Fixing Macs and Networks Since 1990
LANsharks Consulting specializes in all things Apple, from installation to configuration and assistance: Macs, Networks, Printers, Backup Systems, WiFi & AirPort Networks, Routers, Time Capsules, iPhones, iPads, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Purchase Advice, Technical Support. Specializing in supporting individuals, home & small offices for over 25 years.
To contact Kirk or inquire about a consulting project, please email kirk at lansharks.net or call 510-601-5475. Operators are standing by…
The link below has some important reminders of things to be wary of as “Black Friday” specials and other deals are advertised this holiday season:
The article offers a lot of great tips to avoid getting scammed, including this excerpt:
Other ways to identify a phishing email, according to the Federal Trade Commission and StaySafeOnline.org, include:
- The sender’s email address looks almost right but contains extra characters or misspellings.
- There are misspellings or bad grammar either in the subject line or anywhere in the body.
- They address you with generic terms (“Mr.” or “Ms.” or “Dear Customer”) instead of by name.
- The message warns that you need to take immediate action and asks you to click a link and enter personal details, especially payment information.
- The company logo in the email looks low-quality or just plain wrong.
- The messages promise a refund, coupons or other freebies.
I recommend having a look at the article (link above), as it is a good reminder. I am always happy to provide an opinion on any questionable email or text messages you might receive.
Let me know if you have any questions!
Update: 11/8/2022:
It appears there is a bug in macOS Ventura 13.0 which impacts security software, such as Malwarebytes: https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2022/11/macos-ventura-bug-disables-security-software
There is currently no permanent fix. We’re waiting for the macOS Ventura 13.1 update (currently in beta).
This is an excellent example of why it makes sense to wait and NOT install the initial release (.0) of a major operating system update.
Update 11/7/2022:
In regards to the loss of the ability to manually prioritize/reorder which WiFi networks are joined when a Mac running Ventura wakes from sleep or restarts, Apple has provided the following (quite confusing) Support article: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202831
Update 11/5/2022:
As noted below, Apple replaced the familiar “System Preferences” interface with a newly rewritten “System Settings” application. I’m not a fan. System Settings sports an entirely new user interface which requires some digging around to find familiar settings (Time Machine, Software Update, Startup Disk, etc, are now listed under different categories and take a bit of digging to find). But my biggest complaint is that System Settings no longer has the ability to re-order and prioritize which WiFi network(s) a device joins when waking from sleep or restarting. This is a major step backwards, particularly for users who join a number of different WiFi networks and need to make sure their machine joins the right network, every time.
From 10/25/2022:
Apple released macOS 13.0 (“Ventura”) to the public today (10/25/2022). Here is a list of the reported new features: https://www.apple.com/macos/ventura/
And a more detailed features breakdown: https://www.apple.com/macos/ventura/features/
In marketing copy and technical documentation, Apple specifies that macOS Ventura runs on these Macs:
Compared to the previous version of macOS Monterey (macOS 12) — macOS Ventura no longer supports these Macs:
As of this morning, my 2022 MacBook Air is running this new operating system quite smoothly. I do *not* recommend installing Ventura on any Mac with a spinning hard drive (i.e. some entry-level iMac models).
Initial notes and observations:
A good article on the newly redesigned System Settings: https://www.intego.com/mac-security-blog/get-to-know-the-system-settings-app-on-macos-ventura/
I will update this post as new features or bugs dictate mention.
Update 8/22/2022: Apple has yet to respond to multiple requests about older operating systems (pre-Monterey) being affected by the “kernel” vulnerability noted below. They did release an update to fix the “webkit” vulnerability in Safari for Big Sur and Catalina, but no word yet on whether those operating systems are vulnerable elsewhere. Given this, I am currently recommending that clients with compatible hardware upgrade to the latest version of Monterey. Make sure you have a backup **before** you begin the upgrade process!!! Feel free to contact me via email (kirk at lansharks.net) if you have questions or need assistance.
If you’re reading this, it is likely that you’ve asked my opinion about the security updates Apple released yesterday and are making big headlines. My first thought is: Sit tight until we know more.
As of today, it appears there were two “vulnerabilities” Apple patched in these software updates for the Mac. Both are confirmed to be specific to the Monterey (Mac OS 12.5.x) operating system. Apple has also released a software update for the Safari browser for machines running Big Sur and Catalina operating systems.
According to Apple the vulnerability could have been exploited by “processing web content”, meaning accessing a web page which contained malicious code. Therefore it is important to visit websites you trust.
If your machine is already running Monterey (choose “About This Mac” from the Apple menu), I recommend installing the latest updates (after running a backup). Click the “Software Update…” button in the About window to begin the process or check System Preferences > Software Update.
Note: On machines running older operating systems, Apple hides the updates for *your* operating system a bit. Avoid the “Upgrade Now” button to upgrade to the newer operating system and instead click the “More Info…” button under the “Another update is available” section:
I will reiterate: Don’t run software updates until you’ve run a backup! Also note that upgrading from an older version of the operating system on your Mac may be a can of worms and should be done with caution and consideration. Third-party software and utilities may need to be updated as well, some requiring paid upgrades. Contact me if you need assistance.
It isn’t clear (yet) if the second “kernel” vulnerability on Macs affects older operating systems. We’re waiting for answers from Apple. Stay tuned to this page and/or watch Ars Technica’s article here: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2022/08/apple-releases-macos-12-5-1-and-ios-15-6-1-for-actively-exploited-vulnerabilities/
I recommend updating iPhones and iPads. Start by tapping “Settings > General > Software Update”.
Lastly, remember that these types of exploits are typically targeted towards those in the public eye, politicians and those who have things to hide. For now, be mindful of which websites you visit (stay on the straight and narrow, don’t wander too far off the normal path of public websites) and be careful what you click on in email and websites. If you don’t recognize something, don’t click!