Here are 12 of the best new features that you’ll be able to try out on your iPhone or iPad in the fall. The post Top 12 New Features in iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 appeared first on The Mac…
Category: The Mac Security Blog
Top 10 New Features in macOS Sonoma
*Here are 10 of the best features in macOS Sonoma that you’ll be able to try out in the fall.* The post Top 10 New Features in macOS Sonoma appeared first on The Mac Security Blog. This article has been…
How to Install Apple Beta Software for macOS Sonoma, iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and watchOS 10
Anyone can now install beta software of Apple’s operating systems. But just because you can doesn’t mean you should. The post How to Install Apple Beta Software for macOS Sonoma, iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and watchOS 10 appeared first on…
Apple WWDC: New Macs, Vision Pro Headset, macOS Sonoma, and iOS / iPadOS 17
Apple has announced new Macs, new operating systems, and a whole new computing platform with Vision Pro. The post Apple WWDC: New Macs, Vision Pro Headset, macOS Sonoma, and iOS / iPadOS 17 appeared first on The Mac Security Blog.…
How to choose the right Mac for your use case in 2023
If you want to buy a new Mac, you have several options. This guide looks at the pros and cons of each type of Mac. The post How to choose the right Mac for your use case in 2023 appeared…
WWDC: New Macs, macOS Sonoma, iOS / iPadOS 17, and Vision Pro – Intego Mac Podcast Episode 295
We look at what Apple presented at this year’s worldwide developers conference. We discussed the key features in macOS Sonoma, iOS 17, and iPadOS 17, and we talk a bit about Apple’s new Vision Pro AR/VR headset. We also discuss…
When Does Your iPhone Become Unsafe to Use? – Intego Mac Podcast Episode 293
A new hacking tool, BrutePrint, can unlock lots of smartphones, but not iPhones. Router infections can be hard to remove, and we wonder why Apple got out of the wi-fi business. And we take a close look at whether it’s…
When does an old iPhone become unsafe to use?
When Apple stops issuing security updates for older iPhones, they become unsafe to use. But exactly how long can you safely keep using an old iPhone? The post When does an old iPhone become unsafe to use? appeared first on…
Expect .zip and .mov domains to be used in phishing and malware attacks
Back in 2014, Google became the owner of several new “top-level domains.” Called a TLD for short, a top-level domain is the “dot-something” at the end of a domain name, for example .com or .net. Two of the new TLDs…
Urgent Patches: macOS Ventura 13.4, iOS 16.5 fix 3 actively exploited vulns
On Thursday, May 18, Apple released updates to all of its operating systems. The updates included new features as well as security-related fixes—including for three “actively exploited” vulnerabilities. Let’s take a look at the highlights of each update. In this…
New Top-Level Domains, .Zip and .Mov; Geacon Malware; and Google to Delete Dormant Accounts
New top-level domains use common file extensions, and this could lead to confusion, and dangerous downloads. Apple announces a new personal voice modeling feature. And Google warns dormant users: log in, or get shut out. The post New Top-Level Domains,…
New Top-Level Domains, .Zip and .Mov; Geacon Malware; and Goggle to Delete Dormant Accounts
New top-level domains use common file extensions, and this could lead to confusion, and dangerous downloads. Apple announces a new personal voice modeling feature. And Google warns dormant users: log in, or get shut out. The post New Top-Level Domains,…
Snake Malware, Lockdown Mode, and Apple App Subscriptions
The FBI has shut down servers for Snake malware, which we wrote about back in 2017. Apple’s lockdown mode has been found to prevent some serious malware attacks. And Apple is testing the water with app subscriptions for two of…
Use Apple HomeKit to automate and secure your home
Apple’s HomeKit lets you manage and control smart home devices, like light bulbs, plugs, climate control, security devices, and more. The post Use Apple HomeKit to automate and secure your home appeared first on The Mac Security Blog. This article…
Atomic Stealer: Thieving Mac malware sold via Telegram
Atomic Stealer, a new “malware as a service” framework, can exfiltrate sensitive data from Macs, including passwords, stay-logged-in session cookies, cryptocurrency wallets, and more. The post Atomic Stealer: Thieving Mac malware sold via Telegram appeared first on The Mac Security…
RustBucket: APT group targets Macs with PDF Trojan malware
An APT group known as BlueNoroff, which has ties with Lazarus Group, is targeting Macs with a fake PDF viewer Trojan horse. Here is everything you need to know about this macOS malware. The post RustBucket: APT group targets Macs…
Apple issues first Rapid Security Response for macOS, iOS
On Monday, May 1, Apple released its first-ever Rapid Security Response updates for macOS Ventura, iOS 16, and iPadOS 16. Here is everything you need to know to stay safe. The post Apple issues first Rapid Security Response for macOS,…
Apple’s First Rapid Security Response, New Mac Malware, and Insecure Google Authenticator Sync – Intego Mac Podcast Episode 290
Apple has issued the first of a new type of updates to its operating systems: Rapid Security Response. We discuss several new types of Mac malware, and we look at how Google’s cloud sync for its Authenticator app is insecure.…
Apple’s First Rapid Security Response, New Mac Malware, and Insecure Google Authenticator Sync
Apple has issued the first of a new type of updates to its operating systems: Rapid Security Response. We discuss several new types of Mac malware, and we look at how Google’s cloud sync for its Authenticator app is insecure.…
Apple issues first Rapid Security Response for macOS, iOS, iPadOS
Apple released its first-ever Rapid Security Response updates for Mac, iPhone, and iPad. These updates may fix vulnerabilities that have been actively exploited in the wild, but so far Apple is being vague about it. The post Apple issues first…
AI Is Everywhere, and How to Set Up an Old Mac as a Server – Intego Mac Podcast Episode 289
AI is coming to an app near you. We discuss how these features will affect work, and the potential security implications of AI tools snarfing up files in businesses. We also discuss how to set up an old – or…
How to set up your own Mac server (with an old or new Mac)
A Mac server is a great way to repurpose an old Mac; it’s easy to set up, and can provide useful file, video, and music sharing, and other services, for a small office or even your home. The post How…
If Apple allows sideloading in iOS 17, how will iPhone security be affected?
The EU may require Apple to allow app sideloading in iOS 17 by March 2024. What are the security and privacy implications of third-party app stores and unvetted apps? Let us examine the pros and cons, and what we can…
Chromium vulnerabilities threaten Electron app security
Chromium vulnerabilities can impact Electron desktop apps—such as Skype, Slack, and WhatsApp—and you may not even know you are at risk. Here is everything users and developers need to know. The post Chromium vulnerabilities threaten Electron app security appeared first…
Sideloading on iOS, Lockbit Ransomware on Mac, and Zero-Day Chrome Vulnerabilities – Intego Mac Podcast Episode 288
Lockbit ransomware is starting to target Macs, two zero-day Chrome vulnerabilities require urgent updates, and sideloading – installing apps not from Apple’s App Store – is coming to iOS soon; at least in the EU. The post Sideloading on iOS,…
Urgent: 2nd Chrome zero-day vulnerability patched in 5 days
For the second time in five days Google Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers require an urgent security update to address a zero-day vulnerability that has been actively exploited in the wild. Here is everything you need to know to stay…
Urgent Update: Chrome, Edge, Brave browsers patch zero-day vulnerability
Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Brave browsers require an urgent security update to address a zero-day vulnerability that has been actively exploited in the wild. Here is everything you need to know to stay protected. The post Urgent Update: Chrome,…
Fake “Geek Squad” emails: Call center scam leverages Intuit QuickBooks servers
A series of scam e-mails, claiming to be from Best Buy’s Totaltech or Geek Squad, claim you owe hundreds of dollars. Here’s everything you need to know to stay safe from this scam. The post Fake “Geek Squad” emails: Call…
Juice Jacking, Best Buy Phishing, and Garage Doors Redux
The FBI warns people not to use public charging stations; we warned about this five years ago. An interesting phishing attack leverages QuickBooks accounting software to send fake invoices to people. And what does a company do if its smart…
Urgent Patches: macOS Ventura 13.3.1, iOS 16.4.1 fix 2 actively exploited vulns
On April 7, Apple released emergency security updates for macOS Ventura, iOS and iPadOS 16, and Safari to address two “actively exploited” (zero-day, in the wild) vulnerabilities. The post Urgent Patches: macOS Ventura 13.3.1, iOS 16.4.1 fix 2 actively exploited…
Urgent Patches: macOS Ventura 13.3.1, iOS & iPadOS 16.4.1, Safari 16.4.1 fix 2 actively exploited vulns
On April 7, Apple released emergency security updates for macOS Ventura, iOS and iPadOS 16, and Safari to address two “actively exploited” (zero-day, in the wild) vulnerabilities. The post Urgent Patches: macOS Ventura 13.3.1, iOS & iPadOS 16.4.1, Safari 16.4.1…
Supply Chain Attacks, Garage Doors, and Exploding USB Drives – Intego Mac Podcast Episode 286
We look at new malware that uses a supply chain attack; we explain what this is, and why it is not uncommon. We discuss how hackers can open a certain company’s garage doors from anywhere, and how a journalist got…
New Mac Malware, and Stolen Session Cookies – Intego Mac Podcast Episode 285
New Mac malware can exfiltrate various types of data from your Mac, and a Chrome extension can steal Facebook session cookies. We discuss how stolen session cookies can give attackers easy access to your accounts, and potential ways to thwart…
AI Malware, Copilot, & Passkeys – Intego Mac Podcast Episode 284
Can malware use AI to modify itself after it’s been installed on a computer? Can AI help you in daily productivity tasks? And will passkeys replace passwords? The post AI Malware, Copilot, & Passkeys – Intego Mac Podcast Episode 284…
What are Passkeys, and how do they work?
Passkeys may replace passwords in the relatively near future. Learn what passkeys are and how you can use them on your Mac, iPhone, and iPad. The post What are Passkeys, and how do they work? appeared first on The Mac…
Apple stops selling Watch Series 3 — eight months after its last security update
Apple sold the vulnerable, actively exploited Apple Watch Series 3 for eight months after its final security update. The post Apple stops selling Watch Series 3 — eight months after its last security update appeared first on The Mac Security…
FBI shuts down 11-year-old NetWire RAT malware
After nearly 11 years, law enforcement has finally shut down the distribution of NetWire RAT malware and arrested its alleged developer. NetWire Remote Control is also known as Netweird, NetWeirdRC, and Wirenet. The post FBI shuts down 11-year-old NetWire RAT…
Phishing Hackers Defeat 2FA via Man-in-the-Middle Attacks
Apple has finally stopped selling the Apple Watch Series 3, which can no longer get security updates. The FBI shuts down 11-year old malware. And a $300 hacking tool enables phishers to defeat two-factor authentication using automated man-in-the-middle attacks. The…
Cryptojacking Mac malware “Honkbox” found in pirated apps
Honkbox, a cryptojacking Mac malware family, has been distributed via Trojanized software found on The Pirate Bay. Here is everything you need to know to protect yourself from this threat. The post Cryptojacking Mac malware “Honkbox” found in pirated apps…
ScamBots and ScAmazon – Intego Mac Podcast Episode 282
ChatGPT is helping scammers create phishing emails that don’t sound phony, and Amazon sells plenty of items that are scams. Scammers are using AI-generated voices to scam elderly people, and the EU wants messaging apps – including Apple’s iMessage –…
What does your Mac do when it’s sleeping?
Your Mac does a lot when it is asleep. Find out what it does in the background, and what this means for your security and your battery life. The post What does your Mac do when it’s sleeping? appeared first…
The Complete Guide to Apple Watch Bands
It’s easy to change Apple Watch bands to suit your style. Here’s an overview of the different types of bands Apple sells. The post The Complete Guide to Apple Watch Bands appeared first on The Mac Security Blog. This article…
Pirated Mac Apps Contain Malware, and iMessage Support on Windows (Sort of) – Intego Mac Podcast Episode 281
Mac malware is again found in pirated applications, LastPass was hacked via an employee’s home computer running Plex, and hackers may be able to get into a bank account with an AI-generated voice. Microsoft makes a step toward supporting iMessage…
Mysterious Mac malware iWebUpdate discovered; is 5 years old
Mysterious new Mac malware dubbed iWebUpdate was discovered on Valentine’s Day, and it appears to be nearly five years old. Here is everything you need to know to check for and eliminate this malware from your Mac. The post Mysterious…
Twitter and Two-Factor Authentication – Intego Mac Podcast Episode 280
With SMS-based two-factor authentication no longer free on Twitter, we discuss the more secure and free way of protecting your account using an authenticator app. We also look at new details about Apple’s latest security updates, Windows on M-series Macs,…
How to Turn On Advanced Data Protection for iCloud
If you want end-to-end encryption for all your iCloud data, it’s easy to turn on Advanced Data Protection. Here’s how. The post How to Turn On Advanced Data Protection for iCloud appeared first on The Mac Security Blog. This article…
How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication on Twitter
Twitter is turning off SMS-based two-factor authentication next month. Here’s how to use a more secure form of 2FA. The post How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication on Twitter appeared first on The Mac Security Blog. This article has been…
Update Now: Urgent fix for macOS Ventura 13.2.1, iOS 16.3.1 resolves major vulnerability
Apple has released macOS Ventura 13.2.1, and iOS and iPadOS 16.3.1, to address an actively exploited (i.e. zero-day, in-the-wild) vulnerability. Here is everything you need to know to stay protected. The post Update Now: Urgent fix for macOS Ventura 13.2.1,…
Apple Zero-Day Update, the Kia Challenge, and How to Factory Reset Apple Devices – Intego Mac Podcast Episode 279
Apple has issued an update for a zero-day, in the wild, WebKit vulnerability. The Kia Challenge has shown that you can start some cars with a USB cable. And sometimes you need to factory reset Apple devices; we explain how.…
Apple issues macOS Ventura 13.2.1, iOS 16.3.1 to fix zero-day vulnerability
Apple has released macOS Ventura 13.2.1, and iOS and iPadOS 16.3.1, to address an actively exploited (i.e. zero-day, in-the-wild) vulnerability. Here is everything you need to know to stay protected. The post Apple issues macOS Ventura 13.2.1, iOS 16.3.1 to…
ChatGPT is malware makers’ new A.I. partner in crime
Over the past two months, we’ve seen the emergence of a concerning new trend: the use of artificial intelligence as a malware development tool. Artificial intelligence (AI) can potentially be used to create, modify, obfuscate, or otherwise enhance malware. It…
How to Factory Reset any Apple TV, HomePod, AirTag, AirPods, or Beats Headphones
Here are all the steps to securely reset any Apple TV, HomePod, AirTag, AirPods, or Beats headphones to factory settings, so you can sell them, give them away, or recycle them The post How to Factory Reset any Apple TV,…
How to Factory Reset any Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple Watch
Here are all the steps to securely reset any Mac, iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to factory settings, so you can sell it, give it away, or recycle it The post How to Factory Reset any Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod…
12 Ways to Open Files on a Mac
You open files every time you work on a Mac, and there are many ways to do this. Here are a dozen ways you can open files on a Mac. The post 12 Ways to Open Files on a Mac…
ChatGPT & AI Risks – Intego Mac Podcast Episode 278
AI has reached an inflection point; we discuss ChatGPT and other AI tools and their potential security and privacy risks. We also have an ears-on report about the new HomePod; it sounds better than expected. The post ChatGPT & AI…
Everything you can do with the Apple HomePod
The HomePod does a lot more than play music. Learn how to set it up, and how to use it with Siri to perform a number of useful tasks. The post Everything you can do with the Apple HomePod appeared…
The New HomePod Brings a New Sound and More Home Smarts
The new HomePod sounds better than the original, but still lacks in some areas. Its smart home features get a boost. The post The New HomePod Brings a New Sound and More Home Smarts appeared first on The Mac Security…
Credential Stuffing, Pig Butchering, Security Keys for Your Apple Account, and the New Mac mini – Intego Mac Podcast Episode 277
This week’s threats involve credential stuffing and pig butchering, and we examine whether you should use security keys to protect your Apple ID account, and why the new Mac mini is a maxi computer. The post Credential Stuffing, Pig Butchering,…
Credential Stuffing, Pig Butchering, Security Keys for Your Apple Account, and the New Mac mini – Intego Mac Podcast Episode 277
This week’s threats involve credential stuffing and pig butchering, and we examine whether you should use security keys to protect your Apple ID account, and why the new Mac mini is a maxi computer. The post Credential Stuffing, Pig Butchering,…
Apple’s 2023 Mac mini is a Mini Mac Studio
Apple’s new M2 Mac mini offers a wide range of configuration options. The post Apple’s 2023 Mac mini is a Mini Mac Studio appeared first on The Mac Security Blog. This article has been indexed from The Mac Security Blog…
Apple releases Ventura 13.2, iOS 16.3, surprise iOS 12.5.7; neglects still-sold Apple Watch Series 3
Apple released OS updates this week, fixing vulnerabilities and adding features in macOS Ventura 13.2, iOS and iPadOS 16.3, and more. The post Apple releases Ventura 13.2, iOS 16.3, surprise iOS 12.5.7; neglects still-sold Apple Watch Series 3 appeared first…
Apple releases macOS Ventura 13.2, iOS 16.3, and more
Apple released OS updates this week, fixing vulnerabilities and adding features in macOS Ventura 13.2, iOS and iPadOS 16.3, and more. The post Apple releases macOS Ventura 13.2, iOS 16.3, and more appeared first on The Mac Security Blog. This…
The top 20 most notable Mac malware threats of 2022
We recently compiled our list of the top Apple security and privacy stories of 2022. Now we turn our focus specifically to the Mac malware threats of the past year. Here are all of the top malware threats that made…
How to protect your Apple ID account with Security Keys on iPhone, iPad, or Mac
You can now protect your Apple ID account with a security key, a hardware device that acts as a second factor for two-factor authentication. But should you? The post How to protect your Apple ID account with Security Keys on…
20 Top Apple Malware Threats in 2022
We recently compiled our list of the top Apple security and privacy stories of 2022. Now we turn our focus specifically to the Mac malware threats of the past year. Here are all of the top malware threats that made…
The Year in Mac Malware 2022 – Intego Mac Podcast Episode 276
Apple has updated all its operating systems again, and even issued a security update for iOS 12. We discuss new features in the HomePod software, and we look back at the notable Mac malware of 2022. The post The Year…
M2 Chip Boost, New Macs, and the Return of the HomePod – Intego Mac Podcast Episode 275
Apple has introduced the latest versions of its M2 chips, and updated three Mac models. They also surprised everyone with a new, full-sized HomePod. We also look at brand-based phishing, Google’s AirTag clones, and a trifecta of stories about instant…
Apple Announces M2 Pro & M2 Max Chips, New MacBook Pros, New Mac mini, and New HomePod
Apple’s new M2 Pro and M2 Max chips power new Mac mini and MacBook Pro models. The post Apple Announces M2 Pro & M2 Max Chips, New MacBook Pros, New Mac mini, and New HomePod appeared first on The Mac…
How to choose the right Mac for your use case in 2023
If you want to buy a new Mac, you have several options. This guide looks at the pros and cons of each type of Mac. The post How to choose the right Mac for your use case in 2023 appeared…
LastPass password manager suffers massive data breach
LastPass suffered a massive data breach in August, and new details have gradually come to light. Is it time to switch password managers? (Spoiler: Yes, it is.) The post LastPass password manager suffers massive data breach appeared first on The…
Safari at 20, Apple Crash Detection False Positives, and ChatGPT AI for Hackers – Intego Mac Podcast Episode 274
We discuss the 20th anniversary of Apple’s Safari web browser, look at more false positives on roller coasters and ski slopes with Apple’s crash detection, then finish looking at our Apple security and privacy roundup for 2022. The post Safari…
Is Apple’s Crash Detection causing too many false positives?
Apple’s new Crash Detection feature is triggering when people are enjoying sports, roller coasters, or other activities with high G-forces. Should you disable it? And if so, how can one do it? The post Is Apple’s Crash Detection causing too…
Apple’s Safari Web Browser is 20 Years Old
20 years ago, Steve Jobs introduced the “turbo browser for Mac OS X.” The post Apple’s Safari Web Browser is 20 Years Old appeared first on The Mac Security Blog. This article has been indexed from The Mac Security Blog…
The Complete Guide to Apple MagSafe Chargers, Cases, and Accessories
Apple’s MagSafe technology provides a great way to charge your iPhone, but also some interesting accessories. The post The Complete Guide to Apple MagSafe Chargers, Cases, and Accessories appeared first on The Mac Security Blog. This article has been indexed…
Apple Security and Privacy in 2022: The Year in Review
There was no shortage of Apple security and privacy news in 2022. Let us take a trip down memory lane and rediscover some pivotal moments in the privacy and security of the Mac and other products in the Apple ecosystem.…
LastPass, TikTok, Phishing, and the Year in Apple Security and Privacy – Intego Mac Podcast Episode 273
Password manager LastPass had a data breach, and users’ vaults are at risk; TikTok spied on US journalists; and two new phishing attempts showing how complex techniques are used to try to fool people. And we begin our look at…