Apple has released two security warnings, urging users to update software to fix flaws that could leave them open to hackers.

Laptop and desktop users have been warned to update their OS X El Capitan and Yosemite operating systems immediately to protect devices from cybercriminals.

The tech giant has also issued an update for its Safari internet browser, warning that "visiting a maliciously crafted website" could allow hackers to install monitoring software.

If compromised, hackers could potentially take complete control of a user's computer.

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The updates affect OS X 10.11.6 El Capitan, 10.10.5 Yosemite and Safari 9.1.3.

The warning comes just a week after Apple released an upgrade for its iOS operating system, following an attempt to hack a man's iPhone using a link that could have provided access to his calls and messages.

Emirati activist Ahmed Mansoor was sent a text message promising to reveal details about alleged torture in prisons in the United Arab Emirates.

Had he clicked on the link, hackers would have been able to eavesdrop on him, steal data and activate the camera, tech experts said.

Mike Murray, a researcher from cybersecurity company Lookout, described it as "the most sophisticated spyware package we have seen in the market".

The software vulnerability present in the iPhone potentially applies to laptop and desktop devices as they share a lot of the same code, experts said.

Apple has not said why the latest update was not issued at the same time.