In November 2020, macOS was found to have a hole in protecting users’ privacy, which Apple promised to fix within a year. Although it has made changes, are they protective enough?
privacy
Apple’s Private Relay service isn’t a full VPN, but is designed to ensure that no one knows both your IP address and the sites you connect to. Is it a good choice?
Since macOS Sierra, the Unified log has been an unrivalled source of information about what’s going on in macOS. But access isn’t simple.
What is FileVault encryption? Is it the same as that on an M1 Mac’s internal SSD, or something different? How can you use it instead of overwriting an SSD? Which boot volumes are encrypted?
macOS 12 Monterey promises consolidation and improvement, even truth and reconciliation perhaps. But Shortcuts and Universal Control promise strongly.
Big Sur 11.3 includes support for AirTags, as explained here. Apple has also thought out how they could be misused, and how to prevent that.
Updates recommended for all users. They finally address problems with using 12-hour and other clocks. Log handling code has been refactored to improve performance.
An important feature for many iOS users, this has now appeared in macOS, despite not apparently being exposed to the user. Here’s what I know.
Certificate revocation checks in macOS could be misused in surveillance. How could you prevent that without putting your Mac at risk?
Apple’s Mail, Notes ad other apps now use Core Spotlight, which protects the privacy of their data, but stops search apps from doing their job. And worse.
The Eclectic Light Company 