Software update notification leads to nothing...feels suspicious.

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Level 1

8 points

Software update notification leads to nothing...feels suspicious.

Hello Security experts,

Last night, a notification popped-up on my upper-right portion of the screen, identical to the usual OS Mojave software update notification I've seen in the past. As usual, I had 2 options: Install, or close the notification.

I clicked on «Install», then a small window requested that I close Safari and iTunes before proceeding. I closed both app and clicked «OK».

Then, nothing. No reboot, not install confirmation. I did not see what that SW update was about and it felt very strange. I restarted Safari, and noticed all my open tabs were closed. I could not reopen them from earlier session as that menu option was grayed out.

Does that sound familiar? Have I been infected by something?

All comments welcome!

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 10.14

Posted on Oct 4, 2021 7:17 AM

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Answer 1

Owl-53

Level 10

102,787 points

Oct 4, 2021 9:19 AM in response to fbellay

Ah - probably a Safari update and an iTunes update and neither would required a System Restart.

To verify, suggest open Terminal and type the following without quotation marks " sudo softwareupdate --history --all " It may request the computer password then just type it Notation: your password will be without an echo meaning your typed password will not appear as you type it.

The command will list all updates that have been installed. Just look in last column for Date and see if it corresponds with the date you received the notification of two updates.

Presto - verification done and hopefully - mystery solved.

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Answer 2

Owl-53

Level 10

102,787 points

Oct 4, 2021 7:44 AM in response to fbellay

Check in the Applications folder for a possible new Application called " Install Big Sur " Does it exist ??

The above is predicated on this computer appearing on this list and Software Update in System preferences is enabled for Updates etc.

macOS Big Sur is compatible with these computers

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Answer 3

fbellay Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 4, 2021 9:29 AM in response to Owl-53

Hello P. Philipps,

Your command confirms Safari was updated by the "softwareupdated" process last night and everything is normal. Everything is good and I have nothing to worry. I guess I am very sensitive to security breaches, which is a good thing.

Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge with myself and the community. It is highly appreciated.

Have a great day.

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