Apple forces Mac update to fix bugs


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Apple iMac 2013



Apple has forced Mac computers to update in an effort to patch security issues.


This is in contrast to the normal update process that requires users to give the software a thumbs-up on their end.


The Cupertino, California-based firm isn’t taking any chances with the latest round of bugs however, and wants to ensure consumers are protected as soon as possible.


Bill Evans, an Apple spokesperson, told Reuters: “The update is seamless. It doesn’t even require a restart.”


The update went live on Monday to fix what were reportedly ‘critical’ security issues.


Bugs with the Macintosh software were made public last week in security bulletins courtesy of the US Department of Homeland Security.


Dozens of firms had vulnerabilities in their products’ software, causing Apple to take swift action to fix the problems.


Related: Apple MacBook Air with 12-inch Retina display tipped for 2015


The issue in particular involved the NTP (Network Time Protocol), which is used to synchronise clocks on computer systems.


Hackers found a way to exploit the software component, but can no longer do so thanks to the update.


Evans also revealed that Apple is unaware of any specific cases where Mac computers were actually targeted by hackers focusing on this particular exploit.