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
101 months ago
Do people still use ethernet in 2016?? :eek:
Only the smart ones.
Score: 41 Votes (Like | Disagree)
djbuddha Avatar
101 months ago
Well it doesn't get any more secure than no connection :p
Score: 40 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gpat Avatar
101 months ago
Do people still use ethernet in 2016?? :eek:
I'm cringing so hard over here.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
brownpaw Avatar
101 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
101 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
101 months ago
Do people still use ethernet in 2016?? :eek:
Yep. I do. Faster connection.
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)