Report: new Mac malware hides as fake software installer
- updated 01:50 am EST, Wed December 12, 2012
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by MacNN Staff
by MacNN Staff
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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.