Report: new Mac malware hides as fake software installer
- updated 01:50 am EST, Wed December 12, 2012
-
by MacNN Staff
by MacNN Staff
Uses 'SMS activation' to hide subscription charge on cell bill
TAGS
Now AAPL Stock: 150.34 ( -0.68 )
Cirrus creates Lightning-headphone dev kit
Apple supplier Cirrus Logic has introduced a MFi-compliant new development kit for companies interested in using Cirrus' chips to create Lightning-based headphones, which -- regardless of whether rumors about Apple dropping the analog headphone jack in its iPhone this fall -- can offer advantages to music-loving iOS device users. The kit mentions some of the advantages of an all-digital headset or headphone connector, including higher-bitrate support, a more customizable experience, and support for power and data transfer into headphone hardware. Several companies already make Lightning headphones, and Apple has supported the concept since June 2014. http://bit.ly/29giiZj
Apple Store app offers Procreate Pocket
The Apple Store app for iPhone, which periodically rewards users with free app gifts, is now offering the iPhone "Pocket" version of drawing app Procreate for those who have the free Apple Store app until July 28. Users who have redeemed the offer by navigating to the "Stores" tab of the app and swiping past the "iPhone Upgrade Program" banner to the "Procreate" banner have noted that only the limited Pocket (iPhone) version of the app is available free, even if the Apple Store app is installed and the offer redeemed on an iPad. The Pocket version currently sells for $3 on the iOS App Store. [32.4MB]
Porsche adds CarPlay to 2017 Panamera
Porsche has added a fifth model of vehicle to its CarPlay-supported lineup, announcing that the 2017 Panamera -- which will arrive in the US in January -- will include Apple's infotainment technology, and be seen on a giant 12.3-inch touchscreen as part of an all-new Porsche Communication Management system. The luxury sedan starts at $99,900 for the 4S model, and scales up to the Panamera Turbo, which sells for $146,900. Other vehicles that currently support CarPlay include the 2016 911 and the 2017 models of Macan, 718 Boxster, and 718 Cayman. The company did not mention support for Google's corresponding Android Auto in its announcement. http://bit.ly/295ZQ94
Apple employees testing wheelchair features
New features included in the forthcoming watchOS 3 are being tested by Apple retail store employees, including a new activity-tracking feature that has been designed with wheelchair users in mind. The move is slightly unusual in that, while retail employees have previously been used to test pre-release versions of OS X and iOS, this marks the first time they've been included in the otherwise developer-only watchOS betas. The company is said to have gone to great lengths to modify the activity tracker for wheelchair users, including changing the "time to stand" notification to "time to roll" and including two wheelchair-centric workout apps. http://bit.ly/2955JDa
SanDisk reveals two 256GB microSDXC cards
SanDisk has introduced two 256GB microSDXC cards. Arriving in August for $150, the Ultra microSDXC UHS-I Premium Edition card offers transfer speeds of up to 95MB/s for reading data. The Extreme microSDXC UHS-I card can read at a fast 100MB/s and write at up to 90MB/s, and will be shipping sometime in the fourth quarter for $200. http://bit.ly/294Q1If
Apple's third-quarter results due July 26
Apple has advised it will be issuing its third-quarter results on July 26, with a conference call to answer investor and analyst queries about the earnings set to take place later that day. The stream of the call will go live at 2pm PT (5pm ET) via Apple's investor site, with the results themselves expected to be released roughly 30 minutes before the call commences. Apple's guidance for the quarter put revenue at between $41 billion and $43 billion. http://apple.co/1oi1Pbm
Twitter stickers slowly roll out to users
Twitter has introduced "stickers," allowing users to add extra graphical elements to their photos before uploading them to the micro-blogging service. A library of hundreds of accessories, props, and emoji will be available to use as stickers, which can be resized, rotated, and placed anywhere on the photograph. Images with stickers will also become searchable with viewers able to select a sticker to see how others use the same graphic in their own posts. Twitter advises stickers will be rolling out to users over the next few weeks, and will work on both the mobile apps and through the browser. http://bit.ly/29bbwUE
simdude Fresh-Faced Recruit Joined: Jun 01, 2004
Have there been any cases of a virus/malware etc. in software distributed from the Mac App store? If not, it seems Apple has this problem under control for now, not that it ever turning into a huge problem in OS X anyway. For that matter, have there been any cases of issues in iOS if the devices were not jailbroken?
msuper69 Professional Poster Joined: Jan 16, 2000
Another social engineering attempt.
They'll catch a few ignorants no doubt.
Charles Martin Mac Elite Joined: Aug 04, 2001
Originally Posted by simdude
Have there been any cases of a virus/malware etc. in software distributed from the Mac App store?
No, but the Mac App Store is not the only point of software distribution.
If not, it seems Apple has this problem under control for now, not that it ever turning into a huge problem in OS X anyway. For that matter, have there been any cases of issues in iOS if the devices were not jailbroken?
Not that I know of -- but the point is that this malware can hide in ANY installer, since it is a repackaged version of the installer for a legitimate app. For now it seems like it's a Russian thing, but it could spread. IMO there's little chance of it getting anywhere here, but that's in part due to stories like this that give us a heads-up and allow us to be vigilant. And while I would think most of the people who read this site would never fall for such an obvious ploy, we're by and large not typical users.
simdude Fresh-Faced Recruit Joined: Jun 01, 2004
Originally Posted by chas_m
No, but the Mac App Store is not the only point of software distribution.
.
That was sort of the point I'm making though. If you stick with a trusted distributor, there hasn't been a problem to date. I'm well aware of the arguments against the app store. "they restrict my device", "They take 30% of the price" yadda yadda yadda. They also provide a massive market to an app, handle secure credit card transactions and keep and maintain the servers to distribute the apps. If people still don't want to use the store, you download at your own risk.
That being said, I probably have about 5 apps I have had to download directly because the developers are not on the app store. I have contacted the developers indicating I would much prefer an app store version. I have even repurchased a few apps I already owned to get the app store version. I like the one source for keep track of all my updates etc. There's a huge value in that. I spend my working day writing software for linux machines for internal engineering use so I don't have a problem with the technical issues of dealing with maintaining a system at home. I simply don't want to. I want my home computer to require as little work and maintenance as possible. I use to love playing with and hacking computers but nowadays, spending time with my wife and little daughter is much more fun. :)
Spheric Harlot Clinically Insane Joined: Nov 07, 1999
Note that the 30% cut is a *terrific* deal for smaller development houses, in exchange for international distribution, dealing with any and all local sales taxes, accounting, distribution, legal requirements, etc. etc. etc.
Spheric Harlot Clinically Insane Joined: Nov 07, 1999
Also, OS X's built-in malware recognition scanner has been updated to make this particular one obsolete.