Apple on Tuesday released Security Update 2011-003, aimed at Snow Leopard (Mac OS X 10.6). The update is recommended for all users, and is available either through the Software Update system preference or through Apple’s Web site.

[ad#Google Adsense 300×250 in story]The update adds the ability to quarantine and eradicate Mac malware if detected. Specifically, the update identifies malware called “MacDefender.” Apple has posted a Knowledge Base article with more details about MacDefender.

The system will also check daily for updates to a “File Quarantine” malware definition list. If you don’t want the system to do so, you can disable a checkbox in Security Preferences entitled “Automatically update safe downloads list.”

If malware is detected, Mac OS X will now notify you via an alert. Apple has posted a separate Knowledge Base article with more details about malware detection and removal.