Welcome

macOS contains many built-in security tools, which work in the background to protect your Mac from malware and other threats. LockRattler is a simple tool to check that your security protection is active and up to date.

Soon after Apple started shipping the MacBook Pro 2016, it was discovered that some had been delivered to users with one of the key protection systems (System Integrity Protection, SIP) turned off, which exposed those Macs to significant threat. At the time, the only way that macOS allowed you to check whether SIP is active was by typing a command into Terminal.

Another common situation which can affect your Mac’s security is failure to install the latest data files needed by its hidden security tools. This can occur if you have applied a ‘Combo’ update to fix a problem, or if your Mac is disconnected from the internet for a long time.

LockRattler runs a series of checks to tell you whether SIP and other protection is turned on, and the versions of security-related data files. It does not tamper with any settings, and cannot turn any of those tools off or on, but lets you know whether you need to take action. If you prefer, you can use SilentKnight , which performs most of the same tests but interprets them automatically for you, and helps you keep security data files up to date more easily. SilentKnight is also free, runs in El Capitan to Big Sur, and is available from the Eclectic Light Company blog.

Online information and support is available from the LockRattler Support command in the Help menu. This opens the support page in your default browser.

➜ How to use LockRattler

➜ How to interpret your results

➜ How to interpret update information

➜ How to check for and install updates

➜ How to download updates without installing them automatically

➜ How to save a text report

➜ How to check your results

➜ Alternative methods to force security software updates

➜ Updates

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