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

Saturday February 27, 2016 8:25 AM PST by Arnold Kim
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.

200 comments


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MacGizmo
41 months ago

Do people still use ethernet in 2016?? :eek:

Only the smart ones.
Rating: 41 Votes
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djbuddha
41 months ago
Well it doesn't get any more secure than no connection :p
Rating: 40 Votes
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gpat
41 months ago

Do people still use ethernet in 2016?? :eek:

I'm cringing so hard over here.
Rating: 26 Votes
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brownpaw
41 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.
Rating: 25 Votes
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Iconoclysm
41 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...
Rating: 24 Votes
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rnj79
41 months ago

Do people still use ethernet in 2016?? :eek:


Yep. I do. Faster connection.
Rating: 23 Votes
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pat500000
41 months ago

Do people still use ethernet in 2016?? :eek:

People do for stable and faster connection...I'm assuming u meant Ethernet cable, right?
Rating: 20 Votes
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Mr-Stabby
41 months ago

Do people still use ethernet in 2016?? :eek:


Of course they do! You really think wireless can replace Ethernet at this point for anything other than internet and basic file sharing?
Rating: 13 Votes
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MikhailT
41 months ago
I'm shocked that it was released in the first place, how did it pass any reasonable network tests or the QA process?
Rating: 12 Votes
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keysofanxiety
41 months ago

Do people still use ethernet in 2016?? :eek:


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?
Rating: 11 Votes
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