High Sierra support?

[Jonzjob]

We have a MacBook Pro 13 mid 2010 and a 21 1/2 iMac late 2009 both running High Sierra. That's the latest OS they will run. Has anyone any idea how long Apple will be giving updates on High S? It's the security side we are mainly interested in and do a fair amount of online working.

 

[ferrarr]

Online working, should be fine if you have your browser updated to current at all times. Obviously, that would rule out Safari, since that is usually updated with the OS.

 

[Jonzjob]

That shouldn't be a problem then Bob as we use Waterfox and Waterfox Current. Thank you for your prompt reply.

Both machines are still working well and it will be VERY expensive to replace them! Plus, I like the extra sockets on the MBP compared to the new jobbies.

 

[pm-r]

Has anyone any idea how long Apple will be giving updates on High S? It's the security side we are mainly interested in and do a fair amount of online working.

You can check out Apple's various articles on macOS Security if you like, but basically you will be fine if you just use your available Software Update to maintain and add any and all updates available to your Macs.

PS: Apple's Security does not normally Stop or Prevent any scams or phishing attempts or installation of malware. But it may warn of accessing fraudulent and suspicious websites.

Bottom line, be vigilant and careful when online and you should be safe, and keep a fairly current backup just in case you need it If you have anything of value and worth keeping on your Macs.



- Patrick
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[Randy B. Singer]

PS: Apple's Security does not normally Stop or Prevent any scams or phishing attempts or installation of malware.

Actually, it does attempt to prevent the installation of malware. In fact, there are multiple levels of protection:

XProtect/File Quarantine/Gatekeeper/MRT/SIP

Protecting against malware in macOS

In macOS, Apple protects against malware using XProtect and the Malware Removal Tool (MRT), and updates these tools automatically.

support.apple.com

Gatekeeper (macOS) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Gatekeeper (macOS) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Safely open apps on your Mac - Apple Support

macOS includes a technology called Gatekeeper, that's designed to ensure that only trusted software runs on your Mac.

support.apple.com

Mountain Lion: Hands on with Gatekeeper

With Mountain Lion, Apple is creating a new way for Mac developers to sign their apps and adding a new set of options for users in the Security & Privacy preference pane. Here's how Mountain Lion's new Gatekeeper feature works.

www.macworld.com

The Safe Mac » Mac Malware Guide : How does Mac OS X protect me?

Everything you need to know to protect your Mac

www.thesafemac.com

Just what do XProtect and MRT protect your Mac from?

A detailed listing of malware currently blocked or removed by Apple’s tools built into macOS from El Capitan onwards.

eclecticlight.co

LockRattler 4.1 for El Capitan, Sierra, and High Sierra is now finally released

Now provides complete details of security updates, and simple tools to check for and install any pending updates.

eclecticlight.co

How does macOS protect against malware? | Malwarebytes Labs

Mac users often are told that “Macs don’t get viruses.” This is not really true, of course. Macs can and do...

blog.malwarebytes.com

 

[Randy B. Singer]

We have a MacBook Pro 13 mid 2010 and a 21 1/2 iMac late 2009 both running High Sierra. That's the latest OS they will run. Has anyone any idea how long Apple will be giving updates on High S? It's the security side we are mainly interested in and do a fair amount of online working.

Apple usually drops support for versions of the Mac OS more than three versions old. However, they have been known to randomly and unexpectedly provide security updates for older versions of the Mac OS when they see a particular threat as being very serious.

However, one has to ask, which security threat are you concerned about? Have you heard of folks running older unsupported versions of the Mac OS suddenly running into security exploits? I haven't. In fact, if you check this very discussion list, which boasts having many thousands of users, you will find few if any legitimate complaints of malware of any kind.

If you have an extremely high need for security (e.g. your business requires it), you could always download commercial anti-virus software.

Also note that just about ALL Web browsers these days (including Safari) come with Google's "Safe Browsing" technology built-in to protect you from poisoned Web sites, drive-by downloads, and phishing sites. Safe Browsing is updated automatically daily.

Inside Safari 3.2’s anti-phishing features

Apple's Safari 3.2 browser includes anti-phishing features... but how do they work? It turns out, they work by using Google's Safe Browsing technology. Not that Apple has admitted it or described how it works.

www.macworld.com

http://www.google.com/transparencyreport/safebrowsing/

Report a Phishing Page

safebrowsing.google.com

 

[pm-r]

Actually, it does attempt to prevent the installation of malware. In fact, there are multiple levels of protection:

Thanks Randy, I could have and should have used better phrasing and sentence structure. I just wanted to imply that some security measures rely on the judgment of the user, along with some hints and cautions from Apple's OS.


- Patrick
=======

 

[chscag]

I just wanted to imply that some security measures rely on the judgment of the user, along with some hints and cautions from Apple's OS.

Like anything else it always relies on how informed the user is. Folks like us who participate in forums or user groups are generally much more aware of the dangers and pitfalls of using a computer or smart phone. Not so with the general public, unfortunately.

 

[Jonzjob]

Thank you Richard. I normally do backups with both CCC and Time M/c.

All of the answers have certainlt given me food for thought and I thank you all for the info.