globalSAN and macOS 11 and 12

The release of macOS 11 marks Apple's first major version upgrade since OS X (10) was launched in 2001 (the changes in this operating system are significant enough that it warrants a new major version number).

This has massive implications for many existing applications, and we'd definitely recommend checking macOS compatibility for all critical software prior to updating any Mac systems.

The iSCSI protocol requires access to low level system frameworks, so the implications for globalSAN are even greater.

There are no known issues with macOS 12 Monterey (Intel-only).

The initiator is not compatible with macOS 13 Ventura or later.

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Note: The following only applies to early releases of Big Sur. As of macOS 11.5.1, disabling SIP is no longer required for installation.

Because of the latest changes to the macOS security model, globalSAN is not compatible with the default macOS 11 settings.

To use globalSAN on an Intel-based (not ARM/Silicon) Mac running Big Sur, it is necessary to instruct the operating system to allow a custom kernel extension, and this control is only exposed in Recovery Mode.

To our knowledge, Recovery Mode intervention is required for any iSCSI initiator using kernel extensions in macOS 11.

Since globalSAN relies on support for kernel extensions, the initiator is not compatible with Apple Silicon (ARM) systems. There are no current development plans to provide support for the ARM architecture or newer macOS versions.

To manually authorize the kernel extension on an Intel Mac:

• First, uninstall the application that may have partially or incorrectly installed, if applicable (the uninstaller is found in /Applications/globalSAN)
• Reboot the system and hold down Command+R (⌘+R) keys simultaneously during startup; this will boot macOS into Recovery Mode
• Once in Recovery mode, open a Terminal window from the Utilities drop-down menu at the top of the screen
• Type in the Terminal: spctl kext-consent add 76PTYDYVW4 (this number is the SNS developer ID)
• Restart the machine (input reboot in Terminal, or use the Apple menu to find the Restart option)
• Download and install the current version of globalSAN if not already in place
• Authorize the kernel extension when prompted in System Preferences > Security & Privacy
• Note: Once in use, eject any mounted iSCSI target disks before shutting down the system (the system may kernel panic if targets are left mounted)

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