Have you ever received a two-factor authentication code in Messages you didn’t request? That’s a red flag because it could indicate that an attacker has partially compromised one of your accounts. Adam Engst explains what (and what not) to do in such a situation. He also shares a little-known solution for pesky “Failed to personalize” errors when trying to update macOS. The Kini motion detectors can now alert you via email when they’ve been moved and are testing a new Stasis Mode that alerts when there isn’t expected motion. Finally, we briefly look at some early findings about tinnitus from the Apple Hearing Study. Notable Mac app releases this week include BusyCal 2024.2.4, Little Snitch 6.0, Mellel 6.0.4, Mimestream 1.3.4, Parallels Desktop 19.4, and Pixelmator Pro 3.6.
The Kini motion detectors can now alert you to motion using email instead of or in addition to SMS, making them usable by those outside North America and opening up automation options. Kinisium is also testing a Stasis Mode that alerts you when a Kini hasn’t moved as anticipated.
A TidBITS Talk user was unable to update macOS on an M2 16-inch MacBook Pro, receiving a “Failed to personalize” error each time. The problem turned out to be related to firmware, and the little-known solution required restoring with Apple Configurator.
We’re all accustomed to receiving two-factor authentication codes via SMS, but if you ever get one that you didn’t request, don’t ignore it because it might indicate that the credentials to one of your accounts have been compromised.
Watchlist
Ensures that duration information is now always visible in the event info panel. ($49.99 new, free update, 67.8 MB, macOS 10.15+)
Major new release for network traffic management utility brings a bevy of new features. ($59 new, free update, 36.1 MB, macOS 14+)
Bug fix update for the word processor. ($69.99 new, free update, 93.8 MB, macOS 10.13+)
Resolves an issue with conversation view failing to respond to clicks in macOS 14.4 Sonoma. ($49.99 annual subscription, free update, 12.3 MB, macOS 12+)
Badges app icons in macOS Spotlight search results for easier identification. ($99.99 Standard Edition, free update for version 19 licenses, macOS 10.14.6+)
Brings numerous masking enhancements to the image editor
