macOS Sequoia Update Causes Problems for Security Software

Some users of Apple’s latest macOS release, Sequoia, are experiencing network connection errors when using certain security tools and virtual private network (VPN) solutions, as well as web browsers.

The issues are resolved when these tools are deactivated, which could be problematic for workers who rely on network security software for remote access to corporate systems.

Impacted users on Reddit are describing problems with ESET Endpoint Security, as well as firewalls causing packet corruptions leading to SSL failures in web browsers or inability to use ‘wget’ and ‘curl.’

In a support document, ESET said that some users of its security software may encounter network connection losses after upgrading to macOS Sequoia. ESET recommends that users navigate to System Settings > Network > Filters and remove ESET Network from the list. After restarting the system, the network connection should be functional with the ESET product running normally.

ESET noted that this only works on Endpoint Security version 8.1.6.0 and later and ESET Cyber Security version 7.5.74.0 and later, as anything older isn’t supported in macOS 15.

Security researcher Wacław Jacek offered a temporary solution to resolve firewall-induced problems in a blog post, but users need to apply it for each app they use.

Meanwhile, a Mullvad VPN spokesperson told BleepingComputer that they are aware of the issues their users are facing in the latest macOS release and are actively working towards a solution.

“Our macOS developers are aware that Apple services are not fully functioning with the latest macOS 15 release,” the spokesperson said. “They are looking into this as we speak.”

As of now, Mullvad VPN, ProtonVPN, Bitdefender, and NordVPN are reportedly working fine with macOS Sequoia, while there are issues with ExpressVPN and some corporate VPN products, according to affected users on Reddit.

In the case of security tools, CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, and ESET say that their products are compatible with macOS Sequoia – it’s just that the apps aren’t functioning properly. CrowdStrike, for instance, says that its Falcon agent might not install on Sequoia or upgrade from a previous version of macOS to Sequoia.