macnn
10/17/2008, 1:15pm, EDT
Friday, October 17th
Firm warns against 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.
Filed under: security
Other story tags: malware, anti-virus
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and so it begins...
This is the first time I heard of Windows malware being ported to the Mac. What took them so long? (I ask academically)
huh?
...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.
Shutdown
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.
its not ported...
they just try to get you to buy it..
Wrong anti spam
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
Intego has been trying
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.
No sense of irony
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...
Re: No sense of irony
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.