feature for upcoming iOS, iPadOS, and macOS updates

    Apple has resumed testing its new Background Security Improvement feature, which first debuted with its release of the iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and macOS Tahoe 26.1 updates. Following a previous test earlier this week, developers and public beta testers who are running iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, or ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.3 can now install a second Background Security Improvement update for testing purposes.

    The company has stated that the feature offers additional security protections between software updates for its Safari, WebKit, and other system libraries.

    If you’re curious about trying them out, you can install them via the following steps, per MacRumors:

    “Background Security Improvements can be installed by going to the Privacy and Security section of the Settings app, scrolling down to Background Security Improvements, and selecting the “Install” option. If “Automatically Install” is toggled on, Background Security Improvements will be automatically installed when they come out with no need to manually install them.”

    Apple has also stated that users who choose not to install the Background Security Updates will receive the updates as part of standard software updates.

    Apple had previously used a Rapid Security Response update feature for delivering security improvements, although this wasn’t used often after its introduction in iOS 16. The feature was ultimately phased out in favor of the newer Background Security Improvements feature. At one point in 2023, there was a Rapid Security Response bug that prevented some websites from displaying properly.

    Finally, Apple has also warned that Background Security Updates can result in “rare instances of compatibility issues.” In these cases, the updates may be temporarily removed and enhanced in a subsequent software update.

    Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

    Via MacRumors and support.apple.com

  • Apple releases visionOS 1.1.1 update, focuses on bug and security fixes

    Apple releases visionOS 1.1.1 update, focuses on bug and security fixes

    It’s not the most significant update Apple may ever release, but if you snagged an Apple Vision Pro headset for yourself, it could make a difference.

    Apple on Friday released its visionOS 1.1.1 update, which provides important bug fixes and security updates and is recommended for all users.

    The highlight is probably the security updates, which are as yet unspecified. The Apple security releases page lists “details coming soon” for this release, which is often the case when it fixes a security flaw that has been actively exploited in the wild—waiting until the update is more broadly available and applied before letting bad actors know that the door has been closed.

    To update to visionOS 1.1.1, go to Settings > General > Software Update.

    If an update is available, tap Download and Install or Install Now. You might need to enter your Apple Vision Pro passcode.

    Once the update is ready to install, an alert window will ask you to take off your Apple Vision Pro headset. You can see the update’s progress on the front of your device with EyeSight.

    If you’ve had a chance to try the visionOS 1.1.1 update, please let us know about your experience in the comments.

    Via Macworld

  • Researcher notes Zoom access privilege exploit at DefCon, advises Mac users to update their software immediately

    Researcher notes Zoom access privilege exploit at DefCon, advises Mac users to update their software immediately

    You definitely want to update the Zoom application on your Mac.

    An exploit noted by Mac security specialist Patrick Wardle and disclosed at the DefCon tracking conference on August 12 has noted a loophole that could be exploited to offer an outside user full access to your Mac.

    Since Zoom has to be run with special user permissions to install, remove or update the main app from a computer, it asks for a user to enter their password during installation. A flaw within the auto-update function could allow Zoom to run continuously in the background with superuser privileges after installation. Whenever Zoom issues an update, the function checks the new package has been cryptographically signed by Zoom. Unfortunately, the checking method was flawed, and any file given the same name as Zoom’s signing certificate would pass muster. This could allow an outside user to substitute any sort of malware they wanted and Zoom’s updater would run it with elevated privileges.

    Once in and granted superuser, or root-level access, the outside party could add, modify, or remove any files on the Mac they wished.

    Wardle advised Zoom of his findings in December 2021. An initial fix, Wardle said, contained another bug. This meant despite the Zoom update, the vulnerability was still present and exploitable, but not quite as easily. He advised Zoom of the second bug, and then waited.

    After eight month, Zoom still had yet to fix the exploit. Wardle then presented it during this year’s DefCon conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. On Friday, Zoom issued version 5.11.5, which is supposedly safe from the exploit now.

    Be sure to update your version of Zoom on your Mac and please let us know about your experience in the comments.

    Via The Mac Observer, The Verge, and Zoom

  • macOS Monterey goes live, now available to download and install

    macOS Monterey goes live, now available to download and install

    If you’ve been hankering for the official release of macOS Monterey, it’s here.

    macOS Monterey 12.0.1, the successor to macOS Big Sur, arrived as promised on Monday, and is now available to download and install via the Software Update pane in System Preferences.

    To install macOS Monterey, just use the following steps:

    • Open System Preferences
    • Click on Software Update
    • Follow on-screen installation instructions

    New features include Shortcuts, Focus, Live text as well as the following new features:

    • AirPlay to Mac – allows users can play, present, and share from their iPhone or iPad right to their Mac,
    • SharePlay – lets users remotely watch content together, including Fitness+
    • Updates to FaceTime and iMessage

    One new feature, Universal Control, is expected to arrive later this fall. In addition, some key features, such as Portrait Mode, Live Text in Photos, and improvements to maps, will only work with M1, M1 Pro, and M1 Max processors.

    If you’ve installed macOS Monterey on your Macs, please let us know what you make of the new operating system.

    Via The Mac Observer

  • Apple posts installation instructions for 2019 Mac Pro upgrades

    With the launch of the 2019 Mac Pro, Apple on Tuesday revealed a dedicated support webpage complete with directions as to how to upgrade the RAM, PCIe cards, and other components of the new Mac Pro.

    Previously reserved for the cylindrical 2013 Mac Pro, Apple’s support page was redesigned today with resources specific to the 2019 version that went up for sale this week.

    The primary page of the web site features links for macOS support, backing up a Mac, and migrating data from one Mac to another. A second section covers installation of parts both inside and outside the modular Mac. Support videos include guides for upgrading RAM as well as installing up to two Mac Pro Expansion (MPX) modules, as seen below:

    The site also explains how to replace the I/O card and power supply, but warns users to contact a service provider to replace SSD modules and install chassis wheels.

    Other guides include tutorials as to how to connect multiple displays, an explanation of the T2 Security chip, information about RAM types, and an overview of supported PCIe cards.

    Stay tuned for additional details and if you’ve gotten your paws on the new Mac Pro, please let us know about your experience with the new desktop in the comments.

    Via AppleInsider and support.apple.com