Experts at Sophos remind businesses of the importance of keeping their computers updated computers with the latest security patches, as Apple releases an update to its operating system Mac OS X Leopard.

According to Apple, the Mac OS X 10.5.4 update includes a number of fixes that enhance the stability and security of Mac computers, and recommends that Mac OS X Leopard users install it at their earliest convenience.

The series of security fixes are designed to prevent hackers from taking advantage of vulnerabilities in various pieces of Apple’s software, including Mac OS X, iChat and the Mac version of the Safari web browser.

“Although we have seen more Apple Mac malware emerge in the last month, the Mac OS X platform is still targeted much less often than Windows,” said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos. “Nevertheless, businesses and home users need to understand that it is essential to keep their Mac systems up-to-date to avoid leaving themselves open to potential hack and malware attacks in the future.”

More detailed information on the various security fixes included in the Mac OS X 10.5.4 update is available from Apple’s website.