Much noise has been made about the new 12-inch MacBook’s vulnerability to the BadUSB exploit, due to its reliance on the USB-C connector, but a deeper look reveals mostly hyperbole. Likewise, Rich Mogull debunks tales of Apple Pay “insecurity” that are actually related to bank processes. Julio Ojeda-Zapata tries out the new Force Touch trackpad and is impressed by the technology, though not enough to retire his mouse. Former Macworld editor Dan Moren joins us this week to review BusyContacts, a new power-user alternative to Apple’s Contacts app. Finally, we have the latest chapter of Joe Kissell’s “Take Control of Security for Mac Users” for TidBITS members, focusing on what you can do to increase the security of your iCloud account. Notable software releases this week include Safari 8.0.4, 7.1.4, and 6.2.4, Skype 7.6, Voila 3.8.3, Security Update 2015-003 (Yosemite), Typinator 6.5, Audio Hijack 3.0.3, and Nisus Writer Pro 2.1.
Some publications are singling out the new 12-inch MacBook’s single USB-C port as a major security risk. But the risks, which aren’t even new, are being overstated.
It’s nearly impossible for today’s Mac user to avoid iCloud, and although Apple has done a good job on iCloud security, Joe Kissell still has some steps you can take to increase your overall security level.
Julio Ojeda-Zapata put Apple’s new Force Touch trackpad through its paces and found its features to be flawlessly executed, fairly useful, and wicked cool. He is not yet persuaded to give up the mouse he uses at his office desk, though.
Need to go beyond Apple’s Contacts app? BusyContacts — by the same folks who brought you BusyCal — is for those who need to manage relationships with contacts or are just plain dissatisfied with Apple’s bare-bones offering.
Apple Pay is being blamed for a rash of new credit card fraud cases. TidBITS Security Editor Rich Mogull argues that it’s merely exposing existing weaknesses in bank security.
Notable software releases this week include Safari 8.0.4, 7.1.4, and 6.2.4, Skype 7.6, Voila 3.8.3, Security Update 2015-003 (Yosemite), Typinator 6.5, Audio Hijack 3.0.3, and Nisus Writer Pro 2.1.
In our latest roundup of links, Tim Cook opens up about Steve Jobs and the Apple Watch, modern Photoshop experts try to use Photoshop 1.0, and Managing Editor Josh Centers makes an appearance on the Subjective podcast.