First iPod virus deemed completely harmless

Security vendor Kaspersky Labs claims to have detected the first virus designed to infect iPod media players.

But the security vendor was quick to point out that malware only affects iPods where the user has replaced Apple's custom iPod operating system with Linux. One could therefore argue that the malware is a Linux virus rather than an iPod threat. 

The lack of any risk to consumers is further emphasised by the virus' inability to actually infect the players. Consumers have to manually download and install the Trojan. Only then will it scan the iPod's hard drive and infect all executable files. When users launch an infected application, they will be presented with a message stating: "You are infected with the Oslo the first iPodLinux virus".

Kaspersky nonetheless refers to 'Podloso' as a proof of concept virus. Security researchers use such malware to demonstrate vulnerabilities and potential attack vectors, but lack any payload.

Apple's iPod has been subject of a security issue before. Last October the manufacturer admitted that a small portion of its video iPods that were sold after 12 September contained a virus that targeted Windows systems. Systems were at risk for getting infected when the iPod was connected to a PC.