Security Alert: macOS High Sierra vulnerability and patch

Important security update for macOS High Sierra

If you use a Mac, chances are good that you enjoy the usually high level of security on the system. This week, however, a software craftsman discovered a vulnerability and reported it to Apple. The latest version of macOS “High Sierra” or 10.13.x can allow people to gain full system access (root access) via the internet with VNC or using your Mac in person.

What should you do? First, as always, don’t panic. Vulnerabilities are always potential for hackers to subvert your computer for their own intentions, but don’t mean anyone has done so to your computer yet. Check your version of macOS/OSX by clicking the Apple logo  in the taskbar at the far upper left on your screen. Select About this Mac, the first option. See if you have High Sierra or 10.13.x like so:

About this Mac
System Information in “About this Mac”

If you don’t have High Sierra Version 10.13.x, don’t worry this issue doesn’t effect you.

If you do, take a few minutes to grab this easy patch to the vulnerability with Apple’s official update.

Click on the Apple system logo in the upper left again  > App Store… # Updates.

The App Store updates page loads where you can select the system update and install it. That’s it, you’re done! You don’t even have to reboot.

Security Update on macOS App Store
Security Update on macOS App Store

However if you are curious about this issue how it was discovered and resolved; read more from Apple engineers via 9to5 Mac

Or check out a Software Craftsman Lemi Orhan Ergin who first discovered and reported this flaw to Apple at Medium.

For more on security updates, performance tweaks, and time-saving tips check out our blog, follow us on twitter @oakcityit, and follow our facebook Oak City IT page.

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