SilentKnight relies on the system_profiler command for much of the key information it needs. But that output is localised to the primary language in use at the time. This continues to cause problems.
SilentKnight
An important update for those expecting to update Apple silicon Macs to 26.4, as older versions may crash, and are expected to report firmware version errors.
How SilentKnight came about, and how it knows – most of the time – which version of XProtect and other security data your Mac should be using.
What to do when you know there’s an update available, but Software Update pretends that it can’t find it. With details of undocumented options for softwareupdate command and more.
If you are testing beta-releases of macOS 26.4 Tahoe on Apple silicon Macs, please use this new build of SilentKnight, version 2.12 build 61, as it shouldn’t crash.
Why should an app start crashing on launch in macOS 26.4 beta 2? Why does its firmware version number make no sense? And how did it take 6 months to fix six typos?
Several utilities access the log. When there are problems getting entries, they each report details. Here’s what each error report means, and what you can do to fix it.
Want to stay running Sequoia or earlier? Want to install security updates such as XProtect data as well? Here’s how to do that without risking being upgraded unintentionally.
Ten years ago, a firmware worm that could have inserted malware into Mac boot flash storage was demonstrated, and shortly afterwards many Macs were found to be running outdated firmware. We’ve come a long way since.
Until Sequoia, it was simply downloaded and installed as any other software update. Since then it has changed frequently and its behaviour can now confuse.
The Eclectic Light Company 