Apple pushes OS X security update with Safari 7.0.3

Security Update 2014-002 1.0 prompt

After pushing iOS 7.1.1 with additional Touch ID improvements and a pair of bug fixes for the iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Apple TV devices, Apple has now released a minor software update containing security fixes for OS X systems and the Mac’s Safari browser.

Officially titled ‘Security Update 2014-002 1.0’, the download comes in at eighty megabytes and includes patches for Safari vulnerabilities and bug fixes for the rest of OS X.

Apple wholeheartedly recommends this OS X update for all OS X Mavericks users because it improves compatibility, stability and security of your computer. A reboot is required after applying the software…

Now available under the Updates tab in the Mac App Store, Security Update 2014-002 1.0 contains tons of bug fixes and improvements.

It also includes Safari 7.0.3 with the following fixes and new features:

  • Fixes an issue that could cause the search and address field to load a webpage or send a search term before the return key is pressed
  • Improves credit card autofill compatibility with websites
  • Fixes an issue that could block receipt of push notifications from websites
  • Adds a preference to turn off push notification prompts from websites
  • Adds support for webpages with generic top-level domains
  • Strengthens Safari sandboxing
  • Fixes security issues, including several identified in recent security competitions

Keep in mind that Apple actually released Safari 7.0.3 with all of the aforementioned improvements on April Fool’s Day, as a standalone update for OS X Mavericks systems.

There are some fine new Safari features in there, namely the ability to mute those pestering notifications from websites, as pictured below.

Safari 7.0.3 for OS X (Push notifications switch)

Let me just remind you that Apple back in February delivered a substantial update, OS X 10.9.2, which has squashed the nasty SSL bug, enabled FaceTime Audio on Macs and brought out other useful refinements.

To apply today’s update, choose Software Update… in your Mac’s Apple menu.

It’s a good practice to perform a manual Time Machine backup prior to applying OS X software updates, just to be on the safe side in case something goes wrong.