Tag - Gatekeeper
Sierra: Gatekeeper removes automatic ability to launch unsigned apps
Starting with macOS Sierra, Apple is making it more difficult for unsigned apps to be launched. The option, present in OS X 10.11 to always allow unsigned apps to open has been stricken from Gatekeeper, limiting users by default to App Store and App Store plus identified developers. The ability by users to launch unsigned apps remains in the operating system in a different form, however.
Researcher: Apple has not fully fixed Gatekeeper flaw
Security firm Synack and the researcher who originally uncovered a serious (albeit largely unexploited) security flaw in Apple's protective Gatekeeper technology has revealed that the patch issued by Apple doesn't completely fix the problem, and that Macs are still vulnerable to "man-in-the-middle" type attacks until the company provides a full patch as it promised it would. Director of Research for Synack, Patrick Wardle, will demonstrate at a security conference how Mac users are still potentially vulnerable.
Security researcher uncovers method to bypass Gatekeeper security
A security researcher planning a presentation at the Virus Bulletin Conference in Prague on Thursday has revealed that he has discovered a relatively simple way to bypass OS X's Gatekeeper security feature, potentially allowing a malicious file buried within a trusted application free reign to run unobstructed. The exploit could be used to steal passwords by modifying a legitimate app that already has Gatekeeper approval, for example. Apple is already aware of the issue and working on a fix.
Gatekeeper changes unconnected to Dev Center hack, sources claim
Despite recent claims, a Dev Center security breach may not be why developers are being asked to re-sign Mac apps using OS X Mavericks, sources say. An alternative reason for the switch hasn't been mentioned, but unnamed sources are countering reports yesterday from other unnamed sources. In the earlier rumors, it was claimed that one or more hackers had managed to obtain not only Gatekeeper keys but "virtually every key Apple used for everything."
Apple seeds fourth beta of OS X 10.9.5 to developers, AppleSeed
Apple has posted a new beta of OS X 10.9.5 for developers and AppleSeed participants, identified as build 13F18. Testing areas remain largely the same -- including Safari, graphics, Thunderbolt, and USB/USB smart cards -- but with the addition of a significant change to Gatekeeper, Apple's app-signing security feature. "Signatures created with OS X version 10.8.5 or earlier ('v1 signatures') are obsoleted and will no longer be recognized by Gatekeeper," Apple reminds the developer audience. "To ensure your apps will run on updated versions of OS X, they must be signed using the codesign tool on OS X version 10.9 or later ('v2 signatures')."
Apple to require developers to re-sign, update older apps
A upcoming change in the way the OS X security feature Gatekeeper works is essentially going to force developers to re-build and re-"sign" their applications and submit updates to Apple for programs that need to run in Mavericks or Yosemite. The upcoming change for security purposes only affects those running the forthcoming 10.9.5 or later, but cause cause apps that aren't updated to "break" (not launch) except through bypassing Gatekeeper, which most users will be loathe to do. The change will not force users to update their OS versions.
OS X 10.7.5 adds Gatekeeper, minor bugfixes
Complementing the release of OS X 10.8.2, Apple has also posted OS X 10.7.5, an update for Lion users. The software mainly retrofits Lion with Gatekeeper, the security technology built into Mountain Lion. By default Gatekeeper rejects unsigned apps, although restrictions can be loosened if necessary.
Apple shifts schedules for OS X updates, press events
Apple is changing the way it rolls out OS X and even press events, a Daring Fireball report reveals. Beginning with the newly-announced Mountain Lion, OS X is moving to an annual update schedule. Apple has traditionally waited at least two years between major updates, but may want to keep pace with Windows, as well as iOS, the latter of which has always been updated once a year.
Apple posts OS X Mountain Lion preview, Messages beta
In a surprise step, Apple on Thursday gave developers a preview version of OS X Mountain Lion, the next significant update to the core OS. The new version is directly influenced by iOS 5 and includes Notification Center, Reminders, Notes, Game Center, and Twitter integration, with iCloud syncing where it's relevant. AirPlay Mirroring is also new to the Mac and shares exactly what's on screen through an Apple TV.
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Cirrus creates Lightning-headphone dev kit
Apple supplier Cirrus Logic has introduced a MFi-compliant new development kit for companies interested in using Cirrus' chips to create Lightning-based headphones, which -- regardless of whether rumors about Apple dropping the analog headphone jack in its iPhone this fall -- can offer advantages to music-loving iOS device users. The kit mentions some of the advantages of an all-digital headset or headphone connector, including higher-bitrate support, a more customizable experience, and support for power and data transfer into headphone hardware. Several companies already make Lightning headphones, and Apple has supported the concept since June 2014. http://bit.ly/29giiZj
Apple Store app offers Procreate Pocket
The Apple Store app for iPhone, which periodically rewards users with free app gifts, is now offering the iPhone "Pocket" version of drawing app Procreate for those who have the free Apple Store app until July 28. Users who have redeemed the offer by navigating to the "Stores" tab of the app and swiping past the "iPhone Upgrade Program" banner to the "Procreate" banner have noted that only the limited Pocket (iPhone) version of the app is available free, even if the Apple Store app is installed and the offer redeemed on an iPad. The Pocket version currently sells for $3 on the iOS App Store. [32.4MB]
Porsche adds CarPlay to 2017 Panamera
Porsche has added a fifth model of vehicle to its CarPlay-supported lineup, announcing that the 2017 Panamera -- which will arrive in the US in January -- will include Apple's infotainment technology, and be seen on a giant 12.3-inch touchscreen as part of an all-new Porsche Communication Management system. The luxury sedan starts at $99,900 for the 4S model, and scales up to the Panamera Turbo, which sells for $146,900. Other vehicles that currently support CarPlay include the 2016 911 and the 2017 models of Macan, 718 Boxster, and 718 Cayman. The company did not mention support for Google's corresponding Android Auto in its announcement. http://bit.ly/295ZQ94
Apple employees testing wheelchair features
New features included in the forthcoming watchOS 3 are being tested by Apple retail store employees, including a new activity-tracking feature that has been designed with wheelchair users in mind. The move is slightly unusual in that, while retail employees have previously been used to test pre-release versions of OS X and iOS, this marks the first time they've been included in the otherwise developer-only watchOS betas. The company is said to have gone to great lengths to modify the activity tracker for wheelchair users, including changing the "time to stand" notification to "time to roll" and including two wheelchair-centric workout apps. http://bit.ly/2955JDa
SanDisk reveals two 256GB microSDXC cards
SanDisk has introduced two 256GB microSDXC cards. Arriving in August for $150, the Ultra microSDXC UHS-I Premium Edition card offers transfer speeds of up to 95MB/s for reading data. The Extreme microSDXC UHS-I card can read at a fast 100MB/s and write at up to 90MB/s, and will be shipping sometime in the fourth quarter for $200. http://bit.ly/294Q1If
Apple's third-quarter results due July 26
Apple has advised it will be issuing its third-quarter results on July 26, with a conference call to answer investor and analyst queries about the earnings set to take place later that day. The stream of the call will go live at 2pm PT (5pm ET) via Apple's investor site, with the results themselves expected to be released roughly 30 minutes before the call commences. Apple's guidance for the quarter put revenue at between $41 billion and $43 billion. http://apple.co/1oi1Pbm
Twitter stickers slowly roll out to users
Twitter has introduced "stickers," allowing users to add extra graphical elements to their photos before uploading them to the micro-blogging service. A library of hundreds of accessories, props, and emoji will be available to use as stickers, which can be resized, rotated, and placed anywhere on the photograph. Images with stickers will also become searchable with viewers able to select a sticker to see how others use the same graphic in their own posts. Twitter advises stickers will be rolling out to users over the next few weeks, and will work on both the mobile apps and through the browser. http://bit.ly/29bbwUE
