New 'MACDefender' Malware Threat for Mac OS X

lol

10 years and finally a malware attack.

Still unreal.

:D

Actually there's been malware for OS X since it was introduced. There is malware for every operating system.

Nothing can defend against user stupidity.

WOW! Malware that requires the user to do a Google search, then download, and install. For all of this, it asks for your credit card number.

How can we ever defend our computers against such a diabolical threat?!

Hum, download and install are automatic. Good thing I don't use Safari.

As I understand it, Safari will open the zip file since it's a "safe" download. But that doesn't mean it'll execute the code within that zip file, so how is this malware executing without user permission?

I haven't seen this malware first hand, but a zip file can be made with absolute paths, making "unzipping" the file put everything where it needs to be to start up automatically on next log in/reboot.

Who's the brainiac who made zip files "safe" ?

so much for the no malware on macs myth :D
funny how the apple fanboys are getting all defensive :rolleyes:

No viruses on the Mac. There's been malware for OS X for quite a while now.

Mac OS X fanboys really need to stop clinging to the mentality that "viruses" don't exist for OS X

They don't.

4. Run a Spotlight search for "MACDefender" to check for any associated files that might still be lingering

That's a sure way *not* to find any related files.

The only effective method for complete app removal is manual deletion:
Best way to FULLY DELETE a program (https://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=11171082&postcount=16)

One thing Macs need anti-virus is to scan mails for Windows viruses, so that those doesn't to you PC. That is all.

That doesn't protect Windows PCs from malware from other sources, which is a far greater threat than receiving files from a Mac. Each Windows user should be running their own anti-virus, to protect them from malware from all sources.

Yes so much. Because Malware can copy itself and infect a computer.

No, only a virus can do that. A trojan requires user involvement to spread.

So few virus for MAC than when one appears it is news... :)

This isn't a virus.

Mac OS X fanboys really need to stop clinging to the mentality that "viruses" don't exist for OS X and that "malware" is a Windows-only problem.

I agree. While no Mac OS X viruses exist at this time, that doesn't mean they won't in the future. And malware has always been a threat. What's important is to understand the kinds of threats and the most effective methods for protection.

The fact is, the days of viruses are long gone.

I wouldn't go so far as to say that. Just when you do, someone will release a new virus into the wild. While they may not be as prevalent as they once were, they're by no means extinct.

The fact is, understanding the proper terminology and different payloads and impacts of the different types of malware prevents unnecessary panic and promotes a proper security strategy.

I'd say it's people that try to just lump all malware together in the same category, making a trojan that relies on social engineering sound as bad as a self-replicating worm that spreads using a remote execution/privilege escalation bug that are quite ignorant of general computer security.

The best defense a Mac user has against current malware threats is education and common sense. Understanding the basic differences between a virus, trojan, worm, and other types of malware will help a user defend against them. Doing simple things like unchecking the "Open "safe" files after downloading" option is quite effective.

I despise the "X is a file downloaded from the Internet" dialog introduced in SL. Really wish you could disable it.

That's one of the simple lines of defense for a user, as it lets them know they're about to open a newly-downloaded app. It only does that the first time you launch the app, so why bother disabling such a helpful reminder?

To the end user it makes no difference. It's fine if you know, but to a novice quickly correcting them on the difference between a virus, a trojan, or whatever else contributes approximately zero percent towards solving the problem.

Actually, it helps a user to have some understanding about malware. Part of the problem is a novice user is likely to engage in dangerous activities, such as installing pirated software, unless they know what a trojan is and how it infects a system. Also, understanding what a virus is, how it spreads, and the fact that none exist for Mac OS X will prevent them from instantly assuming that everything unexpected that happens on their Mac is the result of a virus. Also, understanding that antivirus apps can't detect a virus that doesn't yet exist will prevent them from installing AV and having a false sense of security, thinking they're immune to threats. Educating a user goes a very long way in protecting them, by teaching them to practice safe computing habits.

Mac Virus/Malware Info (https://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=9400648&postcount=4)

unbiased as opposed to a Mac site.... yeah right!


Mac users tend to be a better target for old fashioned phishing/vishing because...well, 'nothing bad happens on a Mac..' right?

Now from google pointing 'sources', you are consistently jumping on to mac users, eh?

Good going.

Yup nothing happens to my mac except for what I do it. It's that simple. Why don't you just ask Google why they decided to abandon Windows?

unbiased as opposed to a Mac site.... yeah right!


Mac users tend to be a better target for old fashioned phishing/vishing because...well, 'nothing bad happens on a Mac..' right?

Sure it can, but it's the percentage and the variables of these "bad" incidents that are key as you are generalizing without specifics.

How about unbiased studies, and percentages of viruses and malware between the two? Those would be facts (again, from an impartial party/experiment).

Also, you're on a Mac based website, so of course there are OS X defenders. Go to Engadget, et al if you don't wish to be here, you're free to decide :)