Apple issues first automatic bug update for Macs

[Night_Hawk]

Apple issues first automatic bug update for Macs

This is the first time automatic updates have been sent to Mac computers around the world



Apple has sent out its first automatic security update for Mac computers as researchers warn about new bugs.
Previously Apple has released security patches through its regular software update system which requires user approval.


The latest bugs were so severe it felt it needed to get customers protected immediately, the firm said.
"The update is seamless. It doesn't even require a restart," Apple spokesman Bill Evans told Reuters.
The Mac bugs were mentioned in security bulletins issued last week by the Department of Homeland Security and the Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute.


It identified dozens of technology companies, including Apple, whose products might be vulnerable.
The vulnerability targets a component of its OS X operating system called the network time protocol (NTP) which is used for synchronising clocks on computer systems.


The protocol is a global method of synchronising time over a network and has previously been exploited by hackers.
Microsoft has been offering automatic updates for security flaws for some time.
Apple developed technology for automatically pushing out security updates two years ago but has never previously used it.


The firm said that it did not know of any cases where hackers had exploited the bug.
http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-30587243

 

[Lau Mike]

Apples first-ever Automatic Security update for Mac

Apple Inc. has pushed out its first-ever Automatic Security Update for Mac computers on Monday, to provide full security against the bugs/errors that the company felt too risky to wait for the users to mark. In some ways, this brings Apple up to equality with Microsoft.

In any case, Apple thought it was a golden opportunity to try out OS Xs automatic silent-patching mechanism. The feature was present in OS X for many years, but it was used for the very first time because the company preferred to provoke users to download the updates themselves.


The bugs were publicly introduced in security bulletins on Friday by Homeland Security and Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute Department.

The update is seamless, Evans said, It doesnt even require a restart.

Evan also added, Apple has no idea of any cases where vulnerable Mac computers were targeted by the hackers, looking to make full use of bugs.


As per my knowledge, Windows has had the ability to silently and automatically install updates, but its very rare for Microsoft to use it. The company added that it took these major steps to protect the customers, and for this an automatic update was the best way.


However, Apples automatic tool is not without risks, because even the simple updates can cause risk for some systems. In OS X Yosemite, the users can set Mac to install updates automatically as and when required.


Automatic security update for Mac can easily be disabled on by visiting the Apple Store, Apple Menu and uncheck Install system data files and security updates.

Source