OS X Malware Software HellRTS.D Will Open A Backdoor On Your Mac

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Despite common consensus and Apple’s own “Get a Mac” ad campaign propaganda,, Macs certainly aren’t immune to the threats of viruses and malware: they’re just less likely to be infected by them, thanks to OS X’s excellent security measures and the operating system’s relative low market share compared to Windows.

As OS X rapidly gains in market share, though, Apple computers will continue to plumpen in the eyes of malware programmers as a juicy, ever more low-hanging plum. Now comes word from computer anti-malware firm Integro that a new variant of malware, dubbed HellRTS.D, could soon hit the wild.

HellRTS.D is a variant of malware first discovered in 2004. The latest iteration can infect both PowerPC and Intel-based Macs, and works by setting up its own server that is added to your login items. This server acts as a backdoor for hackers, allowing remote access to your machine. It will also replicate itself and rename itself to appear as a legitimately installed program.

The good news here is that HellRTS.D isn’t actually out there yet. It turns out that the backdoor needs to be installed by someone with physical access to a machine, and no copies are known to be in the wild yet. Still, it could be modified to be distributed as a trojan.

As always, only installed OS X software from trusted sources, and no matter how secure Macs are compared to Windows machines, never feel invulnerable in your Mac’s security.

[via Ars Technica]

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