search technology reviews, news, features, group tests
Popular Searches:   video , dell , free
 |  Register
 |  Newsletters  | 
Sitemap  |  RSS
RSS
Monday November 23, 2009 8:55 PM AEST
Skip Navigation LinksPC Authority > News > New Mac malware attack spotted
New Mac malware attack spotted
NEWS

New Mac malware attack spotted

by Shaun Nichols  on Jul 9, 2009
"After spending much of my work life cleaning Malware from all types of Computers, I honestly believe we should not wish Malware on anyone. We are all in this together no matter the hardware that ..."
 
The Mac may enjoy a largely secure existence compared to Windows PCs, but it's not immune. A new malware attack for MacOS X systems has been spotted in the wild.

Known informally as 'Puper,' the trojan attack disguises itself as a video program for OS X systems called "MacCinema."

According to researchers at McAfee Avert Labs, the attack appears as a disk image which then launches an installer application for the fictional 'MacCinema' software. Once the installer completes its task, the user becomes infected with a script file named 'AdobeFlash'.

The malicious script then launches itself ever five hours at attempts to download and launch other malware on the infected system.

This latest attack is similar to others which have targeted OS X users in recent months. The attacks often entice the user to download and install the malware by posing as video players or 'codec' plug-ins required to view movie files.

Other attacks have bundled Trojan installers with pirated software. One such attack was used to construct an all-Mac botnet.

Researchers have warned that though levels of Mac malware pale in comparison to those of Windows systems, users should still adopt basic security measures, such as keeping an updated system and avoiding suspicious downloads or file attachments.

Copyright © 2009 v3.co.uk
Email a Friend Email this
Print Page Print this
Tweet This Tweet this
Feedback Send us your tips


Ads by Google

Comments: 2
Thoughts on this article? Add a comment below.
hacked ghost
Jul 9, 2009 8:19 PM
Wooooohoooooooooooooo......Go Malware.......never liked appple..never will.


Microsoft all the way


Comment made about the PC Authority article:
New Mac malware attack spotted?
The Mac may enjoy a largely secure existence compared to Windows PCs, but it's not immune. A new malware attack for MacOS X systems has been spotted in the wild.

What do you think? Join the discussion.
mickyj
Jul 9, 2009 9:36 PM
After spending much of my work life cleaning Malware from all types of Computers, I honestly believe we should not wish Malware on anyone.

We are all in this together no matter the hardware that drives it.

Spambots will likely soon run from Macs and Pc's, all of us will suffer.

I might be a Windows person but my eyes have been opened since being a Colunmist for MacWorld Australia.
Login or register to submit a comment.
 

Top Stories

Telstra confirm 30Mbit national network plan - but don't mention the NBN
Telstra has completed the 100Mbit upgrade to their Melbourne cable network and are next planning to get 30Mbit speeds into the rest of the country; but first they'll need to dispel those endless NBN comparisons
 
Red Hat updates with Fedora 12
Red Hat has released the latest version of its Fedora open source operating system and has added new video, virtualisation and networking support..
 
Picking the perfect home entertainment box: Movie downloads come to the Xbox 360
Unmetered download agreements are next the battleground as games consoles follow the Apple TV's lead to support movie download services.
 


 
Intel
 
 
LogMeIn
 
 
Amazing Dell Coupons now available
 
Discover Apple