Can't login to Vanguard Investments on my MacBook Air

Question

Can't login to Vanguard Investments on my MacBook Air

Login attempts from less than 2 year old Apple Air using 13.7.2 Ventura with Chrome, Firefox, Safari sends to IdleLogoff screen instead of logging on to site. Have stepped through numerous configs with Vanguard techs to no avail, occasionally will allow logon with no detectable pattern nor changes to OS config, etc. Vanguard states it is a known problem with other users with no ETA for solution after several months. Very difficult to manage account without internet access, and very disappointed with Vanguard trouble ticket attention, obviously they are relatively incompetent to administer their online access or don't consider client access nor satisfaction important.

Anyone else with this issue and any solution for it?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

MacBook Air 15″, macOS 13.7

Posted on Jan 11, 2025 4:01 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

FishingAddict

Level 4

3,768 points

Jan 11, 2025 8:28 PM in response to KirkAppleSupport

Have you checked that:

The region is correct on your Mac
The date and time are correct on your Mac
Try a private browser session
Make sure that you are not using any 3rd party security software that may be interfering with cookies
Temporarily disable any browser extensions or features that block cookies, JavaScript, or add privacy protections

"IdleLogoff" sounds like something that they may keep track of in a cookie. Anything that would cause in incorrect storage or calculation related to that cookie may cause the site to interpret that information incorrectly.

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Answer 2

Jan 11, 2025 4:07 PM in response to KirkAppleSupport

Apparently V.I. needs to get their IT on board with providing a solution.

Meanwhile, if you feel adventurous, you might install a newer version of macOS (14 or 15) on an external drive, and then boot with that and see if the problem is still a problem.

Install macOS on an external storage device and use it as a startup disk - Apple Support

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Answer 3

6x6

Level 6

19,107 points

Jan 11, 2025 4:07 PM in response to KirkAppleSupport

Could you upgrade to macOS Sonoma or macOS Sequoia? A 2-year old should be compatible with those newer version of macOS.

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Answer 4

Jan 11, 2025 4:59 PM in response to D.I. Johnson

It's not on my end as far as configs since I have complied with various checks and tired of the machinations by the "support" team and the technical team which can't ever be bothered to talk directly to the client, but only through non-technical call center types. Was told that often these issues are never resolved, so apparently it's move your investments or no online access, we can't be bothered or don't have the skill to resolve this problem that obviously numerous clients have. Such a deplorable attitude.

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Answer 5

Jan 11, 2025 5:29 PM in response to KirkAppleSupport

KirkAppleSupport wrote:

I don't feel adventurous nor have the money to spend on experiments with accessing a simple website when my current system is relatively new and compliant with requirements.

macOS software upgrades are free, and include added features as well as security updates.

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Answer 6

Jan 11, 2025 5:45 PM in response to MrHoffman

Current config is OKed by tech support, suggestion in forum comments was to boot from external drive ($) with another OS (time), should not have to experiment/risk with purchasing other products, phone and plan, non-Apple PC, external drives to troubleshoot to likely no result as has already been the result to gain access to this website when currently fully compatible. Interested in others with Apple laptop and similar problem and associated experienced resolution.

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Answer 7

Jan 11, 2025 9:02 PM in response to FishingAddict

Yes, all done prior, no success. Vanguard has admitted it is an ongoing problem for numerous users, but no ETA nor dedicated effort towards a resolution, and inability to resolve the issue after several months is mind-boggling.

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Answer 8

Jan 13, 2025 4:49 PM in response to KirkAppleSupport

I can imagine your frustration. It always amazes me that financial institutions -- of all companies -- seem to have horrible website development practices. They all seem to still use web development practices from a decade ago and love to sniff browser types and versions for no reason. There is simply no excuse for any large company to not be using modern web design practices and standards. They always seem to want to reinvent the wheel and do things differently than others as well. Of all types of websites, financial companies seem to be a never-ending struggle to get to work well with even the best password managers. I don't know of any financial companies that use modern 2FA. Amazingly, they all seem to want to send a code through SMS or email (what a joke).

I guess that pleasing their typical users doesn't directly contribute to their profit margin, so they are in no rush to invest in fixing their websites that have been duct-taped together and patched for decades -- but never modernized or rebuilt.

I hope they actually get it solved for you soon.

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Answer 9

tbirdvet

Level 6

17,024 points

Jan 11, 2025 4:23 PM in response to KirkAppleSupport

I have no issue using Monterey or Sequoia on any of my Macs. with Vanguard.

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Answer 10

Jan 11, 2025 4:54 PM in response to 6x6

Vanguard supposedly is good with my configuration and supports the OS and browser versions.

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Answer 11

Jan 11, 2025 5:01 PM in response to D.I. Johnson

I don't feel adventurous nor have the money to spend on experiments with accessing a simple website when my current system is relatively new and compliant with requirements.

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Can't login to Vanguard Investments on my MacBook Air

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