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ShareFile
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ShareFile for Mac and Apple Silicon

July 30, 2024
Contributed by: 
J

Like in some previous releases, ShareFile Apps requires users to approve its kernel extension. Apple silicon users need to make additional configuration changes to approve the extension. This requires configuring security settings using the start-up security utility.

Step by step installation instructions and an FAQ are provided below.

NOTE:

We acknowledge the complexity of the process and apologize for the inconvenience. Rest assured, we are exploring alternatives to provide a better experience for our users with a future release of ShareFile for Mac.

Requirements

  • Update your macOS to 11.3 or later.
  • Download and install the latest ShareFile for Mac app (version 21.4).

Enable Kernel Extensions

  1. Select Shutdown from the Apple menu.
  2. Press and hold your Mac power button until you see the following message: “Loading startup options.”
  3. Select Options, then click Continue. You might be required to enter the password an administrator. The Recovery application opens.
  4. In the Recovery application, select Utilities > Startup Security Utility.
  5. Select Reduced Security.
  6. Check “Allow user management of kernel extensions from identified developers” then restart your Mac.

FAQ

Q: Why is ShareFile still using kernel extensions?

A: Since its first release, ShareFile for Mac has used kernel extensions to provide users the ability to see and interact with files in Finder without having to download them in advance. Kernel extensions are the best available technology to provide this integration while maintaining compatibility across multiple versions of macOS.

Q: What are the security risks associated with reducing security?

A: Apple has several security measures in place to prevent unauthorized third party kernel extensions from loading. Previously, only administrators could approve kernel extensions and kernel extensions had to be from an identified developer (kernel extensions undergo extra scrutiny and require special signing capabilities). With Apple Silicon devices, all third party kernel extensions including from identified developers, are blocked. Changing the setting to reduced security allows an administrator to approve an extension from an identified developer and still enforces security measures present in previous versions of macOS.

Q: After following the steps to enable the kernel extensions, why do I keep getting asked to reboot to allow the extension?

A: Please upgrade to macOS 11.3 (or later). macOS 11.3 addresses an issue present in older versions of Big Sur with approving kernel extensions.
Disclaimer: The development, release and timing of any features or functionality described for our products remains at our sole discretion and are subject to change without notice or consultation. The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not a commitment, promise or legal obligation to deliver any material, code or functionality and should not be relied upon in making purchasing decisions or incorporated into any contract.

Additional Resources

https://support.apple.com/en-ie/guide/security/sec8e454101b/web#:~:text=Kernel%20extensions%20in%20a%20Mac,box%20to%20enable%20kernel%20extensions.

Kernel extensions in a Mac with Apple silicon

Kexts must be explicitly enabled for a Mac with Apple silicon by holding the power button at startup to enter into One True Recovery (1TR) mode, then downgrading to Reduced Security and ticking the box to enable kernel extensions.

ShareFile for Mac and Apple Silicon
July 30, 2024
Contributed by: 
J
July 30, 2024
Contributed by: 
J

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