Everything is going wi-fi. So why are we still talking about macOS driver development?
When you talk about drivers, it usually is the Windows PCs that come to mind. Mac has not been showing up in the driver conversation as often. That is mainly because macOS does not need drivers for a lot of hardware.
Windows, for example, uses wi-fi cards through which drivers work with the PC. Contrary to this, Macs have wi-fi built-in and have all the necessary software integrated into the operating system. Mac, for example, uses AirPrint which allows one to print to a supported printer without needing drivers.
However, Mac still does need custom drivers for a lot of other specialized hardware such as printers, game controllers, graphics tablets, and other devices for full functionality and performance.
With the first myth about the relevance of macOS drivers out of the question, let's move on to some of the other myths that surround macOS driver development.
MacOS drivers can create security vulnerabilities because the system creates a potential point of entry for attackers when an additional driver is installed on the system. As the threat landscape becomes more sophisticated, malicious actors can target and exploit these vulnerabilities.
Minor coding errors owing to driver complexity can also introduce security risks and allow threat actors to bypass security measures or gain unauthorized control. Ensuring third-party drivers have gone through the same level of rigorous security testing as Apple developers, is also a challenge. All these factors can create security vulnerabilities.
These challenges are, however, not unique to macOS security. These risks can be easily mitigated by following basic hygiene such as keeping the software updated for macOS systems and any third-party drivers.
Ensuring that all drivers are developed and thoroughly tested according to the levels defined by Apple, and enabling the Gatekeeper as a security feature in the macOS reduces the security risks.
Myth: Installing a driver automatically weakens macOS securityDrivers are complex pieces of software that interact with hardware at a deep level. Writing them flawlessly, therefore, can be challenging in the absence of the custom skill sets. Even the most minor error can introduce security vulnerabilities.
Driver privileges are another. Since these drivers need some level of privilege to operate with the software, they create a vulnerable point of entry that can weaken macOS security if exploited.
But doesn't driver installation or the installation of any software weaken the system unless it has been developed with security in mind?
Following the best security practices is also essential for reliable and robust security especially as threat actors become more sophisticated and intelligent. All third-party developers might not employ the same security testing protocols and resources as Apple does in driver development.
Drivers are crucial for using certain hardware with macOS and hence, finding a balance between functionality and security becomes important. Using Apple-developed drivers or development partners who are completely aligned with Apple and current security standards, and informed decisions about driver installation are imperative to strengthen macOS security.
Myth: You don't need to worry about driver security if you only download from the App StoreYes, drivers downloaded from the App Store do carry a lower security risk as compared to the third-party mainly because of Apple's robust application vetting process. Apple passes the application after thorough security checks to make sure that it is free from conspicuous security vulnerabilities.
The App Store also distributes applications and designs them to run in sandboxed environments. This makes sure that the applications do not have access to critical system resources and limits the vulnerability footprint and impact. Apple also routinely removes malicious applications.
However, as software gets deeply integrated into everyday activities, the macOS might need drivers that are available only on the hardware manufacturers' own websites. Secondly, while Apple vets apps, the chance of an application vulnerability being discovered after the application is released into the app store. Apple however regularly releases updates to address emerging vulnerabilities, but it is imperative to keep the systems updated for this to work.
Checking the developer's reputation and reviews before installing a drive on the App Store or leveraging partners equipped with custom skills and robust security practices are ways to mitigate this challenge. Along with this, macOS systems and any App Store-downloaded drivers must be updated with the latest security patches.
Myth: macOS updates automatically fix vulnerabilities in all driversmacOS updates include security patches for Apple-developed drivers. However, these do not don't fix vulnerabilities in all third-party drivers.
Keeping the macOS system updated through Software Updates ensures the latest security patches for Apple-developed drivers. However, third-party driver developers need to release updates that resolve vulnerabilities in their drivers. Hardware manufacturers to provide updated drivers for their devices. These updates need to be directly from the manufacturer's website. Utility software offered by manufacturers can also be put to use to automatically check or install driver updates.
These approaches can make sure that all drivers are secure and up to date.
Myth: macOS drivers are buggy and cause system instabilitymacOS drivers don't cause instability. Only those drivers that are not developed with the correct development protocols and are buggy will lead to this.
Like any piece of software, drivers can also have bugs that can lead to system crashes, freezes, unexpected behavior, or other system issues. Third-party drivers are also known to have more bugs that lead to system instability as compared to Apple-developed drivers.
Further compatibility issues with the latest version of macOS also contribute to system instability.
However, macOS offers robust guardrails that mitigate the risks that cause system instability. macOS drivers are implemented as Kernel Extensions (KEXTs) which detect and prevent faulty KEXTs from loading. Running drivers in a sandboxed environment further limits the potential damage that a buggy driver could cause.
Ensuring the latest updates for macOS and any third-party drivers, employing Apple-developed drivers, uninstalling unnecessary drivers to minimize potential conflicts, etc. are a few ways to easily mitigate this challenge.
Myth: Only Apple can write good drivers for macOSThis is a myth and an exaggeration. Apple-developed drivers are seen as more reliable since they follow strict quality control measures that make sure that the drivers are reliable, integrate seamlessly with the macOS environment, and have fewer bugs.
Third-party developers can also deliver high-quality, bug-free drivers by following the correct development practices, ensuring that the driver is always updated ensuring compatibility with newer macOS versions, and patch security vulnerabilities.
The future might be wireless, but some wired connections and peripherals are going to stay. Low latency applications will need drivers as will new and innovative devices and need custom drivers to function on macOS.
macOS driver developers, as such, will have to address the evolving standards and requirements of device drivers, follow the established standards and conventions of the platform and industry, and reduce the device-driver maintenance complexity. Modular and reusable code, robust testing through debugging, regularly updating and maintaining the device driver, and regularly uninstalling ones are critical for this ecosystem to thrive harmoniously.