Apple Releases Java Updates for Mac OS X 10.4 and 10.5

Apple has released Java for Mac OS X 10.4 Release 9 and Java for Mac OS X 10.5 Update 4. These updates address multiple vulnerabilities in Java which may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code. Further information is available in Apple articles HT3633 and HT3632.

New malware for Mac OS X

Security experts have discovered two new forms of MacOS X malware both of which were foiund on popular pornographic websites. Historically, the MacOS platform has had very little in the way of virus and trojans; but attacks against the Mac platform have been increasing.

The small amount of malware in circulation for the Mac platform has made some Mac owners complacent; Mac owners are less likely to running antivirus software, for example. This complacency has not been helped by Apple's approach to marketing.

In summay, the Mac platform is not exempt from malware. It is true that there is less than 70 known malware programs for the Mac (compared to millions for PC/Windows); but Mac owners should still make sure that they have an appropriate, up to date security suite installed and that they take sensible precautions.