FAQ | New macOS Catalina

JulieKhoo · ‎30-09-2019

Hi Community,

This message is for Subscribers who sign in PEXA using a Mac computer.

Apple has released its newest Mac operating system, Catalina and while macOS Catalina is the most up-to-date software, the changes implemented by Apple affect how this operating system interacts with smartcards or USB tokens containing digital certificates.

PEXA together with its vendor have performed several tests which identified that those who sign with a Mac computer will not be able to do so if they upgrade to macOS Catalina.

To ensure that your PEXA experience is not impacted, we suggest that you defer updating to the macOS Catalina. Signing on the previous macOS versions such as ‘Mojave' continues to work and the operating system will remain under support by Apple for the foreseeable future. Note that it remains important to apply any issued security patches for your version of MacOS.

Alternatively, if you have access to a Windows computer you can use it to sign in PEXA as well. See https://www.pexa.com.au/digicert for instructions to install the necessary software.

Below, please find a list of frequently asked questions on the matter. Can’t find the information you’re looking for? Reply to this post and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

WIll deferring put me at risk of not adhering to pexa's subscriber security policy: MacOS Mojave is still supported by Apple, and using it will not breach any system requirements. Deferring upgrade to Catalina does not restrict the updating of security patches. It is important that your security patches are up to date and that you are using supported operating software.

I have updated my macOS to Catalina, and I’m now unable to sign, what should I do now?

You may use an alternative computer (Windows or one that is not updated to macOS Catalina) to sign. Note that you may need to install the digital certificate software, found here.

As an option, you may also check with Apple if you are able to downgrade to the prior macOS Mojave. Your ability to downgrade, could be subject to having backed up your system prior to the upgrade, and unfortunately, we are not able to provide you any guidance on this. We recommend contacting Apple or your IT support on this matter.

Can I still access PEXA if I’ve updated to macOS Catalina?: Yes, you will still be able to access PEXA but you will not be able to sign.

Is PEXA the only application affected by this?: No, the changes Apple has implemented with the macOS Catalina impacts the way it reads signing tokens (otherwise referred to as smart cards) in general and impacts other applications that use digital certificates.

When will there be a resolution to this?: PEXA is currently working on a resolution with our supplier, and we are not able to confirm if or when a resolution will be found.

As I am now not able to sign, can I give my digital certificate and PIN to my colleague?: No, according to the e-Conveyancing legal framework, MPR 7.1, sharing of digital certificates is prohibited. A digital certificate is equivalent to a wet signature and using someone else’s is akin to forging a signature.