Introduction

In a shocking turn of events, Apple's latest operating system, macOS Sequoia (also known as macOS 15), is wreaking havoc on third-party security software, endangering users' systems and data privacy. Released just last week, the update has already been plagued with a growing list of complaints from users who installed security products from vendors such as CrowdStrike and Microsoft.

TechCrunch Reports

TechCrunch was among the first to document these alarming issues after the launch of Sequoia, which has raised eyebrows across the cybersecurity community. Experts suggest that a networking bug might be at the root of these malfunctions. Renowned macOS security specialist, Patrick Wardle, cited evidence from security bulletins released by various firms, indicating that Apple was fully aware of these problems before Sequoia’s release.

Wardle's Statement

“This was reported to Apple before Sequoia launched,” Wardle stated emphatically on social media, “Apple 100% knew about this and decided to ship macOS 15 anyway.”

Networking Issues with ESET and Microsoft

Reports from both Microsoft and ESET highlight significant networking issues within macOS 15, prompting both companies to issue advisories to their users. ESET's software, in particular, flags itself as unsupported post-upgrade, causing significant network connectivity disruptions. Users are instructed to remove specific network filters introduced in Sequoia to restore functionality, or face the hassle of uninstalling and reinstalling the software entirely.

Similarly, Microsoft indicated that macOS's Stealth Mode, which prevents responses to ping requests, directly affects their software. To resolve this issue, users must disable Stealth Mode in their Firewall settings.

Backlash Against Apple

As the backlash against Apple grows, it has been reported that some major security vendors are in communication with the tech giant, claiming Apple is aware of "unintended changes" and is working on a resolution. However, Wardle voiced his concerns, saying, “This is not the first time we’ve seen such a failure. If you pride yourself on creating secure systems, you must not release software that breaks security tools.”

Apple's Silence

Despite the mounting pressure, Apple has yet to release any official comment on the matter.

Related News: Craig Newmark's Cybersecurity Pledge

In related news, Craig Newmark, founder of Craigslist, has pledged a generous $100 million towards enhancing cyber security in the United States. With increasing concerns over the state of cyber defense, Newmark aims to allocate half of his funds towards protecting critical infrastructure and the other half towards public education initiatives.

iCloud Scam Warnings in the UK

Meanwhile, UK users are being warned of a new iCloud scam that has emerged, where phishing emails are sent out to trick users into providing their credentials under the guise of running out of storage.

Healthcare Sector Ransomware Payout

And on another front, the identity of a company that made a record $75 million ransomware payout has been uncovered, revealing it to be the drug distributor Cencora—undoubtedly, a troubling trend for the healthcare sector notorious for its cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

Dell's Data Leak Investigation

Finally, Dell is investigating a potential data leak concerning employee info, with a hacker group claiming to hold records belonging to nearly 11,000 individuals from the tech giant. This breach follows a similar incident involving Capgemini, illustrating the growing vulnerabilities companies face in the digital landscape.

Conclusion

As uncertainty looms large over macOS Sequoia and concerns mount in the cyber security realm, users and companies alike must remain vigilant and proactive to protect their data and privacy.