Closing an old backdoor on your Mac

Over the years, the biggest thing Apple computer devotees have had to trumpet in the Mac vs. PC debate is the Mac’s relative safety from viruses. Face it, the vast majority of malware out there is aimed at the largest segment of the computer-using audience: Windows users.

But the growing popularity of Apple’s  iPhone and iPad has been seen by hackers as the ultimate challenge, and their attentions have been turned on Apple. Unfortunately, this extra attention has revealed a major flaw in the Mac that can let hackers use a “backdoor” into the machine’s operating system to plant all kinds of malware or anything else their evil little hearts might desire.

There is help!

But there is good news, and of course just a little bad news. The good news is, Apple has come up with a security patch to pug the hole in its latest OS X update. Unfortunately, the bad news is it only works on certain versions of the Mac OS.
 
So, what are the rest of us Mac users to do?? Well there is an update available that will keep your system safe if you are using the Yosemite version of the Mac OS software. Apple's latest update, Yosemite 10.10.3, slams the door could allow a hacker to tap into the Mac's system preferences and add accounts, turn off virus protection, or any number of other mischievous acts.

Unfortunately, all of the prior versions of Mac's OS still have the flaw. No patches are planned for computers running OS X 10.9.x and older, including the Lion, Mountain Lion and Mavericks operating systems for the Mac.

Updating is simple

Updating is a simple process. Start by making sure you backup your Mac before installation. To do this you can use Apple's built-in Time Machine. Then use the “updates” pane of the Mac App Store to locate the Yosemite 10.10.3 update. Some other software updates available for your computer might appear, and you should install those as well, as some of them might need to be in place before others can be installed.

Once you have started downloading the update, make sure not to interrupt the installation process. This will result in having to start over again to ensure a proper installation. Finally, keep in mind you may experience some unanticipated outcomes of this update if you have third-party system software modifications installed on your machine, or if you've modified the operating system through other means.

Otherwise, installing this update will go a long way toward making computing on your Mac the safe and carefree experience it has always been.