Apple Updates Security Guide for Mac OS X Snow Leopard Server

Intego, the self-touted Mac security specialist, has updated its Mac Security Blog to inform Mac users that Apple has updated the Security Guide for Snow Leopard Server. Apple’s Security Configuration guides provide an overview of features that can be used to enhance the security of Mac OS X. The guides are designed to give instructions and recommendations for securing Mac OS X, whether at home, or at work.

The security firm, which develops the VirusBarrier X6 anti-malware program for the Mac user base, has found that “Apple has updated its Mac OS X Security Configuration Guide for Snow Leopard Server”, adding (in bracketts) that “the client version has been available for a while”. The blog post links to Apple’s Support area where the Mac maker, for its part, links to versions of this document for both client and server versions of Mac OS X. Even those still using Mac OS X 10.3 Panther can still find relevant documentation, Intego points out.

“These documents are well worth a read if you’re in an enterprise environment, and contain plenty of tips on hardening your computers, and removing or turning off certain functions or features that could pose security risks”, the security firm concludes. Apple, however, recommends using the instructions found in these guides only to experienced Mac OS X users, who are “familiar with the Mac OS X user interface, and have at least some experience using the Terminal application’s command-line interface. You should also be familiar with basic networking concepts”, the company claims.

Apple cannot stress enough that, “Certain instructions in the guides are complex, and deviation could result in serious adverse effects on the computer and its security. The guides should only be used by experienced Mac OS X users, and any changes made to your settings should be thoroughly tested.” Downloads are then made available for several Mac OS X Security Configuration Guides, including client and server versions.