Intego Mac Podcast

Intego Mac Podcast

Join the Intego Mac security experts for the latest Apple news, industry opinions, and a splash of security advice in our easy-to-digest, entertaining, and informative podcast series. Hosted by Kirk McElhearn and Josh Long.

Episode 389: Gaming on the Mac

An update is coming to Apple's AirPods Max headphones, and we'll tell you what Apple isn't telling you about its new features. Apple spends billions on it, but who is watching Apple TV Plus? Compared to the other streaming services, it doesn't look like a lot. And we take a look at gaming on the Mac just as some big titles are coming to the marketplace. Show Notes: Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) returns June 9–13 Lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio come to AirPods Max USB-C to 3.5 mm Audio Cable (1.2 m) — U.S. $39.00 Apple TV Plus is reportedly losing $1 billion per year Steam game store exploited to push malware—twice in 2 months iMessage scams on the rise: Tax refunds and toll payments Should you delete your 23andMe account data? Bankruptcy and privacy concerns This week, Amazon is taking away the option of not sending voice recordings to the cloud Google fixes Chrome zero-day exploited in espionage campaign Is 2025 the year of Mac gaming? Top 5 reasons to be a Mac gamer Apple silicon Explained in 56 seconds (MKBHD video) Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 is the ultimate protection and utility suite for your Mac. Download a free trial now at intego.com, and use this link for a special discount when you're ready to buy.

03-27
30:21

Episode 388: RCS, FBI, and Alexa

Apple has officially announced support for encrypted RCS messaging, as the new RCS standard is finalized. Microsoft announces plans to phase out Windows 10, the operating system a majority of its users are currently running. The FBI issues a warning about using online file converters. And Amazon will soon be listening to your Alexa conversations, whether you like it or not. Show Notes: Apple’s Passwords app was vulnerable to phishing attacks for nearly three months after launch Apple will soon support encrypted RCS messaging with Android users US Mac growth suggests Microsoft may have done Apple a huge favor Desktop Windows Version Market Share Worldwide FBI Denver Warns of Online File Converter Scam Are “corrupt my file” sites safe? Here’s why to avoid corrupt-a-file services Amazon is taking away the option of not sending voice recordings to the cloud Password reuse is rampant: nearly half of observed user logins are compromised Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 is the ultimate protection and utility suite for your Mac. Download a free trial now at intego.com, and use this link for a special discount when you're ready to buy.

03-20
30:03

Episode 387: Defense in Depth

Apple's latest OS updates patch a serious vulnerability, one that was already supposed to be patched. The tide may be turning in how governments view backdoor access to encrypted data. And Apple has announced it's delaying new personalized Siri features by another year. We have views. Show Notes: Apple and Google patch zero-day vulnerability used to hack iPhones France rejects controversial encryption backdoor provision Apple challenging legality of UK’s secret demand to globally compromise iCloud encryption 10 Ways End-to-Encryption Protects Your Data, Your Privacy, and Your Bank Balance Don't expect cheaper iCloud storage as Apple wins another monopoly lawsuit New XCSSET malware adds new obfuscation, persistence techniques to infect Xcode projects Mac malware exposed: XCSSET, an advanced new threat US cities warn of wave of unpaid parking phishing texts Apple Is Delaying the ‘More Personalized Siri’ Apple Intelligence Features Apple Adds Disclosure About Delayed Siri Features to iPhone 16 Pages Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 is the ultimate protection and utility suite for your Mac. Download a free trial now at intego.com, and use this link for a special discount when you're ready to buy.

03-13
30:01

Episode 386: What the Heck Is Apple Doing With Its Hardware and Software?

Apple's latest bevy of hardware releases feature processor upgrades and some processor naming confusion. The new iPhone 16e is Apple's least expensive iPhone, and it just may be all the phone you need. And why do the new iPads not support Apple's most advertised feature? Show Notes: Apple introduces the new MacBook Air with the M4 chip and a sky blue color iPod+HP — How Steve Jobs Fleeced Carly Fiorina Apple introduces iPad Air with powerful M3 chip and new Magic Keyboard Apple unveils new Mac Studio, the most powerful Mac ever iPhone 16e Review: An iPhone That's Good Enough for Most People 'Assassin's Creed Shadows' to debut in March for Mac and iPad Our eight-year-old daughter spent £8,500 on the Apple app store Apple announces M3 Ultra—and says not every generation will see an “Ultra” chip Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 is the ultimate protection and utility suite for your Mac. Download a free trial now at intego.com, and use this link for a special discount when you're ready to buy.

03-06
31:22

Episode 385: iCloud Encryption, Apple Visual Intelligence, and Fake Browser Updates

Apple has disabled Advanced Data Protection in the UK. Will other countries insist on similar measures? New Apple Intelligence features have arrived, and if they aren't your thing, we have a remedy. Beware of new malware disguised as an update to your favorite browser. And the Chrome browser will be dropping support for a bunch of ad blockers. Show Notes: Apple is bringing Visual Intelligence to the iPhone 15 Pro Apple Says iOS 18.4 Will Be Released in April With These New Features How to turn off Apple Intelligence on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac Apple Releases First visionOS 2.4 Beta With Apple Intelligence, Spatial Gallery and More Apple pulls iCloud end-to-end encryption feature in the UK New FrigidStealer infostealer infects Macs via fake browser updates Beware: PayPal "New Address" feature abused to send phishing emails Exploits for unpatched Parallels Desktop flaw give root on Macs Firefox continues Manifest V2 support as Chrome disables MV2 ad-blockers End of Support for uBO on Chrome / Chromium browsers Google Confirms Gmail To Ditch SMS Code Authentication Amazon announces AI upgrade for Alexa Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 is the ultimate protection and utility suite for your Mac. Download a free trial now at intego.com, and use this link for a special discount when you're ready to buy.

02-27
29:42

Episode 384: iPhone 16e: The “e” is for Egregious Pricing

Apple replaces the entry level iPhone SE with the new iPhone 16e. Does the "e" stand for extravagant pricing? We now have more details about the security patches in Apple's most recent operating system updates. iPhones sold in China will now have government mandated filters managing search results. And is it time to start worrying about the delays in Apple Intelligence features. Show Notes: Apple's New iPhone 16e - Is this the iPhone for Almost Everyone? Introducing iPhone 16e - February 19 (Apple video) iPhone 16e - Apple product page Compare iPhone models TikTok Returns to Apple’s App Store Apple launches Apple TV app for Android phones and tablets iOS 18.3.1 zero-day patch has been reverse-engineered Mark Gurman: Siri overhaul may not arrive with iOS 18.4 in April—more likely 18.5 in May Apple Plans to Overhaul China iPhones With AI by Middle of Year Valve removes “PirateFi” Steam game that contained malware “Aptoid” alternate app marketplace offers sketchy apps in EU Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 is the ultimate protection and utility suite for your Mac. Download a free trial now at intego.com, and use this link for a special discount when you're ready to buy.

02-20
29:53

Episode 383: Apple Zero-Day Patch, Powerbeats Pro 2 Earbuds, and Migrating Purchases Between Apple Accounts

Security is the main focus of Apple's just released operating system updates. A new edition of the Powerbeats Pro earbuds is out that may be better than Apple's AirPods Pro. Apple now permits moving digital purchases between Apple Accounts. And there's more talk about getting Apple to provide a global back door to encrypted iCloud data. Show Notes: Gurman: iPhone SE 4 Coming 'By Next Week,' Other Announcements Starting Tomorrow iOS 18.3.1 and iPadOS 18.3.1 patch second Apple zero-day of 2025 Powerbeats Pro 2 Migrate purchases from one Apple Account to another Apple Account AppleCare Plus is getting more expensive UK’s secret Apple iCloud backdoor order is a global emergency, say critics iCloud data security overview DeepSeek iOS app sends data unencrypted to ByteDance-controlled servers Texas Bans DeepSeek, RedNote, Lemon8 on Government Devices DeepSeek prohibited in New York government devices Google blocked 2.36 million risky Android apps from Play Store in 2024 Brave now lets you inject custom JavaScript to tweak websites Microsoft February 2025 Patch Tuesday fixes 4 zero-days, 55 flaws Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 is the ultimate protection and utility suite for your Mac. Download a free trial now at intego.com, and use this link for a special discount when you're ready to buy.

02-13
28:33

Episode 382: DeepSeek, AppleCare, and Did Apple Approve a Porn App in the EU?

A change may be coming in the way you'll be paying for Apple Care. Apple doesn't approve of an app that it has approved—semantics are at the heart of a porn app problem. DeepSeek is this past week's big artificial intelligence story. What's different about this new AI contender? Does it secure your data? And Apple's new Invites app doesn't seem to be too inviting. Show Notes: iOS 18.3 re-released on Monday only for the iPhone 11 line Introducing Apple Invites, a new app that brings people together for life’s special moments Apple Invites app Partiful How to Use iCloud+, with Additional Security and Privacy Features, and More Apple in 2024: The Six Colors report card Is DeepSeek safe? What happens to your data when you use it Is DeepSeek lying to you about sending your data to China? (video) DeepSeek’s Popular AI App Is Explicitly Sending US Data to China Apple Says It Doesn't Approve of EU Porn App Hot Tub “has been approved for distribution” by Apple sreegs — alright let's talk about Apple and Tumblr's… Netgear warns users to patch critical WiFi router vulnerabilities iOS App Store apps with screenshot-reading malware found for the first time Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 is the ultimate protection and utility suite for your Mac. Download a free trial now at intego.com, and use this link for a special discount when you're ready to buy.

02-06
29:28

Episode 381: Latest Apple OS Updates and Changes to Apple Intelligence

Apple operating system updates bring a bevy of patches and some changes to Apple Intelligence. Should you worry about vulnerabilities discovered in Apple's M-series chips. Apple's Next Generation CarPlay is late. And the latest adoption rates for current Apple operating systems tell us who is using which devices and for how long. Show Notes: CVE-2025-24166 How to turn off Apple Intelligence on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac Apple chips can be hacked to leak secrets from Gmail, iCloud, and more Apple reveals iOS 18 usage data for the first time Apple Removes '2024' Timeframe From Next-Generation CarPlay Page Time to Delete? The Most Invasive Apps List Includes Some of Your Favorites Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 is the ultimate protection and utility suite for your Mac. Download a free trial now at intego.com, and use this link for a special discount when you're ready to buy.

01-30
29:50

Episode 380: PFAS, AI, FBI, and TikTok

A warning about dangerous materials being used in Apple watch bands, the FBI has been able to quietly remove malware from computers remotely, and it's not the first time we try to make sense of the TikTok situation in the United States, and the latest Apple updates for beta testers contain more Apple intelligence features, but how many users will opt out. Show Notes: iOS 18.3 automatically enables Apple Intelligence for users, requires opt-out to disable iOS 18.3 Temporarily Removes Notification Summaries for News Smartwatch bands can contain ‘major’ levels of toxic PFAS, study finds FBI hacked thousands of computers to make malware uninstall itself Fake Homebrew Google ads target Mac users with malware Intego discovers new “Cuckoo” Mac malware mimicking Homebrew About availability of TikTok and ByteDance Ltd. apps in the United States Is TikTok safe, or not? Why U.S., EU, and App Store bans could be imminent How to turn off Copilot in Microsoft 365 Family and Personal subscriptions Samsung is rolling out a smartphone subscription next month Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 is the ultimate protection and utility suite for your Mac. Download a free trial now at intego.com, and use this link for a special discount when you're ready to buy.

01-23
29:48

Episode 379: Apple Anniversaries, and Possible New Apple Products for 2025

We discuss January anniversaries for some of our favorite Apple gear, and then a look at what new devices Apple may be planning to introduce during the year. Show Notes: Twenty years of the Mac mini, the little Mac that could Apple Focusing on These Eight New Low-Cost Devices in 2025 No, Siri's "Learn from this app" Setting Is Not Sending Data From Your Apps to Third Parties Apple’s weird iPhone alarm problems are still happening macOS flaw that allowed attackers to bypass core system protections is now fixed Sony BMG copy protection rootkit scandal “Banshee Stealer” Mac malware resurfaced in new campaigns French TV show pulled after ridicule of woman who fell for AI Brad Pitt How to Delete Your Social Media Accounts: Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and More Should you think twice about RedNote as a TikTok alternative? Microsoft January 2025 Patch Tuesday fixes 8 zero-days, 159 flaws Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 is the ultimate protection and utility suite for your Mac. Download a free trial now at intego.com, and use this link for a special discount when you're ready to buy.

01-16
28:07

Episode 378: Mac Malware in 2024, and Should We Trust Cyber Trust?

The US Federal Communications Commission has introduced a Cyber Trust Mark intended to educate consumers on the security of smart devices. We discuss how it's supposed to work. And we take a look back at the top malware stories from 2024. Show Notes: White House Launches “U.S. Cyber Trust Mark”, Providing American Consumers an Easy Label to See if Connected Devices are Cybersecure U.S. Cyber Trust Mark Apple will pay $95 million to people who were spied on by Siri Cryptocurrency wallet drainers stole $494 million in 2024 Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 is the ultimate protection and utility suite for your Mac. Download a free trial now at intego.com, and use this link for a special discount when you're ready to buy.

01-09
28:38

Episode 377: Apple in 2024: AI, EU, and USB-C

A major data breach of U.S. telecoms took place, and very few of them have yet to admit it happened. Age ratings on Apple App Store apps are misapplied for hundreds of apps that are age inappropriate. What's Apple doing about it? iMessage Notification scams are proliferating, and we have another example. And Apple released a lot of hardware this year, and in a way, AI helps us understand why. Show Notes: Apple TV+ free weekend The USB-C charging mandate arrives in the EU — here’s what that means You can love or hate AI, but it’s killed crappy 8GB versions of pricey PCs and Macs Cybersecurity firm's Chrome extension hijacked to steal users' data App Store has hundreds of ‘risky’ apps rated as appropriate for kids More telcos confirm Salt Typhoon breaches as White House weighs in Scammers are committing hospice fraud Apple Launched These 25+ Products This Year How to Use Image Playground and Genmoji on iPhone, iPad, and Mac Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 is the ultimate protection and utility suite for your Mac. Download a free trial now at intego.com, and use this link for a special discount when you're ready to buy.

01-02
30:52

Episode 376: Apple Security and Privacy in 2024: The Year in Review

This week's Intego Mac podcast features a look back at the top security and privacy news of 2024. Show Notes: Apple Security and Privacy in 2024: The Year in Review Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 is the ultimate protection and utility suite for your Mac. Download a free trial now at intego.com, and use this link for a special discount when you're ready to buy.

12-26
28:34

Episode 375: TikTok, TP-Link, and Apple AI

TikTok is facing serious scrutiny for abetting misinformation campaigns, not just in the US but elsewhere in the world. Are people disinterested in AI? The early verdict on Apple's new AI features might be summed up as "meh". Apple Notification Summaries, which utilize Apple Intelligence, has recently been accused of serious message mangling. And TP-Link routers may be banned in the US due to potential national security risks. Show Notes: Don't believe what you see on TikTok - AirDrop doesn't allow thieves to steal your credit card Supreme Court agrees to hear challenge to TikTok ban European Commission opens formal proceedings against TikTok on election risks Most iPhone owners see little to no value in Apple Intelligence so far Apple Intelligence - The Complete Guide BBC complains to Apple over misleading shooting headline Genmoji ad showcases creations that were not made with Apple Intelligence Apple Intelligence | Imagine it. Genmoji it. “Do Not Track” removed from Firefox after 13 years Am I Unique? TP-Link, most popular home internet routers in U.S., may be banned as national security risk Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 is the ultimate protection and utility suite for your Mac. Download a free trial now at intego.com, and use this link for a special discount when you're ready to buy.

12-19
27:55

Episode 374: Apple Intelligence Is Finally Here

New phishing scams use familiar internet services to con potential victims. We have some examples. And we have an overview of Apple's highly anticipated Apple Intelligence features debuting in its latest operating system updates. Show Notes: Beware of fake package delivery texts and e-mails! Here’s what to look for Mac malware masquerades as meeting apps: Realst Stealer is back! MacOS Passwords Alert—New Malware Targets Keychain, Chrome, Brave, Opera Microsoft December 2024 Patch Tuesday fixes 1 exploited zero-day, 71 flaws Apple Intelligence – The Complete Guide How to Use Apple Visual Intelligence on iPhone 16 How to use Apple Intelligence Writing Tools to express yourself perfectly How to Use Image Playground and Genmoji on iPhone, iPad, and Mac How to use Clean Up in Apple Photos to delete people or objects Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 is the ultimate protection and utility suite for your Mac. Download a free trial now at intego.com, and use this link for a special discount when you're ready to buy.

12-12
29:31

Episode 373: Tim Cook on Retirement, the FBI on Encryption, and ChatGPT on Forbidden Names

Tim Cook gives a rare interview and discusses his future at Apple. Why is the FBI now encouraging the use of encryption in messaging apps? We didn't think they were fans. The Telegram messaging app aims to crack down on the kind of criminal activities Telegram has been known to abet. And ChatGPT bumps up against another ethical and security problem with its so-called Stop Lists. Show Notes: Tim Cook on how long he’ll remain Apple CEO Apple Polishing Cloth Telcos struggle to boot Chinese hackers from networks FBI suggests use of encrypted messaging apps while US faces huge cyberattack from China China’s Hacking Reached Deep Into U.S. Telecoms WhatsApp to Drop Support for These iPhones Starting May 2025 iPhone SE Now Over 1,000 Days Old as New Model Edges Closer Telegram U-turns and joins child safety scheme Hackers abuse popular Godot game engine to infect thousands of PCs Certain names make ChatGPT grind to a halt, and we know why Google Chrome’s AI feature lets you quickly check website trustworthiness Apple Releases iCloud Passwords Add-On for Firefox Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 is the ultimate protection and utility suite for your Mac. Download a free trial now at intego.com, and use this link for a special discount when you're ready to buy.

12-05
29:28

Episode 372: Hacking, Tracking, and Phishing

The Bluesky social media platform's burst in popularity has begun to attract the scammers. The US Department of Justice wants Google to sell its Chrome browser. You'll be amazed by the number of fraud apps researchers are finding every day on your favorite app stores. And we've got a few very last minute tips for shopping Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Show Notes: Is it time to upgrade your Wi-Fi router? Security should be a top priority Don't buy these tech products this Black Friday 8 essential tips for safe holiday shopping online OG HomePods Fail, and Apple Won’t Fix Them Apple supports World Aids Day, donating $5 per qualifying purchase, Nov 29–Dec 8 Apple’s (PRODUCT)RED page Apple share buybacks Independent researcher “Babu” has helped Apple and Google remove 7K fraud apps Fake Apps in iOS App Store Now BlueSky hit with crypto scams as it crosses 20 million users Follow Intego on Bluesky Google Rebrands Switcher App to Lure iPhone Users to Android Meanwhile, Apple’s “Move to iOS” has over 100 million downloads on Google Play U.S. DoJ Wants Google to Sell Chrome Browser Anyone Can Buy Data Tracking US Soldiers and Spies to Nuclear Vaults and Brothels Spies hack Wi-Fi networks in far-off land to launch attack on target next door Black Friday 2024 holiday sales: From November 25 through December 1, save big on Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 — the ultimate Mac protection and utility suite — by using this special link (https://offer.intego.com/Intego_SMP_BlackFriday2024_o0sz64vid). You can also find incredible savings on Intego Privacy Protection VPN via this exclusive link (https://offer.intego.com/cart-redirect?ipp_standalone=1&coupon=PROMOTION2022&aff_id=24194), and Intego Antivirus for Windows via this promo link (https://www.intego.com/lp/route-podcast-intego/?channel=Podcast_Intego&lpx=buy). Share these deals with your friends and family to help them save, too!

11-28
28:40

Episode 371: What to Look for When Choosing a Wi-Fi Router

We discuss the new security fixes that were rolled out for most Apple devices. Why is Apple spending so much money to make TV shows that not many people are watching? Plus our pointers on buying a new Wi-Fi router. Show Notes: Don't buy these tech products this Black Friday 8 essential tips for safe holiday shopping online Apple security releases Graykey iPhone hacking tool can ‘partially’ access iPhone 16 – but betas protect Apple TV+ spent $20B on original content. If only people actually watched. Apple TV+ will license its movies to other services to reduce losses, per report Apple’s huge stock buyback proves one thing: companies are lousy market timers Wi-Fi specifications for Apple devices Black Friday 2024 holiday sales: From November 25 through December 1, save big on Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 — the ultimate Mac protection and utility suite — by using this special link (https://offer.intego.com/Intego_SMP_BlackFriday2024_o0sz64vid). You can also find incredible savings on Intego Privacy Protection VPN via this exclusive link (https://offer.intego.com/cart-redirect?ipp_standalone=1&coupon=PROMOTION2022&aff_id=24194), and Intego Antivirus for Windows via this promo link (https://www.intego.com/lp/route-podcast-intego/?channel=Podcast_Intego&lpx=buy). Share these deals with your friends and family to help them save, too!

11-21
29:32

Episode 370: Hands On with the M4 iMac and New Apple Intelligence Image Tools

We discuss the newest Apple Intelligence features rolling out in Apple's latest betas; we weren't exactly thrilled with some of the image tools. Apple's M4 processor is coming to every Mac. Will this be the new default requirement for future features? And we have a hands on look at Apple's new M4 iMac. Show Notes: Portraits of Kirk’s cats, as generated by Apple’s Image Playground beta What the Apple Intelligence Image Playground beta thinks Josh looks like Apple AI notification summaries exist; rarely useful, often hilarious AI Companies Reportedly Struggling to Improve Latest Models Apple will likely be updating every Mac with M4, which hasn’t happened in over a decade Apple Quietly Introduced iPhone Reboot Code Which is Locking Out Cops 99 reasons you need Mac antivirus: a plethora of stealer malware Hackers now use ZIP file concatenation to evade detection Apple M4 iMac: Hands-On Review Microsoft Fixes 90 New Flaws, Including 2 Actively Exploited Bugs Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 is the ultimate protection and utility suite for your Mac. Download a free trial now at intego.com, and use this link for a special discount when you're ready to buy.

11-14
30:58

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