Posted on 03/25/2009 9:41:58 AM PDT by Swordmaker
Mac owners have been urged to be wary of a new threat that targets the Apple computer as well as Windows-based PCs.
Researchers at security firm Sophos have discovered the OSX/RSPlug Trojan horse, which is being distributed on websites offering fake HDTV software.
"Mac users are no different to Windows users when it comes to falling for social-engineering tricks like this - they are just as likely to install and run this program on their computer if they believe it will help them watch high-definition TV," said Graham Cluley of Sophos.
Apple Mac malware: Caught on camera from Sophos Labs on Vimeo
Trojans specifically targeted at the Mac OS may be uncommon, but this particular attack is even more unusual as it can also infect Windows-based PCs.
"Windows users shouldn't be feeling smug about this attack against Mac users. If you visit the website from a Windows computer, it will serve up a malicious Windows executable from the Zlob family of malware rather than the RSPlug-F Mac OS X Trojan horse," Cluley said.
Another Mac Trojan was spotted back in January, to add to several instances of Mac malware spotted in 2008.
Web User examined the issue of Mac malware in Issue 209. You can buy digital editions of Web User back issues or call 01733 385 170 to order a copy.
Re: anti-virus/malware
Currently there are no self-replicating, self-transmitting, self-installing viruses for Mac OS X. There is also no Adware or Spyware save for about twelve Trojans. However, ClamXav is a free OS X anti-virus that will identify WINDOWS viruses that you might inadvertently pass on in email or files you might share. I do not run any AV at all. I haven’t for more than eight years. Neither does Charlie Miller, the guy who just won the CANSECWEST hacking contest by hacking into a Mac. As of now, it just isn’t necessary.
“I do not run any AV at all. I haven’t for more than eight years.”
Same here and the five years before that I had a PC that was always getting a virus even with the best anti-virus protection.
Link, please. ;’)
A trojan targets the most vulnerable part of any system — the part between the chair and keyboard.
If a smooth-talking con man can talk a gullible user into defragging his hard drive with a ball-peen hammer, there is no computer software on the planet that can stop it.
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