Malware attack specifically targets Mac users ( Knew this day would Come )

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Malware attack specifically targets Mac users

By Rosa Golijan


It's not unusual for a new malware attack to pop up on the Internet every other moment, but the latest vicious bit of software floating around is particularly fascinating because it specifically targets Mac users.
The Next Web reports that a malware version of the popular MacDefender antivirus application is confusing and infecting a great number of Mac users right now:
Early reports show that users have been targeted as they search Google Images, one user stating that the bogus MacDefender application was automatically downloaded as he browsed images of Piranhas. Further searching through the Apple Discussion boards suggests that the malware campaign is targeting users of Apple’s Safari browser, displaying warnings that the user’s computer has been infected with viruses that only the unofficial MacDefender application can remove.
Part of the reason many are being easily infected by the malware is that Safari — the default browser in Mac OS — can be set to automatically open trusted software. This means that users are getting infected without even a hint of what's happening until the malicious app demands payment for "protection" like a digital mob boss.


The good news? So far it doesn't appear that the malicious MacDefender app does much, other than attempt to scare people into forking over their credit card numbers. It can even be easily removed:

  1. To ensure you do not automatically download the app, uncheck the following: Safari > Preferences > General > uncheck "Open 'safe' files after downloading."
  2. Searching for the application and deleting it directly may fail, saying the app is in use. To stop it running, check Activity Monitor (in Applications > Utilities) and disable anything that relates to MacDefender.
  3. Look in /Library/StartupItems and, same place, LaunchAgents and LaunchDaemons for references to the malware app.
  4. Once quit, head to the Applications folder and drag the MacDefender app to the trash, then delete trash.
  5. To ensure all references to the app are cleared, run a search using Spotlight and delete all MacDefender references you find.
As a precaution, it would be wise for Safari users to toggle the "Open 'safe' files after downloading" setting whether they're infected or not. It could prevent attacks similar to this one.
 

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nothing goes down on my Mac without me entering a password, that's how I caught this today. I'd say its a low level threat.
 
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nothing goes down on my Mac without me entering a password, that's how I caught this today. I'd say its a low level threat.


Might be, and it also could be a test Run

I said years ago that it was just a matter of time that a hacker would write a Worm or some kind of attack would happen as the Mac got more and more users.

It was never worth it to them because Pc's had millions and millions of users and the Mac had little.
Now that Mac is getting bigger, I think we will see plenty more Attacks.
 

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Yep I agree, but it's also a lot harder to get into the Mac IMO. It showed up on my Mac today when I went to google and clicked on a picture. It came like a pop up with no X to close it out. I did a force quit and it was gone. My Mac wont unzip anything without me entering a password, and everyone with a Mac should set theirs the same. I hope its not a test run. Someone might be trying to make a name for themselves though.
 

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Might be, and it also could be a test Run

I said years ago that it was just a matter of time that a hacker would write a Worm or some kind of attack would happen as the Mac got more and more users.

It was never worth it to them because Pc's had millions and millions of users and the Mac had little.
Now that Mac is getting bigger, I think we will see plenty more Attacks.

Even though Mac is getting bigger, the market share is still enormously one sided to PCs because of how many businesses use them although on any college campus you see a majority of people with macbooks in class/lib/etc. But maybe thats partially due to the fact that people with PCs feel ashamed and dont bring them to class with them
 

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