Mac Computers Get Hit with First Malware Attack
January 27th 2009 14:05
Category: Computers and Laptops
It's been a matter of time before someone had too much free time to create malware that can infect a Mac. I mean, for years Mac users have been pretty smug about their platform's nearly immunity to viruses and malware attacks... Well, the day has come, and the immunity is no longer.
More and more people are purchasing Macs, meaning their popularity recently have sky-rocketed, which in turn means more people are focusing on malware for the Mac platform, which means that Macs are just no longer safe from infection.
The first moderately-sized attack has started to affect Mac users. The iServices.A Trojan horse is an attack being distributed via BitTorrent; it's disguised as a bootleg copy of the new iWork 09.
Once the user installs the program, the malware takes administrator acces and connects to remote servers on the internet. Here it can be given additional instructions according to the authors commands, meaning it can install additional malware to steal information from the Mac. Basically, you lose control over the platform and the malware takes remote control.
The security firm Intego said that 20,000 Macs have been infected as of January 21, but the risk is severe and the complications are serious.
If you have a Mac, use common sense and DON'T download and install bootleg and pirated software to update your platform. Make sure that you keep any anti-virus programs updated. If you don't have a security software for your Mac, get one now.
More and more people are purchasing Macs, meaning their popularity recently have sky-rocketed, which in turn means more people are focusing on malware for the Mac platform, which means that Macs are just no longer safe from infection.
The first moderately-sized attack has started to affect Mac users. The iServices.A Trojan horse is an attack being distributed via BitTorrent; it's disguised as a bootleg copy of the new iWork 09.
Once the user installs the program, the malware takes administrator acces and connects to remote servers on the internet. Here it can be given additional instructions according to the authors commands, meaning it can install additional malware to steal information from the Mac. Basically, you lose control over the platform and the malware takes remote control.
The security firm Intego said that 20,000 Macs have been infected as of January 21, but the risk is severe and the complications are serious.
If you have a Mac, use common sense and DON'T download and install bootleg and pirated software to update your platform. Make sure that you keep any anti-virus programs updated. If you don't have a security software for your Mac, get one now.
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Whitney
Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
.. I wonder who it came from?
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
No doubt from a jealous Windows or disgruntled Mac employee . . .
We'll take appropriate action just in case - appreciate the heads up.
Comment by Dianna G
I Wish This Was 42
Fictional Worlds
I personally love Macs above all other computers (having used Linux and Windows as well) but I understand that they are still computers. Give someone enough free time and any computer can get a virus. Any security system can be bypassed, computer or not; give someone the time and money, and poof! It's done.
People just need to take security seriously and be damn careful with their downloads.
Comment by Whitney
The Female View
Pet Advice
Tech Stripe
Alternative Look
Dianna, you are correct they are still computers, and none will ever be 100% safe from attacks.
The company I work for uses PCs and Macs. The PCs are heavily protected, but the Macs aren't. Hopefully, no one decides to attempt to download bootleg software...