Cybersecurity firms warn against macOS Sequoia update due to issues

The recent macOS Sequoia update, released on September 20, 2024, has prompted significant concern among users and institutions due to reported cybersecurity issues. Several universities, including West Virginia University and Southern Methodist University, have advised their communities against installing the update until further evaluations can confirm its safety. These institutions are particularly focused on potential compatibility conflicts with existing applications and software. Cybersecurity firms such as CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, and ESET have reported compatibility issues with the new update, particularly affecting third-party cybersecurity software. ESET noted that only devices running an older version of their software are experiencing these issues, which will soon reach its End of Life. In addition to university advisories, other institutions like Notre Dame University and Old Dominion University are also conducting tests to assess the update's compatibility with their systems. They have urged users to refrain from updating until a thorough evaluation is completed, with Old Dominion University planning to make a decision by January. The situation has led to frustrations among cybersecurity experts, who believe that third-party software is being unfairly blamed for the problems arising from the Sequoia update. As organizations continue to assess the implications of this update, the overall consensus is to exercise caution and delay installation until more information is available.