February 26, 2014 - 15:53 AMT
Apple releases security update to fix Mac OS X flaw

The issues first came to light last week when Apple released a fix for iPad and iPhone devices. This sent the security sector scrambling to find out what the issue involved.

Experts soon discovered that a major flaw existed in the iOS system that rendered the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology used by iOS to authenticate devices with key websites, such as Facebook or banking sites, was redundant.

This was due to a coding error, where one line of code was accidentally entered twice. Despite releasing a fix for iOS devices, the firm did not release a fix for the Mac OS X platform, leading to concerns in the security community that millions were at risk.

However, on Tuesday, Feb 25 evening Apple announced on its website that a fix was available. “The OS X Mavericks v10.9.2 Update is recommended for all OS X Mavericks users. It improves the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac,” the firm said.

The update covers a number of areas beyond the security fix including stability improvements and upgrades, such as call waiting support for FaceTime audio and video calls.

Independent computer security analyst Graham Cluley urged Mac device owners to install the update as soon as possible, especially if they are in firms where such machines are in widespread use, according to V3.

"It is now obviously important that iMac and MacBook users update their copy of Mavericks at the earliest opportunity (users of earlier versions of Mac OS X are not thought to be affected), before online criminals manage to take advantage of the flaw," he wrote.

The incident underlines the security threats that firms face from all angles and that no matter how strident they attempt to make their own security processes, outside issues can always occur too, even from firms with good reputations such as Apple.