Firm warns against fake Mac 'security' tool
updated 01:15 pm EDT, Fri October 17, 2008
Fake Mac security tool
Mac users should be on guard against a fake Mac security tool being distributed online, says the Intego security firm. The program, called MacGuard, claims to scan a computer for "adware, spyware and trojans," and then eliminate them; in reality the app is actually a version of existing Windows malware, which has already infected as many as 30 million people worldwide. The latter assumes control of a person's computer, and displays messages warning about a false infection in an attempt to get users to pay money.
The threat from MacGuard is said not to be serious at present, as the associated website for the software does not have an active download link, and is additionally written in poor English with references to non-existent Mac features, such as "Full Mac OS X Security Center Support." People may still be lured into handing over credit card information however, and the company behind the website (Innovagest 2000 SL) is expected to eventually make the download link active, given its history of active malware publishing.
and so it begins...
10/17, 01:41pm reply
This is the first time I heard of Windows malware being ported to the Mac. What took them so long? (I ask academically)
joecab
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2004
huh?
10/17, 01:59pm reply
...and you would need to scan for adware / malware / trojans on a Mac... because...why?
must be for recent switchers that are under the impression that is just something you have to do when owning a computer.
010111
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Shutdown
10/17, 02:17pm reply
And why can't the servers in this country NOT accept anything from this company or those like it. There must be documentation on them.
Bobfozz
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Joined: Jul 2008
its not ported...
10/17, 02:59pm reply
they just try to get you to buy it..
zooachtiv
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Joined: Nov 2004
Wrong anti spam
10/17, 03:00pm reply
What you need for these evil doers is not anti - spam in the form of software, but rather anti-spam in the form of hardware...... One 500 lb smart bomb delivered into the front window of the office should nicely take care of the whole staff.
Just a thought.
en
Eldernorm
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Joined: Sep 2007
Intego has been trying
10/17, 06:24pm reply
for a long time to get Mac users to buy their software. Frankly till they start shouting about some nondescript malware that requires users to buy and then execute, no one gets to know about them. Intego does a service to such malware producers by advertising about them.
In real life virus writers are looking for cheap publicity and companies like Intego help them.
Malware writers are a bit different as in they want your info - credit card, social etc. Now why would you buy a software that does not have some good reviews from Mac sites. Secondly why would you buy a software if you don't know anything use about.
If someone wants to get jacked knowingly using some weird software they deserve it. One of the best way to learn that fire is hot is by getting a little burn. You never forget.
macnixer
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Joined: Mar 2006
No sense of irony
10/20, 09:01am reply
What makes Intego's snake oil any better than MacGuard's snake oil? Both claim to protect from a non-existent threat and cannot be proven to be effective, but at least the MacGuard software is slightly cheaper...
shadowphiar
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Joined: Oct 2008
Re: No sense of irony
10/20, 03:57pm reply
Not just cheaper, but (since it doesn't actually exist) it won't even slow your machine down! I think Intego are facing some stiff competition here.
Guest
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Joined: Nov 1999