Dr Web, a Russian antivirus software specialist, has discovered a new piece of malware that targets computers running Mac OS X and Linux. Named “Wirenet.1,” once installed the software steals all of the passwords you enter into your web browser, mail client, and other apps, and has the ability to log your keystrokes.
ITWire reports that the malware targets popular Mac browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Opera, in addition to other apps like Pidgin, SeaMonkey, and Thunderbird. Wirenet.1 “installs itself” into the user’s home directory under the name “WIFIADAPT,” but it’s still unclear how the malware is being spread, according to Dr Web.
As you may have guessed, however, Dr Web’s antivirus software is capable of detecting and removing the malware. But ITWire reports that there is another way to kill the hack:
One mitigation is to block communication with 212.7.208.65, which is the control server used by the attackers.
We’ll keep our eyes peeled for further information on the Wirenet.1 malware, including how it’s being spread and how it makes its way onto our machines. But in the meantime, it might be a good idea to make sure your antivirus software is up to date, and that you don’t have a WIFIADAPT file in your home directory.
Via: ITWire
