Apple’s latest operating system update, macOS Sequoia (version 15), has inadvertently disrupted the functionality of several prominent cybersecurity tools. The update, released on Monday, has reportedly caused issues for software from major security firms including CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, Microsoft, and ESET, leading to frustration among IT professionals and security experts.
Cybersecurity Tools Crippled by macOS Sequoia Update
The release of macOS Sequoia has triggered widespread problems for cybersecurity software. Companies like CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, Microsoft, and ESET have reported that their security tools are not functioning correctly on the new operating system. This has forced some companies to delay support for the update, while others are scrambling to release patches.
- Widespread Impact: Multiple leading cybersecurity vendors are affected.
- Delayed Support: Some companies, like CrowdStrike, had to postpone their day-one support for Sequoia.
- Network Stack Changes: Reports suggest that significant changes in macOS Sequoia’s network stack are a primary cause of the issues.
- User Frustration: Security tool developers and users are experiencing significant inconvenience and potential security gaps.
Expert Reactions and Potential Causes
Security experts have voiced their frustration with Apple’s update process. Patrick Wardle, founder of Mac and iOS security startup DoubleYou, criticized Apple for what he perceives as insufficient testing of their software updates. He suggested that Apple should prioritize software quality over marketing efforts.
CrowdStrike, a major player in endpoint security, confirmed that they had to delay support for macOS Sequoia due to unforeseen issues. A CrowdStrike representative indicated that the company is awaiting a patch from Apple and is preparing its own fixes. Similarly, SentinelOne warned its customers against upgrading until a supported agent was available, citing various problems with the new macOS version.
Broader Software and Browser Issues
The problems extend beyond just cybersecurity tools. Some users have reported issues with their firewalls and DNS resolution after updating to macOS Sequoia. Security researcher Will Dormann noted difficulties with his firewall and DNS on the new OS. Another researcher, Wacław Jacek, pointed out that the OS firewall might inadvertently block web browsing access, offering a potential workaround.
Additionally, the Mozilla Foundation, the maker of the Firefox browser, has received reports of issues from some users. While Mozilla has reported the problem to Apple, they have not yet been able to reproduce the bug in their own testing. The exact cause of these widespread disruptions remains unclear, but the common thread appears to be significant changes within macOS Sequoia’s underlying architecture.