topic Re: New Malware Targeted at Apple Devices in Community Chat

New Malware Targeted at Apple Devices

Marp2 — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 06:07:29 GMT

(Reuters) - Palo Alto Networks Inc has discovered a new family of malware that can infect Apple Inc's desktop and mobile operating systems, underscoring the increasing sophistication of attacks on iPhones and Mac computers.

The "WireLurker" malware can install third-party applications on regular, non-jailbroken iOS devices and hop from infected Macs onto iPhones through USB connector-cables, said Ryan Olson, intelligence director for the company's Unit 42 division.

MORE: http://news.yahoo.com/palo-alto-networks-discovers-malware-targeted-apple-devices-002619441--finance.html

Re: New Malware Targeted at Apple Devices

dooBdoo — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 06:20:51 GMT

Hi, Marp! Thanks for posting this. WireLurker appears mainly to originate in China and for the most part has affected users in China at this point. More info:

". . .The bug is primarily spreading through the Maiyadi App Store, a third-party source for OS X software in China. . .

. . .Palo Alto Networks has already developed software that will let users test for the bug,

but in the meantime, they recommend users avoid third-party app stores and avoid using USB-based chargers from unknown sources. "This malware is under active development," the report says, "and its creator’s ultimate goal is not yet clear."

link: http://www.theverge.com/2014/11/5/7164839/new-ios-malware-targets-devices-through-chinese-app-stores

Re: New Malware Targeted at Apple Devices

september — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 06:25:36 GMT

What is a non-jail broken iOs device? Thanks.

Re: New Malware Targeted at Apple Devices

Dam Yankee — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 06:31:11 GMT

Jailbreaking an iOS device (iPhone, iPad, etc.) involves modifying the operating system of those devices. Doing so voids your warranty, but allegedly lets you access all sorts of capabilities that your carrier may have locked down.

Re: New Malware Targeted at Apple Devices

dooBdoo — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 06:36:30 GMT

On 11/5/2014 Dam Yankee said:
Jailbreaking an iOS device (iPhone, iPad, etc.) involves modifying the operating system of those devices. Doing so voids your warranty, but allegedly lets you access all sorts of capabilities that your carrier may have locked down.

Hi, DY! Righto. It removes some limitations but arguably takes away some protections at the same time.

Re: New Malware Targeted at Apple Devices

september — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 06:38:02 GMT

Thanks Dam. I'm fairly sure I haven't done anything you noted!

Re: New Malware Targeted at Apple Devices

Dam Yankee — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 06:38:59 GMT

Howdy, DooBdoo!

Re: New Malware Targeted at Apple Devices

Dam Yankee — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 06:40:04 GMT

On 11/5/2014 september said:
Thanks Dam. I'm fairly sure I haven't done anything you noted!

You're welcome. I'm sure you haven't. It involves quite a bit of work. It's not something you can do accidentally.

Re: New Malware Targeted at Apple Devices

dooBdoo — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 06:41:33 GMT

On 11/5/2014 Dam Yankee said:
Howdy, DooBdoo!

~doobs

Re: New Malware Targeted at Apple Devices

september — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 06:46:04 GMT

On 11/5/2014 Dam Yankee said:
On 11/5/2014 september said:
Thanks Dam. I'm fairly sure I haven't done anything you noted!

You're welcome. I'm sure you haven't. It involves quite a bit of work. It's not something you can do accidentally.

I probably couldn't do it, even if I intentionally tried! My son gets so frustrated over my reliance on Apple products, that figure out what I want and need, even when I don't know what I want and need.

Re: New Malware Targeted at Apple Devices

dooBdoo — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 06:55:16 GMT

On 11/5/2014 september said:
On 11/5/2014 Dam Yankee said:
On 11/5/2014 september said:
Thanks Dam. I'm fairly sure I haven't done anything you noted!

You're welcome. I'm sure you haven't. It involves quite a bit of work. It's not something you can do accidentally.

I probably couldn't do it, even if I intentionally tried! My son gets so frustrated over my reliance on Apple products, that figure out what I want and need, even when I don't know what I want and need.

Hi, september. Your comment did make me laugh out loud. I know what you mean. Steve Jobs would've loved hearing you say that. One of his goals was to create things we never knew we needed but, once we had them, "couldn't live without" them.

Re: New Malware Targeted at Apple Devices

Dam Yankee — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 06:56:06 GMT

On 11/5/2014 september said:
I probably couldn't do it, even if I intentionally tried! My son gets so frustrated over my reliance on Apple products, that figure out what I want and need, even when I don't know what I want and need.

If nothing else, it might be a good way to get a very expensive paperweight, so I don't recommend it.

Re: New Malware Targeted at Apple Devices

september — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 07:23:28 GMT

I know...I read Steve Jobs biography! He made products for people like me! But my son, who works in the techy world, hates anything made by Apple. He uses far worse terms than "paperweight" for their products.

Re: New Malware Targeted at Apple Devices

Puzzle Piece — Thu, 06 Nov 2014 18:27:16 GMT

Thanks for the info.