1.3 Ensure Download New Updates When Available Is Enabled

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This audit has been deprecated and will be removed in a future update.

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Information

In the GUI, both 'Install macOS updates' and 'Install app updates from the App Store' are dependent on whether 'Download new updates when available' is selected.

Rationale:

It is important that a system has the newest updates downloaded so that they can be applied.

Impact:

If 'Download new updates when available' is not selected, updates may not be made in a timely manner and the system will be exposed to additional risk.

Solution

Graphical Method:
Perform the following steps to enable the system to automatically check for updates:

Open System Preferences

Select Software Update

Select Advanced

Set Download new updates when available to enabled

Terminal Method:
Run the following command to enable auto update:

$ /usr/bin/sudo /usr/bin/defaults write /Library/Preferences/com.apple.SoftwareUpdate AutomaticDownload -bool true

Profile Method:
Create or edit a configuration profile with the following information:

The PayloadType string is com.apple.SoftwareUpdate

The key to include is AutomaticDownload

The key must be set to <true/>

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/4180