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.

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

Solution

Run the following command to enable auto update:

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

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.

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/benchmarks/17465