_ Happens Here

Impacted Systems:

watchOS 5.2.1
Safari 12.1.1
Apple TV Software 7.3
tvOS 12.3
iOS 12.3

High Sierra, Security Update 2019-003 Sierra

Apple has released security updates to address vulnerabilities in multiple products. A remote attacker could exploit some of these vulnerabilities to take control of an affected system.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) encourages users and administrators to review the Apple security pages for the following products and apply the necessary updates:

What should we do before we apply an operating system update?

It’s recommended that you back up all of your important data first. If you have a reliable backup and the patch creates problems, you can still access your data. You should do this before you install any patches.

And make sure that you don’t have other programs running when the updates are downloaded and applied.

How do we know which macOS version is installed on our computers?

Apple says to do the following:

From the Apple menu in the corner of your screen, choose About This Mac. You’ll see the macOS name, such as macOS Mojave, followed by its version number. If some product or feature requires you to know the build number as well, click the version number to see it.

After updating our Macs is Safari updated too?

When Software Update says that your Mac is up to date, macOS and all of its apps are also up to date. That includes Safari, i Tunes, Books, Messages, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and FaceTime.

How can we keep macOS Mojave upgraded?

According to the Apple website: If you already upgraded to macOS Mojave, follow these steps to keep it up to date:

Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu, then click Software Update to check for updates.
If any updates are available, click the Update Now button to install them. Or click ”More info” to see details about each update and select specific updates to install.

Can we automatically install updates?

To automatically install macOS updates in the future, including apps downloaded from the App Store, select ”Automatically keep my Mac up to date.” Your Mac will notify you when updates require it to restart, so you can always choose to install those later.

How do we get updates for earlier macOS versions?

If you’re using an earlier macOS, such as macOS High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, or earlier,* follow these steps to keep it up to date:

Open the App Store app on your Mac.
Click Updates in the App Store toolbar.

What happens if we don’t update our Apple devices and systems?

You’ll miss out on security fixes and new features. Your devices could be vulnerable to hackers who are always trying to get into computers and IT systems. If they do, they could implant worms and viruses that lock up and steal your data.

What kind of worms are we talking about?

If it’s a wormable virus like the one that Microsoft just warned about for Windows Server 2003 or XP, Windows 7, Windows 2008 R2, or Windows 2008 (CVE-2019-0708) it can get into your system without you doing anything like clicking a malicious link.

An attacker could then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights without your knowledge.

According to Apple, they don’t disclose, discuss, or confirm security issues until an investigation has occurred, and patches or releases are available. Recent releases are listed on the Apple security updates page.

Apple security documents reference vulnerabilities by CVE-ID when possible.

As the CISA says, you should apply the necessary updates now.

Where Can We Get Help?

If you run a business in Southeast Texas, you can’t take any chances. Contact us to ensure your hardware and software is secure and protected from unauthorized intrusions.