Apple continues to strengthen macOS security with every release, and macOS Sequoia introduces a powerful new tool for administrators and security-conscious users: the XProtect command. This new command-line utility provides greater visibility into Apple’s built-in malware protection system and allows administrators to check status, view logs, verify versions, and update XProtect assets directly from Terminal.

For MacAdmins managing enterprise fleets, the XProtect command in macOS Sequoia offers a convenient way to monitor security protections and validate that devices are receiving the latest malware definitions.

1. Update XProtect Assets

This command performs an update of XProtect assets.

sudo xprotect update

2. XProtect Check

This commands prints the currently online available update version. Use –json for JSON output

sudo xprotect check [--json]

3. XProtect Version

This commands prints the version of the currently installed XProtect assets. Use –json for JSON output

sudo xprotect version [--json]

4. XProtect Logs

This command display XProtect logs

sudo xprotect logs

5. XProtect Status

This command prints the current status of XProtect

sudo xprotect status [--json]

How This Enhances Security Management for Enterprises

By making XProtect more accessible through Terminal, macOS Sequoia has enhanced its utility in enterprise environments, where command-line access is often essential for managing device fleets. It’s an extra layer of control and transparency for admins, allowing them to make proactive, informed security decisions across their organisation’s devices.