Help Index > Macintosh Computers

Safari Vulnerability

Problem: Visiting a malicious Web site using Apple's Safari Web browser could result in a rootkit, a backdoor or other malicious software being installed on the computer without the user noticing anything.

In addition to following the steps listed in the Securing a Macintosh Workstation a Mac OS X users can protect themselves by not selecting the "Open safe files after downloading" option in Safari. In addition, users should be cautious when surfing the Web, "Apple always advises Mac users to only accept files from vendors and Web sites that they know and trust."

This option is located under the Safari menu > Preferences...> General:

Users of alternative browsers such as Firefox and Camino on the Mac are not exposed to the Web-based attack vector.

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