John Paul M. Joaquin Tech 01.24.2023 02:Jan AM EST

Apple’s macOS 13.2 Update Brings Security Keys Support, Security Fixes

Apple's latest macOS update will secure your Macs much better.

The Cupertino-based company recently released its macOS Ventura 13.2 update, the second major update to the operating system Apple released in October 2022.

The update can be downloaded for free on all eligible Macs through the Software Update section of System Settings.

Apple macOS Update 13.2 Details

If you're looking to better secure your macOS, then the Ventura 13.2 update will do the trick for you. The update comes with support for physical security keys, according to 9to5Mac, allowing only those with the two-factor authentication USB security key to access their Apple ID.

Apple Insider mentioned that this new feature works when users are signing in with an Apple ID on a Mac, they get the option to require a physical security key to verify their identity.

Think of the macOS Ventura 13.2 update as a locksmith providing a digital lock to people's Apple ID and requiring a physical key to unlock it.

In addition to the security keys, the update also comes with 20 security fixes that prevent apps from accessing user-sensitive data, such as executing arbitrary code with kernel privileges.

Apple made these security fixes though enabling hardened runtime, and improved memory handling, validation, and checks.

The full list from Apple shows that the update has fixes for mail drafts, maps, Safari, Screen Time, and the native Weather app.

Apple also added Rapid Security Response to the Mac, making the issuance of security updates can be made to a Mac on-demand rather than getting an entire update's worth of features.

The Ventura 13.2 update also comes with minor fixes for a couple of Mac's current issues. The update includes a fix for an issue in Freeform where some drawing strokes created with Apple pencil or the user's finger may not appear on shared boards, per XDA Developers.

It also has a fix for the issue where VoiceOVer may stop offering audio feedback while users are typing.

People looking to buy a Mac sometime soon won't have to worry about downloading the Ventura 13.2 update, as it will soon come pre-installed on all new Macs.

Apple's Other Updates

Apple has been a busy company with updates for its devices. The company also released iOS 16.3 for its iOS devices, which also focuses on shoring up the devices' security.

It also comes with the introduction of physical security keys to its devices making users' Apple IDs more secure. Users are more than welcome to use their preferred USB security key, whether it's USB type or Lightning connector.

For USB types, though, users will need a Lightning to USB 3 Camera adapter.

Aside from iOS. 16.3, Apple also released an update for its Apple Watch and iPad, which focuses on bug fixes and security improvements for both devices.

Apple's watchOS 9.3 update, though, has some new features to feature, such as its new Unity Mosaic watch face.