macOS Security Updates and Nudge
About Nudge
Pomona College ITS implemented a tool called Nudge to help encourage our community to keep their college-owned Macs up to date. Keeping your computer current on security updates protects you and the College from various security vulnerabilities and ensures that ITS can provide the best possible support for your device.
What will Nudge do?
When Nudge detects that your computer is in need of a security update, a window similar to the one below will appear, and direct you to use Apple's Software Update mechanism within System Settings to update your device.
As these updates generally require a restart, you will want to be sure that you save any work and close all other applications before you start the update process.
NOTE: Please review Apple's macOS Update support article for general information about their process for updating macOS.
Nudge Example
What steps should I take if I am "Nudged"?
When new updates come out, you will have approximately 30 days to update your device to the current OS version.
During that time, Nudge will regularly prompt you to install the updates, but you will have the option to defer to a later time during that 30 day window.
In most cases, you will be taken to the Software Update section of Apple's System Settings app. Click Update Now and follow the instructions to perform the update.
Software Update
If you are running an older version of macOS, you may have multiple Update options available to you.
Apple will default to showing you the latest version of macOS that your computer is eligible to install.
You are encouraged to upgrade to the latest version, but keep in mind that these updates may require newer versions of other applications or printer drivers be installed once the upgrade is complete.
Upgrade to new OS available
Alternatively, you may only need to install the latest version of macOS that you are already running to be compliant with Nudge and our IT Security policies. To skip the upgrade described above and install the latest version of your current macOS, scroll to the bottom of the updates section, click on the 'More Info' link underneath 'Other Updates Available' and following the prompts to complete the installations.
What happens if I don't update?
After a few deferrals, but before the deadline, you will have to click and I Understand button before being able to continue to defer the Nudge prompts.
After the deadline passes, the Nudge updates will become more aggressive at encouraging you to update.
When Nudge launches in this scenario, access to the rest of the computer will be impacted until you select 'Open Software Update' at which point you will be able to save and close any open documents/apps and then update the computer using Apple's Software Update process.
This process will repeat until the updates are completed, and can cause serious impacts to productivity so please update as soon as possible to avoid any impact to your work.