Apple releases security update to fix major operating system flaw
CUPERTINO, California -- Have the latest Mac operating system with a major flaw that could leave you vulnerable to hackers?
There's now a fix for that.
On Wednesday, Mac released a security update to High Sierra (version 10.13.1). You can download the patch in the App Store. Apple also plans to automatically push the update later today for anyone who is affected.
A dangerous bug in the operating system allowed any user anywhere to gain entrance to your files and your saved information on your computer just by typing a single word.
Apple released a security memo about the flaw along with a new statement, saying, "Security is a top priority for every Apple product, and regrettably we stumbled with this release of macOS."
Experts were concerned that the malware, discovered on Tuesday, could gain root access to computers and wreak havoc quicker than ever before.
Cyber security expert Melody Moh, a professor at San Jose State University, called Apple's security flaw "mind blowing."
"You can do anything and everything. You can delete that legitimate user's account, you can lock his account. You can access his bank, his email, Twitter, Facebook. Anything," said Moh.
Apple unveiled High Sierra on Sept. 25.
It came pre-installed on a handful of computer models.
Customers at the Apple store in Los Gatos had mixed feelings about the flaw.
Jonathan Knowles defended Apple saying, "Computers are super complex and you might look at something that seems dumb and we might find out later, well, not so dumb."
Another customer was less understanding.
"I'm concerned about the fact that the tech companies are not thinking carefully about issues of security," said Ann Ravel.
The company apologized for exposing users to the issue saying, "Our customers deserve better. We are auditing our development processes to help prevent this from happening again."
