macOS
TMA-MACOS14-2.3.2.2
Ensure the Time Service Is Enabled
Description
In macOS 10.14, Apple replace ntp with timed for time services, and is used to ensure correct time is kept. Correct date and time settings are required for authentication protocols, file creation, modification dates, and log entries. Kerberos may not operate correctly if the time on the Mac is off by more than 5 minutes. This in turn can affect Apple's single sign-on feature, Active Directory logons, and other features.
How it is checked
Audit method: Shell command
out=$(/bin/launchctl list 2>/dev/null) || exit 1
printf '%s\n' "$out" | /usr/bin/grep -c 'com.apple.timed' || true- Expected output
1
How it is fixed
Fix method: Guidance or infrastructure patch
Terminal Method: Run the following commands to enable the timed service: % /usr/bin/sudo /bin/launchctl load -w /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.timed.plist
Properties
- Operating systems
- macos-14
- Tags
- macossonoma
- Reference
- CIS Apple macOS 14.0 Sonoma Benchmark v3.1.0 - 2.3.2.2 Ensure the Time Service Is Enabled
Check this host
Run this on a machine you are allowed to audit. The scan is read-only.
tmaegis scan --target macos