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Photo of mac computer with a Nudge notification saying a computer update is required.

New Operating System Update Deadlines for Mac Users

Submitted by krlu2891
on

Starting on Monday, June 2, deadlines for installing macOS updates on Secure Computing devices across campus will change. While Mac users will continue to receive Nudge for macOS update notifications when updates are available, high-risk security vulnerabilities will require tighter deadlines than in the past. This change is being made to support Secure Computing for CU Boulder to ensure high-risk security patches are installed promptly and that systems comply with the Vulnerability Management Standard.

What to expect

The next time Apple releases an operating system update, the Nudge update window will display a field in the left info pane called Actively Exploited CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures), shown in the screenshot below. If this field reads True, Apple has identified a potential security issue that needs to be addressed, and the update should be installed as soon as possible. If this field reads False, the update likely includes feature updates and you will have a longer window to complete installation.

Screenshot of Nudge update notifying an update is required.

 

The update process will automatically determine the required deadlines based on this information. The new deadlines are as follows:   

  • Level 4-5 (Urgent) Severity: 5 days from the release of the update  
  • Level 2-3 (Serious) Severity: 10 days from the release of the update  
  • Level 1 (Minimal) Severity: 14 days from the release of the update  

The frequency of Nudge notifications will also be shortened to accommodate the shorter update deadlines:

  • More than 3 days left to install the update: Nudge will prompt once per day
  • Less than 3 days left to install the update: Nudge will prompt once per hour
  • After the deadline has passed: Nudge will blur the rest of your screen and you will not be able to continue working until you complete the update.  

If you have any questions about this process or concerns regarding the timing or frequency of these update notifications, please contact your Departmental IT Professional, DDS technician using the Service Request Portal or the IT Service Center at 303-735-4357 or (link sends email)oithelp@colorado.edu. For more information and tips, please visit the Nudge for macOS update notifications page.