Apple Blocks Flash Again, Fixes Mac mini Sleep Issue

Apple rolled out two updates on Thursday to address Mac security and performance issues. The first update blocks older versions of Flash from running in Safari, the second addresses an issue where the late 2012 model Mac mini wouldn't recognize USB keyboards after waking from sleep.

2012 Mac mini USB keyboard sleep issue gets fixed2012 Mac mini USB keyboard sleep issue gets fixed

Apple used OS X's built-in option to block specific browser plug-ins from working to stop versions of Flash prior to 18.0.0.209 and 13.0.0.305 following the discovery of security flaws that could allow an attacker to gain control over victim's computers. The security issues refueled the call for Flash to be retired—I wrote two articles in a week's span calling for the end of Flash support.

If you've decided it's time to try living on the Internet without Flash, John Martellaro and I put together some tips on uninstalling Flash, and how to better manage Flash if you do keep it around.

Apple also released Mac mini EFI Firmware Update 1.8. The slim release notes state, "This update addresses an issue that may prevent a USB keyboard from being recognized after the system wakes from sleep."

The new firmware should show up in Software Update for compatible Mac models. If you aren't seeing it, but know you should, it's also available as a download from Apple's support website.