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OS X Security Update Test 1.0: ‘Install as soon as possible’

25 June 2012 2,768 views 10 Comments

Apple has rolled a rather hefty OS X Mountain Lion security patch, tipping the scales at an impressive 1.16GB and tagged with the words, “Install this update as soon as possible.” And, there’s a reason for the tonnage as this update significantly expands Mountain Lion’s already significant security infrastructure.

By now you have most certainly heard about the improved security functionality — Software Update, GateKeeper, app sandboxing, improved Safari, etc. — baked into OS X Mountain Lion.

Apple is extending that with an update to last week’s OS X Mountain Lion Developer Preview 4 release. Also interesting is that OS X Security Update Test 1.0 comes tagged with the words, “Install as soon as possible.” New stuff includes:

• Daily checks for required security updates
• The ability to install security updates automatically or after restarting your Mac
• A more secure connection to Apple’s update servers
• General updates and improvements to Mountain Lion Developer Preview 4.

Background security, update checking and automagical update installation are features that have been in OS X since Snow Leopard (i.e. Xprotect). However, Apple’s setting the hook deeper with Mountain Lion by providing the option to users to install critical updates automatically.

Why “as soon as possible”? Given that this is the last week of June and Apple says it will ship Mountain Lion in July — rumor has pegged release on or about July 19 — the company is just trying to tie loose strings ahead of the launch.

Are you alarmed by Apple’s last minute push? Leaving important details, like core security functionality, until the last minute doesn’t exactly inspire confidence…

What’s your take?

Related posts:
— Can my Mac run OS X Mountain Lion?
— New in Mountain Lion: Power Nap
 —  New in Mountain Lion: GateKeeper
— New in Mountain Lion: Software Update
 — Three fractal screensavers for OS X Lion

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