Nudge is an application to notify people who use macOS about security updates they should install. Cornell IT Security Policy 5.10 requires all devices to be fully up to date with security updates within a minimum of 30 days of release. CIT requires macOS security updates be installed within 14 days of release to more comprehensively address modern security risks.

When a new security update is released, people who use macOS devices will periodically receive a popup notification. Notifications will not pop up and take focus while a webcam is in use, or while sharing your screen via an application such as Teams or Zoom.

After clicking Update Device, you will see a Software Update dialog box like one of the two shown below.

If the dialog box does not contain an Also Available section toward the bottom, and the button next to the update text says either Update Now or Restart Now (the button could have either text), click that button to apply the update. Follow any screen prompts to complete the update and installation.

If the dialog box contains an Also Available section toward the bottom and the button text reads Upgrade Now, rather than Update Now, do not click it.

This is informing you that, in addition to a security update, a major upgrade to your macOS is available. Upgrades are major releases and should typically only be applied after checking with your local IT Service Group.

Instead, when you see this dialog box, click Update Now or Restart Now (the button to click could have either text) under the Also Available section toward the bottom of the window.

You will be prompted to enter your password to complete the update process, but you do not require administrative rights to apply an update.