Apple releases ‘Flashback Removal Security Update’ for systems running OS X 10.5 Leopard

Apple has finally released an update for OS X 10.5 Leopard which tackles the much-publicised Flashback malware. Weighing in at 1.23MB, Flashback Removal Security Update removes the most common variants of the malware from infected systems and disables Safari’s Java web plug-in for increased security.

The update requires an Intel Mac running OS X Leopard 10.5.8. Apparently, older PowerPC based Macs are immune to the Flashback malware.

Release notes:

This update removes the most common variants of the Flashback malware. If the Flashback malware is found, a dialog will notify you that malware was removed. In some cases, the update may need to restart your computer in order to completely remove the Flashback malware.

To improve the security of your Mac, this update also disables the Java plug-in in Safari. For instructions on how to re-enable it, please visit:http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5241

Apple has also released Leopard Security Update 2012-003, which disables older versions of Adobe Flash Player that don’t include the latest security updates, and prompts users to download a later version from Adobe’s website.

If you have Leopard on your Mac let us know if you run into any issues with these updates.