Apple finally admits to Rogue anti-Virus problems

by Steve Ragan - May 25 2011, 07:00

Apple has finally taken action. In a support note published this week, Apple has admitted publically what consumers and security experts have known for some time now. Namely, that there has been a series of attacks targeting Macintosh users in an effort to spread fake security products.

The Rogue anti-Virus application scams targeting Mac users are really no different than the ones targeting Windows users.

The issue is that while the public was aware of what was happening, Apple was content to ignore the problem. On Tuesday, they had a change of heart and posted a support document addressing the sudden growth of infections.

In addition to removal steps, Apple promised a tool that will clean infected systems, and seek to prevent future incidents.

“In the coming days, Apple will deliver a Mac OS X software update that will automatically find and remove Mac Defender malware and its known variants.  The update will also help protect users by providing an explicit warning if they download this malware,” Apple’s support note explains.

The Rogue anti-Virus applications targeting OS X are looking for the same type of details their Windows brethren are looking for. The criminals pushing the Mac version of this software are hunting for credit card information and other personal details. They are paid per-install, and some will collect an additional fee if an order is taken to purchase the “Mac Defender” software.

“We don't see as much Mac malware as Windows malware. Not by a long shot. But that doesn't mean that Mac users can afford to have their heads in the sand about protecting their precious computers,” commented Graham Cluley when talking about Mac-based Malware last year.

“…unfortunately, so long as Mac users don't properly defend themselves they will increasingly be perceived as a soft target by cybercriminals.”

Sophos offers free anti-Virus for Mac users. In addition, PC Tools has a free offering, and both BitDefender and Symantec have commercial alternatives. However, Intego is the vendor with the largest reputation when it comes to anti-Virus on OS X. Each vendor's website has additional information and pricing.

Around the Web