Users who have installed the new macOS 15 aka Sequoia on their Mac will be asked a series of security questions when they start it up for the first time. This is nothing new – Apple has been trying to increase users’ security awareness in this way for several versions of the operating system. The system warns, for example, before an app accesses the Downloads folder, a USB device accesses the Mac, or a video chat application accesses the camera. However, Apple has continued to increase the number of these prompts – also known as “snake screens”. And security experts fear this will lead to less security rather than more, as users will stop looking before clicking “Approve.”
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Local network access requires permission
Some users already remember Windows Vista, which Apple talked about in an advertising campaign 17 years ago made fun of Is. In this, every action the “PC” takes, no matter how small, must be approved by a security guard. Many prompts are by no means self-explanatory and, if a user disapproves of them, this can be just as problematic as allowing them without thinking. This includes a new prompt for network access, which was introduced with macOS 15.
If an app – for example a media library app like Plex – is to communicate with other machines in the local network, it will need to allow “find devices in the local network” in the future. This gesture was previously only available on the iPhone and even there it was rarely understandable. Apple has now at least given developers the option to use a new setup window to get faster (and, above all, secure) access – for example for apps that want to control devices in the local network. Are going to.
inquiry every month
Probably the most annoying nags screen in macOS 15 is the approval of programs that want screen access. It affects countless apps, from Microsoft Teams to Zoom to screenshot tools. Inquiries now occur monthly, whereas Apple previously wanted to have weekly inquiries. Since developers have no way to prevent this, hacks to circumvent security functions are now widespread. In principle, Apple is certainly right: the recording of the screen (which is also linked to the system sound – only the manufacturer knows exactly why) is extremely sensitive. However, it’s common for screenshot tools to require it – such as video conferencing apps that allow you to share the screen. A better solution here would be to restrict apps from certain access – for example in the background – rather than constantly asking for permission.
macOS 15 has tightened up in other areas, too: Opening an app without notarization is a lot more inconvenient than before.
(B.Sc.)
