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06 Nov 2006
Security experts have detected a virus that targets Apple's Mac OS X systems.
Although largely harmless, researchers are referring to OSX.Macarena as a "wake up call to Mac users".
Symantec has classified the virus as a level-one 'very low' threat, as it lacks a 'payload' or any sort of malicious instructions other than simply to replicate itself.
The security firm said that, once OSX.Macarena is launched, it infects every file located in the same folder. At the time this article was written, Symantec confirmed that there were fewer than 50 confirmed cases of infection.
Kelly Martin, group project manager at Symantec's security response unit, told vnunet.com that Mac users need to be vigilant about the threat of attacks.
She urged all Macintosh users to ensure that they have up-to-date antivirus software on their computers.
"This was a proof-of-concept. OSX.Macarena does not have a payload, so there is not a danger of people having a problem today, but it is certainly a warning sign that threats like this could come," said Martin.
The virus author may well have had this in mind, according to Martin. "We think it could be someone trying to prove that the Mac is not as secure as people think it is," she said.
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Do you agree?
survival
an organization built on fear needs to create fear to survive
Posted by: pAdAwAn 13 Nov 2006
WHO CARES.
I say who really gives... First off Apple will ALWAYS have less viruses than Windows. ALWAYS. Secondly ... 50 people had this "macarena" virus. OK.... well first off we need to know a LITTLE more about these 50 people. Well... for starters What VERSION of Mac's OS were the Users on??????? And Is there computer UP TO DATE?????? The "system updater" software is MADE to handle problems or Potential probelms. Let's say that ALL 50 had the newest Mac OSX... Is there any possibility that These people (out of the MILLIONS of Mac users ) were not Updating their Firmware, Software , and Most Importantly their SECURITY in System updater?????? Maybe they were the type that Lived out in the woods with the Deer and NEVER connect their computer to the internet to UPDATE then Magically got a wireless internet connection and Downloaded an application. Maybe... Apple's "Virus Software" is DOWNLOADED in System Updater and If you don't take the time or effort to PROTECT YOURSELF then obviously Nobody else is going to (except SYMANTEC possibly???) Thirdly What is Symantec. Thats right a company that makes Anti Virus Software. Now what makes this company MORE money?? Thats right VIRUSES. With more and more people switching to Apple, how does that effect the Anti-Virus companies??? Hmmm... Here's an Interesting quote that the Guy who posted the comment about "conspiracy" will appreciate. This was said by Peter Ferrie ( a researcher at Symantec's Security Response Center) Ferrie said : "The virus writer has found a rather unexpected region of memory in which to place the code, along with a way to gain immediate control when an infected file is executed" He says more about how the "author used a different method than any previous attempt to hack the OS" and I thought it was fairly interesting and Amusing that He seems To KNOW the AUTHOR quite well. Another thing about Symantec. I was Curious when I found this page so I did a search Online for the "macarena" virus. ALL of the Sites I visited had the Name SYMANTEC mentioned somewhere, probably because they DISCOVERED it. Most included hyperlinks and Advised Mac Users to BUY anti virus software to Protect themselves from Future Viruses. Interesting.... And because Symantec Discovered the Virus.... that means they Are OBVIOUSLY the EXPERTS on the Apple operating system and would be the BEST (or only) company to BUY YOUR Mac Virus Protection From. Think about it... It's a great marketing technique if you ask me. ALSO Windows should Be releasing It's New Operating system soon named "VISTA". Supposedly Windows Vista WILL NOT LET you to put ANY ANTI-VIRUS software in the operating system, forcing you to use the Supposed Windows made Virus Protection. Supposing Symantec will not be allowed on Windows Vista Machines, what OTHER operating systems CAN it still Protect???? Yup. Mac OSX. Soooo.... If someone could find the TINNIEST weekness in the Mac OSX operating system ( or create one??) then Symantec could Have the MONOPOLY in the Anti-Virus industry for Mac. Apple is VERY good at Locating Problems in their Hardware and Software. If you take the time it takes to Keep your computer up to date with Apple's Updates then the Likelyhood of you having problems is unlikely. Keep in mind that Apple has always been aimed towards the future in their technology. If that means that they need to make a MORE SECURE OS then they WILL. Don't worry. You and your Mac are going to be OK. Wait. We will see what happens to the Mac world in the future. Maybe someday You WILL need antivirus software for mac. But I personally think that Symantec is Trying to Find ANY dirt they possibly can. Of course to make as much extra MONEY as possible, but also as A backup Plan if infact Vista Doesn't allow Symantec on the New OS. I hope this was helpful to you mac users. JJ P.S. - Always check your system updater for any Updates available. Pay attention to "security" updates, Apple WANTS you to be Safe.
Posted by: JJ 11 Nov 2006
virus
the end justify the means the means justify the end, you decide which.
Posted by: mike 08 Nov 2006
PANIC!!!!
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!! Is this universal or does it specifically apply to Intel Macs?
Posted by: Big Humphrey 07 Nov 2006
Conspiracy?
I still can't help but wonder if the antivirus companies are at least partly responsible for making new viruses. Think about it. If there are no viruses, they will no longer be in a multi-million dollar business. Notice that the article quote contained a teaser to buy antivirus software.
Posted by: James 07 Nov 2006
Who? .-)
That guy from Symantec forgot to say who could be interested in proving OS X is not as secure as people think. Who could be that? They.
Posted by: Aladin 07 Nov 2006
Requires user input?
So you have to launch an infected file, it only infects other files in the same folder, and can't comprimise security by altering system files (since it would need permission). This is a threat? Sounds more like an annoyance "released" to advertise Mac anti-virus apps... Clam AV does a fine job, and it's free.
Posted by: Jabrwock 06 Nov 2006