Macs hit with BitTorrent-embedded malware attack

[DarkUmagon]

Macs hit with BitTorrent-embedded malware attack : Christopher Null : Yahoo! Tech
For years, Mac users have long been rightfully smug about their platform's relative immunity to virus and malware attacks, but it's inevitable that those days will eventually come to an end. (As the Mac gains in popularity, it also earns more attention from malware developers, and it's this lack of malware being actively developed, not some special, inherent security, that have really kept the Mac a "safe" platform for the time being.)

Now we're seeing one of the first moderately-sized exploits to take advantage of Mac users. The iServices.A Trojan horse is an attack being distributed via BitTorrent, where it's disguised as a bootleg copy of the new iWork 09. Once installed, the malware takes administrator access and connects to remote servers over the Internet, where it can be given additional instructions as the author commands, from installing additional malware to stealing information off the Mac in question. The malware creator can also take complete remote control of any compromised machine.

Security firm Intego said that just 20,000 machines had been infected as of January 21 but that the risk of ongoing infection was "serious, and users may face extremely serious consequences" if they are stricken with the malware.

Mac users are suggested to use common sense -- that is, don't try to download and installed pirated software -- and to update any antivirus definitions immediately. If you're a Mac user and aren't using security software, well, this might be a good time to start.

As well, if you've been hit by this piece of malware, a removal tool is available here. (Please note: I have not tested it.)

[Walbuls]

BAHAHAHA smug little mac user shits

[DarkUmagon]

Originally Posted by Walbuls

BAHAHAHA smug little mac user shits

haha i laughed when i read this.

[Walbuls]

I hear it every day in my MIS comp classes " O my mac is superior and virus free than windows", now i get the last laugh

[naitsirk0]

pwah
OWNT
tho gotta say.. windows still gets pwned by viruses all the time (some due to idiocy and some unavoidable.. :S)
but LOL
gutted maccies

[violist]

I'm still gonna be smug
Because I don't use bootleg applications >.>

[naitsirk0]

^ you're missing out lawl try it!

[violist]

Even if I did my college would fine me

[naitsirk0]

lol yeah probs meh, piracy.. tut tut
that's what greed gets people corruption bites back!!!

[DarkUmagon]

Originally Posted by Walbuls

I hear it every day in my MIS comp classes " O my mac is superior and virus free than windows", now i get the last laugh

I hear it a lot as well. Funiest thing is that Mac's are so expensive.