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Issue link: https://digital.macdirectory.com/i/1134553
AirPlay 2 makes its way to the Mac now, with better support for sharing everything you can imagine from your desktop to your TV, while also improving Apple News and fixing some pesky software bugs. Oh, and there are security fixes, too — 26 of them, in fact. CoreAudio makes another appearance here, but some fixes for the macOS kernel are the most critical. The kernel has nothing to do with popcorn — it’s actually the heart and soul of the operating system, the most critical and basic component that powers everything else. Some of the bugs patched this week fixed problems that allowed code to run with kernel privileges — in other words, completely access with no restrictions. The Apple Watch got an important update, too, to version 5.2.1. Eighteen security fixes in all make their way to this tiny device, including those kernel and CoreAudio bugs, plus one in the sysdiagnose subroutine. This system, designed to aid WatchOS in diagnosing problems, should be foolproof, but it too had a bug that allowed for arbitrary code execution. You know the moral of this story — it’s time to update! With dozens of new fixes available in all and with many of those nasty bugs squashed, there’s no good reason not to plug your device in and update as soon as possible. Don’t forget — Apple will even allow you to set up your phone so that it will update automatically overnight while you sleep. What could be easier than that? Take advantage of this opportunity and enjoy a safer, more secure experience. About SecureMac Founded in 1999, SecureMac (www.securemac.com) has been a leading contributor to Apple security since the 2005 release of the original MacScan anti-malware tool. In the years since, SecureMac has continued to play an essential role in providing macOS users with straightforward options for better security. From the development of the faster and more powerful MacScan 3 to the company’s ongoing development of online privacy tool PrivacyScan, users can easily equip themselves for protection. With the addition of The Checklist, SecureMac continues to showcase a deep commitment to accessible security and the importance of digital awareness for all Mac users.