Apple release security fix for Mac computers

Apple released a series of software patches for its Mac computers to fix what was described as a serious security flaw in the operating system.

The updates for Mac OS follow Friday's release of a security update for the iOS 7 mobile operating system used on the iPhone and iPad.

Apple's comments on the security flaws were limited, but cryptographer Matthew Green said before the updates that the flaw was "seriously exploitable," meaning that it could allow hackers to gain access to user accounts.

An Apple spokesman said of the latest patch: "Today's update does address the same issue that was fixed in iOS 7."

The Apple support website said the update "improves the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac."

The website said the update fixes a series of problems and also allows the computers to make and receive voice calls using Apple's FaceTime program.

Security researcher Ashkan Soltani said in a tweet that it "still surprises me that Apple waited 3 extra days to fix (the problem) with a version update rather than just do a timely Security Update."

The first news of the flaw came from the security firm Crowdstrike in a blog post Friday, which said hackers could intercept communications over Wi-Fi networks from users of Apple devices.

The updates cover the Mac OS X Mavericks operating system as well as the older Mountain Lion system.