Security Update Breaks Ethernet Port on iMacs and MacBook Pros [Updated] - MacRumors
Skip to Content

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

by

newimacsidebyside
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.

Top Rated Comments

MacGizmo Avatar
133 months ago
Do people still use ethernet in 2016?? :eek:
Only the smart ones.
Score: 41 Votes (Like | Disagree)
djbuddha Avatar
133 months ago
Well it doesn't get any more secure than no connection :p
Score: 40 Votes (Like | Disagree)
133 months ago
Do people still use ethernet in 2016?? :eek:
I'm cringing so hard over here.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
133 months ago
Do people still use ethernet in 2016?? :eek:
Some people live in areas with a super congested wireless spectrum. I keep as much as I can on Ethernet for this reason.
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Iconoclysm Avatar
133 months ago
Do people still use ethernet in 2016?? :eek:
Anyone that knows anything about networking, plays games online, or lives in congested areas...and those with the means to wire their entire house...
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rnj79 Avatar
133 months ago
Do people still use ethernet in 2016?? :eek:
Yep. I do. Faster connection.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.5 Features: Everything New in iOS 26.5

Monday May 11, 2026 5:09 pm PDT by
Apple released iOS 26.5 after a few months of beta testing, and while it doesn't have the Siri features we were hoping for since those are being held until iOS 27, there are a handful of useful changes worth knowing about. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. End-to-End Encryption for RCS Support for end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages between iPhone and...
Dynamic Island iPhone 18 Pro Feature

11 Reasons to Wait for the iPhone 18 Pro

Monday May 11, 2026 9:01 am PDT by
We're only four months out from the launch of Apple's premium next-generation smartphone lineup, and while we're not expecting a sea change in terms of functionality, there are still several enhancements rumored to be coming to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. One thing worth noting is that Apple is reportedly planning a major change to its iPhone release cycle this year, adopting a...
Four iPhone 18 Pro Colors Mock Feature

iPhone 18 Pro May Have 'Aggressive' Starting Price Despite RAM Crisis

Tuesday May 12, 2026 6:53 am PDT by
While the ongoing RAM chip shortage is leading some Android smartphone makers to increase prices, one analyst believes that Apple will take advantage of the situation with the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. In a research note with GF Securities today, analyst Jeff Pu said he expects Apple to outperform in the smartphone market by having an "aggressive pricing strategy" for the ...