http://pictures.directnews.co.uk/liveimages/Macbook_1071_18976126_0_0_7023324_100.jpg

Apple's internet browser Safari has a vulnerability which can allow external sources to access on files on a user's hard drive.

Developer of open source software Brian Mastenbrook stated that no user information is required if an attacker wishes to read files on the hard drive, possibly highlighting the need for disaster recovery systems for networks running Apple computers such as Macs.

The problem has been acknowledged by Apple but the company has not announced when it will be addressed.

Mr Mastenbrook said people were better off using open source alternatives such as Opera or Firefox.

"If users of these browsers are asked to open a link in Safari, they should not allow the request and close the page that triggered the request immediately," the expert added.

Internet Explorer was in deep water last month when a similar problem was found, resulting in a number of users being told to switch to other browsers such as Firefox.

New research from Connect found that, on average, it takes businesses that use backup tapes take 11.6 hours to retrieve and restore files. Connect is now recommending that SMEs switch to www.connect.co.uk/services/online_backup.