In the wake of the Flashback botnet which targeted Mac computers, Apple has removed a statement from its messages on its website that Mac operating system X (OS X) isn't susceptible to viruses.

Apple removed the previous statement "It doesn't get PC viruses" and replaced it with "It's built to be safe," and "Safeguard your data. By doing nothing" with "Safety. Built in." A comparison of the old and new messages is currently available here.

According to Sophos U.S. senior technology consultant Graham Cluley, this is a sign that Apple is starting to take security seriously.

"I view the changes in the messages pushed out by their marketing department as some important baby-steps," he wrote in a blog entry.

"Let's hope more Apple Mac owners are also learning to take important security steps -- such as installing antivirus protection."