Apple adjusts its tune on security in OS X

As part of its marketing for OS X, Apple has promoted security of its operating system by making claims to the effect of OS X doesn't get PC viruses -- a stance that has been repeated on its Web site and in various television commercials. While technically true, this claim has been somewhat misleading to consumers who interpret it as there being no malware in any form for OS X. Apple appears to be addressing this confusion with a couple of recent changes to its Web site's rhetoric on security.

Earlier this month, security company Sophos noted that Apple had edited its descriptions of OS X security features on its Australian Web site, and changed its stance from OS X inherently keeping users safe without any effort on their part, to instead being an operating system that offers users tools to help them be as safe as possible.

For example, one of the previous statements on its site was, "A Mac isn't susceptible to the thousands of viruses plaguing Windows-based computers," which indicates to many that there is no need to be concerned with malware and attacks. In its new description Apple is instead claiming, "Built-in defenses in OS X keep you safe from unknowingly downloading malicious software," and by doing so is pulling back from promoting a lackadaisical approach to security for its customers, and replacing this with the notion that OS X just offers features to help users be as secure as possible.