Apple fixes bugs in macOS Sequoia that broke some cybersecurity tools

In September, Apple launched its latest macOS version, macOS 15, also known as Sequoia. While the release brought new features and improvements, it also introduced some critical compatibility issues, particularly with popular cybersecurity tools. This unexpected glitch affected major cybersecurity platforms like CrowdStrike Falcon and Microsoft Defender, leaving many security professionals scrambling for solutions.

Just three weeks later, Apple has rolled out its first update for macOS 15, version 15.0.1, aimed at addressing these problems. According to the release notes, the update “improves compatibility with third-party security software,” a necessary fix for organizations that rely on these tools to protect their systems.

A Troubling Start for Cybersecurity Tools

The initial release of macOS Sequoia was met with concern from the cybersecurity community, as several products simply stopped working. CrowdStrike, known for its industry-leading Falcon endpoint protection, and Microsoft Defender, a widely used antivirus solution, were among the tools impacted by the system’s changes. The problem appeared to stem from a bug in the new macOS networking stack, which disrupted the operation of security software that relied on network filters for threat detection and prevention.

Cybersecurity experts quickly raised red flags. Patrick Wardle, founder of the macOS and iOS security company DoubleYou and a noted expert on Apple security, was one of the first to voice concerns. Wardle, who has developed several free security tools for macOS, shared his frustration on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the issue had been reported to Apple prior to the macOS 15 gold master (GM) release.

“And to any Apple apologist who blamed 3rd-party vendors, you deserve to be slapped with a large trout as this was an Apple bug reported before GM [golden master],” Wardle tweeted, highlighting that the root of the issue was a flaw in Apple’s system rather than the third-party vendors themselves.

Apple’s Fix: A Welcome Update for IT and Security Teams

On Friday, Apple released macOS 15.0.1, which claims to have resolved the bugs that caused widespread disruption in third-party security tools. According to Wardle, the update specifically addresses the networking issues that were preventing security software from functioning properly. “The macOS update includes a fix for the networking issues that plagued the initial macOS 15 release,” he noted in his post.

This fix comes as a relief to organizations that depend on these tools to maintain secure environments. Prior to the patch, some IT departments had no choice but to delay upgrades to macOS 15 or find workarounds, putting them in a precarious position with potential vulnerabilities left unaddressed.

CrowdStrike, for instance, had been eagerly awaiting a fix from Apple before providing official support for macOS Sequoia. CrowdStrike spokesperson Kevin Benacci had confirmed that the company was “waiting for a macOS Sequoia update” to ensure its products worked seamlessly on the new system.

Similarly, Microsoft Defender was affected by the networking bug. Ugur Koc, a developer and cloud engineer at managed services provider Glueckkanja, stated on X that the update “resolves the issue with [Microsoft] Defender for Endpoint and other antivirus software, where the network filter was causing issues with the internet connectivity.”

The issue was particularly problematic because network filters are critical for cybersecurity tools to detect and block threats in real time. Without these filters functioning properly, companies could be left vulnerable to attacks that might otherwise have been intercepted.

A Lesson in Software Rollouts and Vendor Support

Apple’s quick response to this issue demonstrates the company’s commitment to resolving problems that affect enterprise-level users, especially as it continues to expand its presence in corporate IT environments. However, the incident also underscores the importance of thorough testing and communication between operating system developers and third-party software vendors, particularly when it comes to essential security tools.

Neither CrowdStrike nor Microsoft have yet commented on the specifics of Apple’s fix or its timeline for resuming full support on macOS Sequoia, but the update is a promising step in the right direction. For now, it seems the major hurdles have been cleared, allowing IT and security professionals to resume their regular workflows without fear of compromising their security posture.

What’s Next for macOS Sequoia?

While this patch addresses a critical pain point for many cybersecurity tools, it’s likely that Apple will continue to monitor and tweak macOS 15 to ensure better compatibility and performance with third-party software. For now, users are encouraged to update to macOS 15.0.1 to ensure that their security tools are functioning correctly.

The macOS Sequoia rollout may have had a bumpy start, but with this latest update, Apple is showing its willingness to listen to feedback from the cybersecurity community and make the necessary fixes. This responsiveness is essential as macOS continues to grow in popularity across both consumer and enterprise markets.

In the fast-evolving world of cybersecurity, even a small bug can have wide-reaching consequences. Apple’s swift correction is a reminder that technology companies must stay agile and proactive in maintaining the trust of their user base, especially when it comes to securing critical infrastructure.