Security Update Breaks Ethernet Port on iMacs and MacBook Pros [Updated]

[MacRumors]

As reported on the MacRumors forums and Reddit, a recent Apple security update has disabled the ethernet port on some iMacs and MacBook Pros. zorinlynx writes:

This software update was pushed via the silent "security updates" to my iMac today:

031-51913 | Incompatible Kernel Extension Configuration Data 3.28.1

After rebooting my ethernet didn't work. Turns out that it added an exclusion for the stock AppleBCM5701Ethernet driver! This breaks ethernet and you have to use WiFi to get online.

The experience was mirrored by several other readers. Apple appears to have already replaced the faulty update, but there doesn't appear to be an obvious solution for those affected.

Update 9:30 PM: Apple has posted a support document outlining how to tell whether your system has the bad update installed and how to update to the fixed version 3.28.2.

Article Link: Security Update Breaks Ethernet Port on iMacs and MacBook Pros [Updated]

 

[bpran]

broke my nMP 2013 too

 

[djbuddha]

Well it doesn't get any more secure than no connection

 

[pat500000]

Oh...I feel so safe now. Now that nobody can't hack my computer through online...without connection.


Another apple incident bite the dust....
Hey apple...get rid of software of vp and engineers.

 

[NewtonPippin]

Do people still use ethernet in 2016??

 

[pat500000]

Do people still use ethernet in 2016??

People do for stable and faster connection...I'm assuming u meant Ethernet cable, right?

 

[brownpaw]

Do people still use ethernet in 2016??

Some people live in areas with a super congested wireless spectrum. I keep as much as I can on Ethernet for this reason.

 

[rnj79]

Do people still use ethernet in 2016??

Yep. I do. Faster connection.

 

[pat500000]

broke my nMP 2013 too

How ..as in what way?

 

[SRPmime]

Do people still use ethernet in 2016??

Shared storage rely on it
[doublepost=1456594863][/doublepost]

How ..as in what way?

I have same computer. And it's broke

 

[keysofanxiety]

Do people still use ethernet in 2016??

Loads of people do. The only downside to Ethernet is that it has to be plugged in. Are you also surprised that people still use desktops?

 

[bpran]

How ..as in what way?

my 2 ethernet ports died.
I meant, it's not just iMacs and MacbookPro..., MacPro also affected.

 

[MikhailT]

I'm shocked that it was released in the first place, how did it pass any reasonable network tests or the QA process?

 

[pat500000]

my 2 ethernet ports died.
I meant, it's not just iMacs and MacbookPro..., MacPro also affected.

Didn't know.....but wow....Apple definitely shouldn't be in computer business ...
[doublepost=1456595417][/doublepost]

Shared storage rely on it
[doublepost=1456594863][/doublepost]
I have same computer. And it's broke

This is bad on apple side.

 

[gpat]

Do people still use ethernet in 2016??

I'm cringing so hard over here.

 

[Iconoclysm]

Do people still use ethernet in 2016??

Anyone that knows anything about networking, plays games online, or lives in congested areas...and those with the means to wire their entire house...

 

[Mr-Stabby]

Do people still use ethernet in 2016??

Of course they do! You really think wireless can replace Ethernet at this point for anything other than internet and basic file sharing?

 

[duncandsorderly]

>>Do people still use ethernet in 2016??<<

yes. it's faster, more secure, more reliable in wireless-congested city apartments &... it works, whereas wifi can be flakey on a 15" rMBP if you also have BT enabled.

in re the question as to how to fix this once the security update has broken your ethernet driver... ("but there doesn't appear to be an obvious solution for those affected."), if you're not using TM & can't roll back, go somewhere where you can use wifi & apply the new version of the patch. let me know if I'm overcomplicating things here.

 

[MacGizmo]

Do people still use ethernet in 2016??

Only the smart ones.

 

[pat500000]

Do people still ask stupid questions?

It's possible that this person may not know what Ethernet is.....so who knows.

 

[JohnApples]

Haha, poor guy's notifications are gonna be blowing up with everyone quoting him.

Does anyone know if this also affects Mac Mini (2014)?

 

[logicstudiouser]

Do people still use ethernet in 2016??

Ethernet > WI-FI
Faster, more stable connection and also I save on battery life substantially by turning off wi-fi and using an ethernet connection.

 

[Bhatu]

To prevent FBI backdoor?

 

[bpd115]

broke my nMP 2013 too

So I was adding a time capsule to my network last night and I inactivated my Ethernet port. (I'm not getting into the whys, not important)

When I rebooted my retina iMac, I had no Ethernet.

System profiler said no PCI Ethernet installed.

Thought it was a fluke, so I booted via Internet recovery and I was getting an Ethernet interface there.

So I just reinstalled 10.11 and called it a night.

Working fine now. (As an aside, all your data will still be there, you just have to do the 10.11 to 10.11.3 updates.)

Interesting.

 

[Wild-Bill]

I guess attention to detail is fleeting at Apple these days....