Following a new trojan threat for Mac OS X that was uncovered last week, Apple has updated its anti-malware tools for the Mac that will ensure we continue to sleep soundly at night, safe in the knowledge our beloved Macs aren’t at risk.
The shameless thugs behind the threat weren’t quite intelligent enough to create the malware properly, according to a CNET report, but it can still be a malicious threat. Thankfully, Apple has moved quickly to ensure our systems are safe, by updating the malware definitions for OS X Lion and Snow Leopard so that these systems can recognize the threat.
However, the battle isn’t over just yet.
Another trojan threat, this time posing as Adobe Flash Player, was discovered this week by antivirus firm Intego. Named “Trojan OSX/flashback.A,” this threat must be installed on your system by a user, but acts as Adobe Flash Player to go unnoticed. It’s also a little more problematic than the last Flash Trojan:
Unlike the previous Flash Trojan (called Bash/QHost.WB), which changed one file on the system, this new Trojan is a bit more complex and first deactivates network security features, then installs a dyld library that will run and inject code into applications that the user is running. The Trojan will also try to send personal information and machine-specific information to remote servers.
As always, then, it’s best to keep an eye on what you’re downloading and installing, and never install anything you do not trust. We’re confident Apple will release another update to its malware definitions to detect the new threat shortly, but it’s good idea to be on your guard.
Have you been a victim of Mac OS X malware?
[via MacRumors]
