Apple Releases New OS Security Updates

by Bill Bowen
Desktop & Applications Architect

Apple has released multiple security updates this week to address vulnerabilities in several Apple products. The latest patches help secure vulnerabilities in Apple’s iOS, macOS Mojave, watchOS and tvOS, where a remote attacker could take full control of one of these affected Apple OS devices.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) strongly recommends Mobile Device Administrators using Microsoft Intune and/or Jamf to review the Apple security pages for these updates and apply them accordingly. Home users of these operating systems should also update accordingly.

According to Apple the latest iPhone iOS 12.4.1 update, “Provides important security and stability updates.” Apple states the update does not introduce any new major or minor features. The iOS 12.4.1 update is available for iPhone 5s and above, the iPad Air and above and iPod touch next generation.

The new macOS 10.14.6 update fixes problems related to devices shutting down in sleep mode. This update also includes performance fixes for developing apps for MacBooks, as well as addresses issues that prevent Pages, Keynote, Numbers, iMovie, and GarageBand from updating. For more information on macOS 10.14.6 see https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210548.

Apple’s tvOS 13 and watchOS 5.3.1 updates for Apple TV and the Apple Watch are considered minor security updates that fix several vulnerabilities. Apple’s Security Update page acknowledges the latest tvOS, “Has no published CVE entries.” And there is no security document available at this time for watchOS 5.3.1.

For the full security bulletin from Apple, please see https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201222.

If you have any questions or need assistance with your Mobile Device Management system, Microsoft Intune or Jamf, please contact us at service@helient.com.