The Register: Apple’s latest macOS release is breaking security software, network connections

Source URL: https://www.theregister.com/2024/09/23/security_in_brief/
Source: The Register
Title: Apple’s latest macOS release is breaking security software, network connections

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Infosec In Brief Something’s wrong with macOS Sequoia, and it’s breaking security software installed on some updated Apple systems.…

AI Summary and Description: Yes

Summary: The text discusses multiple cybersecurity-related issues, including vulnerabilities affecting macOS, significant financial contributions to cybersecurity by Craig Newmark, and alerts about scams and ransomware in the digital space. It highlights the ongoing vulnerabilities and risks faced by organizations in maintaining security, pertinent for professionals focused on security and compliance in cloud and infrastructure.

Detailed Description:

– **macOS Sequoia Vulnerabilities**:
– The recent update to macOS, known as Sequoia (macOS 15), has allegedly disrupted security software from several vendors, such as Microsoft and CrowdStrike.
– Users are warned that the update may cause networking issues and security products to malfunction, reflecting a serious oversight from Apple regarding the software’s impact on security tools.
– Professionals should note the implication of system updates on security infrastructure and the potential for breakdowns in security measures.

– **Significant Vulnerability Alerts**:
– Multiple critical vulnerabilities (CVSS scores of 9.8) across major platforms and applications require immediate attention and patching by professionals to circumvent active exploitation.
– The reported vulnerabilities span well-known services and platforms like Apache HugeGraph and Oracle products, indicating a widespread concern in software security and the urgency of compliance in patch management.

– **Craig Newmark’s Cybersecurity Initiative**:
– Craig Newmark has allocated $100 million for enhancing cybersecurity efforts in the U.S., particularly focused on critical infrastructure and public education on security practices.
– This funding is aimed at boosting the cybersecurity workforce and raising awareness on simple yet effective security measures, like the use of password managers.

– **Phishing Scams and Cybercrime**:
– Increasing instances of phishing scams targeting iCloud users emphasize the ongoing threat landscape in digital security.
– The prevalence of stolen credentials highlighted by IBM’s X-Force and Verizon’s report indicates systemic vulnerabilities within user authentication frameworks.

– **Ransomware Trends**:
– The reporting of a substantial $75 million ransomware payment to a drug distributor underscores the severity of threats in the health sector, indicating a need for robust ransom mitigation strategies and proactive risk management policies.

– **Data Breaches and Employee Data Risks**:
– Ongoing investigations into data leaks involving Dell reiterate that even employee data is potentially at risk, suggesting the need for better data protection and incident response frameworks.

In summary, cybersecurity professionals should remain vigilant in their practices, ensure timely updates and patch management, invest in security education, and strengthen defenses against emerging cyber threats. The interconnectedness of these issues showcases the complexities faced in maintaining cybersecurity across various domains.