Apple has updated its malware definitions for OS X so as to defend Macs against a botnet that allowed a piece of malware called Mac.BackDoor.iWorm to install on systems. iWorm had made its way onto 17,000 machines by the time it was disclosed last week. Once on a user's system, the malware could install other pieces of malware, in addition to stealing sensitive data. Apple has now taken steps to protect its users from iWorm, according to MacRumors:
In an effort to address the threat, Apple has now updated its "Xprotect" anti-malware system to recognize two different variants of the iWorm malware and prevent them from being installed on users' machines.
Your machine will automatically check for updated definitions for Xprotect daily. Have you or anyone you know been impacted by this malware? Let us know in the comments.
Source: MacRumors
Reader comments
Apple's malware definitions updated to protect Macs against iWorm
What..... malware? But the guy in the shop that tried to sell me a mac said they didn't need a virus or malware checker because that just didn't happen to macs. He was a douche that needed to get with the times. Now macs are popular and mass adopted this sort of thing is only going to become more common unfortunately.
I got the same sales pitch in the Apple Store when I was looking at a MacBook Air. Not a good pitch anymore!
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Yes its happen to me ! How do you get rid of it ?
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How do I check my system for infections?
How do I remove it?
How do I prevent it?
I couldn't find definitive answers.
I was recommended adwaremedic by a friend. It won't prevent malware but is seemingly effective in removing.
Lmao I warned people that Macs can get viruses and no one listened.....
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Last thing I want to do is use 3rd party antivirus on Mac. They were such a pain on Windows. Slowed down computers to a crawl and a huge headache to maintain. However, on windows now you can use Microsoft security which never seemed to bog down the computer or get in the way. So if this becomes a problem I'm wondering if Microsoft doesn't have the advantage.
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Reading thru this I guess I would better install Symantec Endpoint Protection. Can bribe someone IT people in my company to give that to me. LOL. Else use Kaspersky Internet Security (if a mac version is there)
This is only applicable if you download dodgy software off torrent sites, if you use Mac App Store or buy from normal sources you won't get this issue and also it's not a virus macs have 0 virus' the sensationalist headlines are getting boring now
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This update still hasn't shown up on mine. In any case I did do the search for this malware using the "finder" folder search method and it it found nothing.
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