How to use the Mac Accessibility Assistant shortcut
How to set up alerts in Calendar on Mac
* Indicates author is a member of MAGIC
Meeting information
Date
20 September 2023
Time
4:00 - 5:30
Presentations:
• Meeting Intro and report with Harry
• "Using health apps" with Gary
• Q&A with "A" Team based on questions emailed prior to meeting
Location:
by ZOOM on-line
MAGIC Minutes for August 16, 2023
by Wendy Shimada, Secretary
The zoom meeting was called to order at 4:02 pm by Ron Sharp; President Harry Anderson will be back for the September meeting. While waiting for a few more attendees to log on, Ron & Robert Elphick answered a couple of miscellaneous questions from members. Treasurer Gary McIntyre reported a Magic Account Balance of $9000.11, thanks to some generous contributions. Contributions are always appreciated. It was mentioned that the December meeting might be an in-person event, with decisions, discussion and details to follow in coming months. If it is an in-person event, members can bring used but working equipment, as we have done in the past.
Thirteen members were "in attendance" to hear two presentations: Robert's walk-through the MAGIC website and Ron's walk-through the Apple website. After the informative presentations, a few questions were answered by Ron & Robert. As always, questions are encouraged to be submitted via email ahead of time & if time allows, miscellaneous questions will be also answered after the presentation. Next month's presentation by Gary McIntyre will include info on some health-oriented apps,. As always, today's presentations can be found on the Magic website, which members now know how to easily search and use more effectively.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:58 pm.
MAGIC Musings
Greetings, MAGIC members! I have missed our meetings for June, July and August because of travel and out-of-town visitors. But I will be back for our meeting on Sept. 20 and I'm really looking forward to it.
The board met last week discuss plans for the rest of this year and start thinking ahead to 2024. Details can be found on the meeting page of this website.
Our board also discussed the possibility of having an in-person meeting sometime early in 2024 at a site to be determined. One idea was to make it a swap meet where members can bring all Mac-related items they no longer want and sell, trade or give them to other members. I will bring this up on our Zoom call on Sept. 20 and ask if this is something many of you would like to do and would attend.
A reminder that the presentations by our experts are not designed to fill our hour-long meetings. The balance of time will be spent answering questions that you have submitted in advance. During the summer months, we didn't get many questions and I am assuming that's because folks are gardening, traveling and otherwise spending less time indoors on their computers. If you have questions you would like answered at our September meeting, please send them in advance to our MAGIC email .
Harry Anderson
Robert Elphick
Note: This Software Update section of the newsletter lists the most relevant Apple updates. Not all updates are listed for all products. Additionally, I'll add other pertinent updates on occasion.
macOS 13.5.1 Ventura update fixes System Settings location permissions
by Roman Loyola, macworld
The setting may not appear for some users.
Apple has released macOS Ventura 13.5.1, an update to the Mac operating system. The update seems to only include a System Settings fix for a problem that prevented location permissions from appearing. According to Apple's security releases support document, "this update has no published CVE entries."
The 13.5.1 update comes three weeks after Apple released Ventura 13.5, which included nearly 30 security updates.
The next major update to macOS will likely be the release of Sonoma later this fall, probably in October. Apple is also rumored to release new M3 Macs around the same time, which could include a new MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro, and iMac.
macOS Ventura 13.5: How to install the update
To install the latest update on your Mac, head over to System Settings, then click Software Update, and Download and Install. Then follow the prompts and restart your Mac. It should take approximately 15 minutes.
iOS 16.6.1 for iPhone now available with important security fixes
by Chance Miller, 9to5mac
While iOS 17 is just days away from being released, Apple is out with an important update for iOS 16 users today. iOS 16.6.1 is now available and Apple says it includes some important security fixes. There are also new updates for Apple Watch and Mac users out today.
You can update your iPhone to iOS 16.6.1 by heading to the Settings app, choosing General, then choosing Software Update. The build number for today's update is 20G81. It's available for any iPhone capable of running iOS 16, which includes the iPhone 8 and newer.
Apple's release notes for iOS 16.6.1 aren't very detailed and simply say: "This update provides important security fixes and is recommended for all users."
Apple will likely update its dedicated "Apple security releases" webpage with details on the vulnerabilities patched in today's update soon. (Update: More details now available here.)
Here are the other updates from Apple today, all of which Apple says include "important security fixes."
A lot of Mac owners use Google Chrome as their web browser, and personally, I don't get it. For Apple fans, it seems like a total disconnect not to use Safari instead of Chrome.
For starters, Apple markets its products as privacy-forward and seamlessly integrated with each other. And the web browser is an essential component of your computer, whether we're talking Mac, iPhone or iPad. You have a lot to gain by using Safari on all your devices.
But look at the numbers: Although the Mac has 20% market share, second to Windows, Apple's web browser Safari only captures 8.9% of the market.
Here's my attempt to sway it the other way — the top five reasons I use Safari instead of Google Chrome.
5 reasons to use Safari instead of Chrome
No. 1: Safari vs. Chrome: Memory and performance
No. 2: Safari means fewer ads and more privacy
No. 3: Sync everything across all your Apple devices
No. 4: Safari offers easy tab organization
No. 5: Use iCloud Keychain, Apple's built-in password manager
macOS 14 Sonoma superguide: Everything you need to know
by Karen Haslam, macworld
TABLE OF CONTENTS
macOS Sonoma: Release date
macOS Sonoma: Beta release date and latest version
macOS Sonoma: How to install the beta
macOS Sonoma compatibility: Which Macs will be able to run macOS 14?
macOS Sonoma new features: What coming to the Mac this fall?
Following the WWDC keynote on June 5, we now know that the next version of macOS will be called Sonoma, named after the Californian wine region. Among the new features coming to Macs are changes to Widgets, a new Game Mode, the ability to easily turn web pages into web apps, and fun additions to video conferencing apps. Read on for the lowdown on all the new features and improvements coming later in 2023.
Safari 17: All the new features coming to your Mac this fall
by Roman Loyola, macworld
In macOS Monterey, Ventura, and the upcoming Sonoma, Safari helps you be more productive and secure.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Web apps
Profiles
Private Browsing enhancements
Multitab selection
Favorites bar favicons
...
Apple's built-in browser might be the most frequently used app on your Mac (yes, even more than the Finder, super Mac geeks). So Apple always adds helpful new features to Safari, its browser. In version 17, coming this fall alongside macOS Sonoma, Safari helps you be more productive and secure, and it's available for macOS Monterey, Ventura, and the upcoming Sonoma. Let's take a look at the new features.
How to use dictation for hands-free typing in MacOS Ventura
by Dennis Sellers, rocketyard
I play a lot of sports and have broken my hand at least twice. Which means it was handy (pun intended) that macOS supports Dictation so I could continue to work with my hand in a cast.
Dictation, of course, lets you talk where you would type. You can write an article (thank goodness!), respond to emails, search the web, and much more by just your voice. You can navigate to any text field, activate Dictation, then say what you want to write. Dictation converts your words into text.
macOS Ventura comes with more than 50 editing and formatting commands. You can turn on Dictation and tell your Mac to bold a paragraph, delete a sentence, or replace a word.
Here's how to enable Dictation in macOS Ventura:
Choose Apple menu > System Settings.
Click Keyboard in the sidebar.
Got to Dictation and turn it on (if a prompt pops up, click Enable).
Keyboard > Dictation
You may be asked if you want to improve Siri and Dictation. If you do, follow the prompts. If you don't, skip this step.
To dictate using another language than the default tone, click the Language pop-up menu, then choose a language and dialect.
Add Language
To add an unlisted language, choose Customize or Add Language, then select or add the languages you want to use. To remove a language, click the Language pop-up menu, choose Customize, then deselect the language you don't want to use.
You also have options to choose your microphone source and set up a shortcut. To choose a shortcut. To do the latter, click the pop-up menu next to Shortcut, then choose a shortcut, or create your own.
Choose Shortcut
Here's how to dictate text:
In the app in which you wish to dictate text, place the insertion point where you want the dictated text to appear.
Press the microphone icon in your Mac's row of function keys, use a dictation keyboard shortcut, or use Edit > Start Dictation.
When the feedback window shows the microphone icon with a fluctuating loudness indicator, or you hear the tone that signals your Mac is ready for dictation, you start start dictating your text.
To insert a punctuation mark or perform formatting tasks, you can say the name of the punctuation mark, such as "exclamation mark." And you can say "new line" (equivalent to pressing the Return key once) or "new paragraph" (equivalent to pressing the Return key twice). The new line or new paragraph appear when you're done dictating.
For a list of the commands you can use while dictating, see Apple's "Commands for dictating text" page.
By the way, Dictation automatically inserts commas, periods, and question marks for you as you dictate. To turn if off, choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Keyboard in the sidebar. Go to Dictation, then turn off Auto-punctuation.
Turn off Auto-punctuation
One nice feature for Macs with Apple Silicon (M.x) processor is that you can insert emoji using your voice while dictating—for example, say "heart emoji" or "car emoji."
To turn off Dictation:
On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Settings, then click Keyboard in the sidebar.
Based on a question from Member Prescott in the August meeting
In Mac OS Ventura the way in which the Finter tabs has changed. The plus sign in the tab bar is no longer there until the tab bar is being used. In order to make sure that the tab bar is being used by the Operating System, follow this procedure:
Open a Finder window
Select the menu View > Show Tab Bar
Select the menu View > Show All Tabs
Select the menu View > Customize ToolBar...
Drag the Options icon to the Toolbar if it is not already there.
Use the Action icon to open a new tab (Make sure that the Finder window is wide enough to include the Action icon

Note that if you do not like the tab bar and prefer to use separate finder windows (easier when cutting pasting between applications) then you can reverse th process above.
3 more simple AirPods tricks everyone should know
by Ed Hardy, cultofma
AirPods have no obvious controls on them, so it's easy to think you just stick them in your ears and start listening. But these wireless earbuds offer features that aren't immediately obvious.
The latest group covers how to more easily control your AirPods, how to find a lost one, plus a simple way to extend the battery life.
AirPods tricks for (almost) all
Because there are multiple Apple wireless earbud models to choose from, across a range of prices, not every AirPods trick applies to every device. The ones here work for all versions of AirPods and AirPods Pro. But AirPods Max over-the-ear headphones are excluded — they're just too different.
None of these tips are secrets. It's quite possible you know about one or more of them already. Or maybe you don't — I regularly discover that people aren't aware of things about their devices that I think are common knowledge.
1. AirPods come with customizable controls
Here's where you'll find the touch controls for each of the AirPods versions.
Images: Apple/Cult of Mac
Glance at an AirPod and it's easy to think it has no external controls. Actually, it does. Exactly what form these take depends on your model, but they all have them.
AirPods 1 or 2 detect taps at the top of the stem. It doesn't matter if it's the left or right earbud.
A double tap will automatically answer an incoming call. Or you can set the virtual button to play and pause audio content, play the next track, activate Siri or do other things. (Visit Apple's support site for more details on changing settings on AirPods 1 or 2.)
On AirPods 3, there's a force sensor in a small indentation on the stem (either one). The number of times you press it controls what happens. Press once to play or pause audio, or answer a call if your iPhone is ringing. Double press to jump to the next track. Triple press to jump back a track. Press and hold to activate Siri.
AirPods Pro 1 or 2 also have a sensor on their stems, and pressing it activates the same controls as AirPods 3.
But there are additional options. You can set the earbuds to toggle between Noise Cancellation/Transparency mode when you press and hold the stem, or activate Siri instead. (Get more details on changing AirPods Pro settings from Apple's support website.)
Exclusively with AirPods Pro 2, you can lightly swipe up or down on the stem to adjust the volume.
You can see your misplaced AirPods on a Mac in the Find My application.
Image: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac
People who struggle to find lost AirPods are probably unaware that Apple builds in tools to help you locate them. Every version of AirPods supports the Find My app and service. Open the app on your iPhone, select the Devices tab, then choose your AirPods.
Specify which AirPod is missing (left or right) and you'll be shown its location on a map.
Once you are close to your misplaced AirPod, you can make it play a sound. In the Find My app, select the Devices tab, then choose your AirPods, and tap Play Sound.
All this is very useful if you took your AirPods out and forgot where you set them. But it's not helpful if they are still inside the case.
With AirPods Pro 2 (and only AP2), you can track the location of the case or have it play a sound. For all other models, you should consider attaching an AirTag or a similar tracking tag to the case.
AirPods last five or six hours before needing a recharge, not a whole workday. But there's an easy way to keep listening to music or podcasts for twice as long: Use only a single AirPod at a time.
It's not an ideal solution — it's harder to close out the world, if that's your goal. Maybe put an earplug in the other ear.
Your iPhone or Mac won't care that you have only a single AirPod in an ear. You don't have to change any settings.
Do this, and you can maybe get 10 or 12 hours of continuous listening out of two AirPods.
The iPad Pro will reportedly get its first revamp in over five years
by Michael Simon, macworld
And a new Magic Keyboard is in the works too.
When Apple launched the new iPad Pro in 2018, it introduced a new design that would influence the rest of Apple's lineup, including the iPad Air and mini, the iPhone 12, and even the M1 MacBook Pro. Now, five years later, a new report claims Apple is planning a major revamp for the iPad Pro next year.
According to Mark Gurman's latest Power On newsletter, the iPad Pro is in line for "its first major overhaul in half a decade" following a series of minor updates for the past several generations. The iPad Pro has had three updates since 2018, but Apple focused on internal changes: the chip, camera module, connectivity, and display tech.
Along with the new design, the updated model is expected to bring several changes, including a slightly larger 13-inch model, OLED displays that are "crisper and brighter, and reproduce colors more accurately,", and an M3 processor. Other rumored features in development are a new larger model with a 16-inch display and wireless charging.
Gurman also claims Apple will introduce a "revamped" Magic Keyboard that "addresses a complaint about the current Magic Keyboard." Among the changes are a new design with a larger trackpad. to make it "look even more like a laptop." The current Magic Keyboard, introduced in 2020, has a "floating cantilever design" that attaches magnetically and allows for precise viewing adjustments. It also has backlit keys and a built-in USB-C charging port but doesn't support MagSafe charging.
Gurman says the updates are still a ways off, with a launch planned for spring or early summer 2024. He says there may be minor updates before then, with the iPad mini and iPad Air rumored to get new chips.
iPhone 15 Pro Max: The three new features I'm most excited about
by Chance Miller, 9to5mac
year should come as no surprise. Nor did I have to talk myself into making that decision. This year, however, there are three upgrades coming with the iPhone 15 Pro Max that I think will serve as the biggest changes to the iPhone experience since the iPhone X.
For those wondering: I've been an iPhone Upgrade Program member for years. This makes it very, very easy to get a new iPhone every generation - and I pay a little more every month (I think?) for that privilege. This year, barring any surprises, I'm planning to buy the iPhone 15 Pro Max. I've been a member of the so-called "Max Club" since the iPhone XS Max, and of the "Plus Club" before it.
With that housekeeping out of the way, here are the three iPhone 15 Pro Max features that I'm most excited to see.
USB-C
This should come as no surprise to anyone, but the iPhone 15's switch to USB-C is easily at the top of my list this year. While I do use wireless charging to recharge my iPhone the majority of the time, the USB-C switch will do wonders for what I need to keep in my laptop bag and what I need to bring when I travel.
When I travel with the iPhone 14, I always bring multiple Lightning cables with me. I want to make sure I always have one within reach, and have backup in case one fails. After all, some of these Lightning cables have been hanging around for years at this point. But I also have to pack multiple USB-C cables for my MacBook Air and my iPad mini.
Once I have the iPhone 15 Pro Max with USB-C, I can cut those Lightning cables out of my setup. I can use the USB-C cables I'm also already carrying to now charge my phone as well.
It's also looking like there will be some practical benefits to USB-C on the iPhone 15 Pro, in addition to the quality-of-life upgrades. Rumors seem to suggest transfer speeds and charging speeds will see a boost this year. The faster charging speed is something I'm very excited about, especially for travel.
There's one big asterisk to how the iPhone 15 Pro Max will rid my life of Lightning cables: AirPods Max. I'm a big fan of AirPods Max, even though they've grown rather long in the tooth - including the fact that they still use Lightning for charging.
The good news is that AirPods Max have relatively solid battery life. If I'm going away on a weekend trip, I don't need to charge them at all. For longer trips, and for day-to-day life at home, I guess I'll have to keep one Lightning cable lying around. Or maybe I'll just switch to the Beats Studio Pro.
For this reason, I'm also planning to buy a new version of the AirPods Pro charging case with USB-C, assuming the rumors are correct that this is also coming next week.
Periscope camera
Another change coming to the iPhone 15 Pro Max in particular is the addition of a periscope camera. This switchover will drastically improve the optical zoom range of the iPhone's camera, an area in which Apple has lagged behind for years.
One of my favorite things about TikTok is seeing concert videos. I can't help but notice that videos shot with Samsung's flagship phones oftentimes look a lot better than videos shot on iPhone. The vast majority of the time, the reason for this is that Samsung phones, such as the Galaxy S23 Ultra, already offer a periscope lens with up to 10x optical zoom.
In contrast, the iPhone 14 Pro's telephoto lens has an optical zoom range of just 3x. This means the iPhone 14 Pro will switch to digital zoom - which is far lower quality - much sooner than the Galaxy S23 Ultra.
The current rumors seem to suggest the iPhone 15 Pro will offer around 6x optical zoom. That's a big step in the right direction, even if it doesn't match what Samsung's flagship phones have.
A new titanium chassis
Last but not least, the iPhone 15 Pro chassis is widely rumored to switch from a stainless steel to titanium. The iPhone has used stainless steel since the iPhone X, so this is a big change that's been a long time coming.
There are two reasons I'm optimistic about this change:
Titanium is significantly lighter than stainless steel. The iPhone 14 Pro Max is a heavy phone. I think the weight is the biggest reason some people choose the iPhone 14 Pro, or even the standard iPhone 14, instead. Zac did some back-of-the-envelope math in an attempt to estimate how much lighter the titanium chassis might be, and I'm excited.
The stainless steel design is a fingerprint magnet. The iPhone 15 Pro's titanium chassis will have a matte finish, likely similar to the aluminum finish on the non-Pro models. This should improve the durability and make the phones a lot less fingerprint-y.
This change appears to mean that the iPhone 15 Pro will be available in a very boring lineup of colors. If leads to a lighter design, or allows Apple to pack a bigger battery inside without making the phone heavier, that's a tradeoff I'm willing to make.
iPhone 15 Pro wrap up
These are just three of the rumored changes for the iPhone 15 Pro. Other new features will reportedly include slimmer bezels around the display, a new 3nm A17 Bionic chip, and a new Action button in place of the mute switch.
Apple is expected to announce the iPhone 15 lineup on September 12, with pre-orders to follow on September 15 and a release on September 22.
Control Center is a useful tool on your iPhone and iPad that gives you quick access to features and settings that would otherwise require you to root around among the many apps on your device. Some of these features can only be enabled through Control Center.
In this article, we look at 10 ways that you can use Control Centre to save time and quickly access settings, and features even when your iPhone or iPad is locked.
How to set Messages to auto-reply while you're driving
by Glenn Fleishman, macworld
The worst thing for your safety and that of others while you're driving is to interact with your phone, particularly attempting to engage with texting. However, sometimes you want to let people know that you're unavailable while driving. Apple offers an auto-reply to help.
First, you need to make sure that the While Driving mode of Focus turns on automatically while you're driving. Go to Settings > Focus > Driving Focus > While Driving to set options:
Activate: The Automatically option should be set by default. However, you might prefer to use When Connected to Car Bluetooth if you're never driving without connecting—that is, other times, you're on transit or a passenger. You can also set Manually to enable from Control Center—before driving, not while!
Activate With CarPlay: If you're one of the many people with an automobile that has CarPlay installed, enable this switch so that While Driving is synced with your use of CarPlay.
First make sure While Driving engages automatically (left); then confirm who gets your auto-reply message.
Having now ensured While Driving will activate…while you're driving, you can now set up responses. In Settings > Focus > Driving Focus > Auto-Reply, you can compose a message; there's one there by default: "I'm driving with Focus turned on. I'll see your message when I get where I'm going." You can choose whether it's sent to No One (more like temporarily turning off the feature), Recents, Favorites, or All Contacts.
In an especially dire situation, someone responding can send an additional message reading just "urgent" as a reply to override your Focus state. I would hope no one would do that without good reason.
Here's the new Apple Watch Heart Rate app in watchOS 1
by Michael Potuck, 9to5mac
A range of Apple Watch apps get a redesign with watchOS 10 and one of those is the Heart Rate app. Coming with more than just a facelift, the new Apple Watch Heart Rate app includes a neat new capability.
watchOS 10 is a major overhaul for the Apple Watch experience with a new widgets UI, mental health features like mood tracking, new watch faces, and redesigns coming with native apps like Weather, Stocks, Home, Maps, Messages, World Clock, and Heart Rate.
Big picture Apple says with watchOS 10 "redesigned apps provide more information at a glance, and there are new ways to navigate and quickly access content."
For reference, here's the watchOS 9 Heart Rate app with a gray tiled UI:
watchOS9 Heart Rate app
How the Apple Watch Heart Rate app looks in watchOS 10
When launching the Heart Rate app, you'll see the new heart icon in a shadow as your watch reads your current pulse
When it pops up you'll see the heart icon pulsing to the rhythm of your current heart rate - the new capability means you get to visualize your heartbeat in real time
The UI takes up the whole screen and features a neat ripple effect as each heartbeat pulses
Swipe or scroll down to see
Your daily heart rate range
Resting rate
Walking rate
Workout rate(s)>
And here are the updated range, resting rate, and walking average screens. These aren't as different from watchOS 9 and earlier but are cleaner looking and have new "i" info buttons you can tap to learn more about resting and walking rates.
At the bottom, you'll find the heart rate details for any workouts you've done for the day, including your cardio recovery numbers. Here's how that looks in watchOS 10:
Apple Watch Heart Rate app watchOS 10 3
Here's how the all-new Apple Watch Home app looks and works in watchOS 10
by Michael Potuck, 9to5mac
Seven native Apple Watch apps have been overhauled with watchOS 10, one of which is the Home app. The big update brings the Apple Watch HomeKit experience in-line with iPhone. Follow along for how the new Apple Watch Home app looks and works.
watchOS 10 brings a big overhaul for the Apple Watch experience with a new widgets UI, mental health features like mood tracking, new watch faces, and redesigns coming with native apps like Weather, Stocks, Maps, Messages, World Clock, Heart Rate, and Home.
As a refresher, here's the main screen of the watchOS 9 Home app:
After we got a major overhaul of the Home app with iOS 16 last year for iPhone, this time it's Apple Watch's turn for a HomeKit upgrade with watchOS 10.
How the Apple Watch Home app looks and works in watchOS 10
When launching the new Home app in watchOS 10, your camera feeds are at the top, next are four quick buttons for climate, lights, security, and speakers, and your favorite HomeKit devices are below that
Swipe to the very top to see the Intercom button
Tap the back arrow in the top left to see categories and all your rooms
Tap a HomeKit device in the new app to toggle it on/off (lock/unlock, open/close, etc.) or tap the … icon to get precise control for things like thermostats and lights
Here's how the new Apple Watch Home app looks and works in watchOS 10:
Here's the main screen with video feeds up top. You can tap a feed to see a closer view or tap in the bottom right corner of the video section to see all your HomeKit cameras.
Next are the quick buttons for climate, lights, security, and speaker categories. And above on the far right is what HomeKit device tiles look like with the new Home app in watchOS 10.
The new quick access categories for climate, lights, security, and speakers are really handy with buttons at the top to do things like turn all lights off or pause all speakers.
Back at the main screen, swipe to the very top to see the Intercom button and tap the back arrow to see Home, Favorites, and Scenes followed by all of your rooms.
For individual devices, here's what it looks like to tap the … icon to get manual control. Some devices will have multiple controls to swipe between:
And here's what it looks like to control devices like smart locks and dimmable lights:
Overall I think this is a great update that brings the Apple Watch HomeKit experience up to par with iOS.
It's much easier to quickly get a glimpse of what's going on at your home, access devices, and control them. And in my use the new watchOS Home app has been more responsive too.
I needed a password eight characters long, so I picked Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.
Apparently you cannot use "beefstew" as a password. It is not stroganoff.
Your password is not strong enough if you can still remember it tomorrow.
Malicious Google ads deceive Mac users into installing Atomic Stealer malware
by Wesley Hilliard, appleinsider
A disguised malware delivery page. Source: Malwarebytes
A macOS malware discovered in April has found a new vector of attack, with people searching for software on Google finding malware presented as legitimate ads.
The malware payload known as Atomic macOS Stealer (AMOS) first appeared in April being sold on Telegram for $1,000 per month. Once installed, it collects the user's system password via aggressive pop-ups and then siphons off sensitive data like passwords, crypto, and files.
According to a report from researchers at Malwarebytes, AMOS is being delivered via a Google ad scheme to unsuspecting searchers. The ads are legitimate and paid for but disguise themselves as the website or software the user is searching for.
This attack relies on users' trust in Google when clicking on ad search results. It appears at the top of the page and has Google's ad stamp of approval, so users click through without inspecting for suspicious URLs or domain owners.
Once the user clicks the link, they are presented with a normal-looking page. The attackers create a near-perfect clone of the website users expect, so they click through and download the software.
AMOS doesn't need to go through the normal installation process through Gatekeeper since it is an ad-hoc signed app. Users are directed to right-click and open the software from the mounted .dmg file.
After the file is opened, a fake prompt for the system password keeps popping up until the user relents and enters their password. It then harvests what data it can from the user's Keychain, file system, and crypto wallets and sends it to the malware operator.
A disguised malware delivery page. Source: Malwarebytes
How to protect yourself from AMOS
Google isn't a foolproof tool. It delivers information based on the user's account data and keywords, and malicious ads aren't always going to get caught on review.
The number one security rule of the internet is paying attention to the URL. In the example given by Malwarebytes, the URL is trabingviews.com.
Users should exercise caution whenever they choose to download software from the web. The Mac App Store is the safest route for Mac users, but that won't always be an option.
Pay attention to Google's results, the URL you're directed to, and the software installer itself. Be wary of how the software asks to be installed. Most software shouldn't ask the user to bypass Gatekeeper.
A potential red-flag is software that demands the user open the app in place, on the installer image. As a general rule, it should ask the user to drag the installed app to the Finder.
Also, be wary of random requests for the system password, especially right after installing new software. Inspect the dialog for design irregularities or typos.
This is a SCAM Delete it. There are lots of these appearing these days - if it seems to be too good to be true, then it is - DO NOT CLICK
SCAM - DO NOT CLICK Note the senders address and the ridiculous text in the lower portion (this is to get past scam detectors)
SCAM - DO NOT CLICK Note the senders address and the ridiculous text in the lower portion (this is to get past scam detectors) if it seems to be too good to be true, then it is!
This is SPAM Note the address of the sender. Also not the WhidbeyTel will NEVER send a message to multiple users in the "To:" section
This poped up one day in my browser. It is Malware DO NOT CLICK
Another one! DO NOT CLICK
But I do not use Norton! - It looks very real though does'nt it? DO NOT CLICK
Internet Crime
Any one bothered by internet criminal activity should report it to the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at this web page. This includes phishing, malware, spoofing, any demand for money.
Should you buy a new iPad? If that's something you're thinking about then here is a bit of information for you. Apple moves products into the Vintage list after 5 years from the selling date. Then around seven years after Apple stops selling products they are moved into the Obsolete list. By then you won't be able to update to any newer operating system but will still be able to install security updates generally for about 9 years.
There are obvious reasons for a new iPad such as if your battery life fails and if apps start taking a long time to open or your iPad crashes and requires you to power it back on. Or you may decide you want a larger iPad or one with Face ID.
Then do you buy one now or wait until a new model is introduced? I mention this because if you purchase an iPad this fall, 2023, it will be a 2022 model and Apple has scheduled to update the iPads in 2024. So if it's important to have a very recent model and you can wait six months then wait for the new model. I don't like to wait but I most often consider it because, like in this case, you would get an extra year or more before you hit the vintage status. That might not be a consideration for you.
If there aren't annoying problems with your iPad you can keep it way past the obsolete status as many people do. Or upgrade it more often if it's your everyday, major device. For someone like me, technology is a considerable interest so I tend to upgrade sooner rather than later. But I'm a bit frugal, so I wrestle with buying decisions a while.
Some people get frustrated using their phones and computers. I have fun with them. Sure, some things can be a hassle like passwords. Here's my one major tip for improving your relationship with devices. Learn the set up, and get it set to your preferences. I know you're thinking "Yah, easy for you to say."
Now here's a precursor to my first major tip, think of your device as a tool to keep you young and your mind sharp. Everyone reads articles that remind us the trick to staying young and sharp is to keep learning, keep applying yourself. So our personal digital devices are a perfect tool in that regard.
The setup on your device means setting all the preferences so things work the way you expect. There are a lot of device settings and many apps have there own settings as well. You'll have to take the time to go through many settings but it will be worth it in the long run. Here's a few examples of what I'm talking about; when you download something on your computer or phone, you'll know where it goes. When you get a sound notification you'll know what it is by the sound you set for each item. Set Mail folders and browsing history to delete automatically after a selected period of time to keep your storage from overloading. And many more similar settings.
If you're waiting for a tip on passwords, sorry, you'll still have to deal with them! But wait, I would say using the Safari browser to store passwords is the safest convenient way to deal with them. If you aren't already using it, you can start by going to Safari Settings and selecting "User Names and Passwords" in the "Autofill" section. And also set up your Face ID, it can eliminate many passwords entries.
How to use the Mac Accessibility Assistant Shortcut:
MAGIC, the Macintosh Appreciation Group of Island County, serves people who use Macintosh computers, software and peripherals. Our goal is to share information and get answers to questions to make us more productive with our use of technology. Our monthly meetings give us a chance to discuss computer problems and share ideas with other Mac users, feature speakers on specific topics, and to keep apprised of Apple news.