More security for Apple computers

A recent investigation by the ITSecurity provider Sophos has revealed a worryingly high level of malware on Apple computers. The Sophos experts analyzed about 100,000 Mac computers running the company’s free antivirus software. They discovered Windows malware on every fifth Mac computer.


Flashback botnet with approximately 600,000 infected Macs


Even if Windows malware on Macs does not have any direct impact (unless users use Windows on the computer), it can still be transferred to other computers and the computer is thus used as a malware multiplier. The analysis also showed that 2.7% of Macs were infected with dedicated malicious code for Mac OS X.


Example Microsoft?


"Some Mac users may be relieved that they have Windows viruses, spyware, or Trojans on their Mac seven times more likely than Mac OS X specific threats, but Mac malware is surprisingly widespread," Graham comments Cluley, Senior Technology Consultant at Sophos.


Counterfeit anti-virus attacks that make it easy for users to release their credit card details, and the current Flashback botnet with around 600,000 infected computers will lead to the Mac-based threat table.


"Mac malware can spread through USB sticks, email attachments, website downloads, or even automatic downloads, where users do not even notice that the security of their Mac has gone underneath," Cluley continued Br>

"Cybercriminals see Macs as an easy target, as their owners usually do not use anti-virus software and are generally considered more beneficial than the typical Windows user. Mac users must protect their computers now, or risk the malware issue As big a problem as on the PCs, "Cluley summarized.


Surprisingly, some of the malware Sophos discovered on the Mac computers that are being scanned back to 2007 and could have been detected earlier if users were using an anti-virus program.

Udo Schneider, Solution Architect EMEA at IT security provider Trend Micro, takes the manufacturer's own responsibility and advises him to take the role of Microsoft.


"For many, this would be like a heretic's call - and this is all the more so since the Microsoft platform has not spoiled its glory over the years, but this call is not just" flashback "right Cutter. Apple users have been targeting the cybercriminals for quite some time, to the extent that Trend Micro caused the end of the secure Mac-Bastion in the middle of last year.

Unfortunately, Apple is still running the threat much too slowly, "the security expert adds." The problem is not so much the inevitable fact that every platform has a security vulnerability that is exploited by cybercriminals. The problem is rather in the way Apple handles this fact.


Schneider therefore recommends: "Yes, Apple should learn from Microsoft and set up a separate process to publish security updates to reduce the time span between becoming aware and closing a vulnerability as much as possible, making life more difficult for cybercriminals."