Alternatives

There are three methods to force your Mac to look for and install the latest security updates.

1. Open the App Store pane in System Preferences, deselect the Install system data files and security updates item, then select (tick) it again.

2. In Terminal, type the command

sudo softwareupdate --background-critical

Then, when prompted, enter your admin password. Updates may not occur immediately. Check again in half an hour, by which time any security updates should have been delivered and installed. This is now offered by LockRattler when running on Sierra and High Sierra. If you want to use this on El Capitan, you will need to enter this command into Terminal yourself. I apologise for this limitation.

3. In Terminal, type the command

sudo softwareupdate -ia --include-config-data

Then, when prompted, enter your admin password. In Sierra and High Sierra, you should not need to use sudo in the command. This is now offered by LockRattler.

Even better, take a look at my new free app SilentKnight , which does most of what LockRattler does but checks versions (including EFI firmware) automatically for you.

Check the latest installations on your Mac by opening the About This Mac dialog in the  menu. Then click on the System Report… button to open System Information. In its left hand list, under Software , select the Installations item. Then click twice on the column header Install Date so that the most recent installation appears at the top.

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The Eclectic Light Company – https://eclecticlight.co