[OT] New Cross Platform Malware

ImAMacGuy
Valued Contributor II

just as an FYI ... there's a new Cross Platform attack...
http://arstechnica.com/security/2013/07/equal-opportunity-malware-targets-macs-and-windows/

This is from the last paragraph in the above link.. Apparently the Windows version awaits instructions, whereas the Mac version doesn't require a command.

Interestingly, the Windows variant observed by Avast simply awaits instructions from its operator. The Mac version, by contrast, sends captured screenshots and audio to the attackers. The reports don't say how many machines have been infected by Janicab. Most likely, the malware is in some sort of beta phase as its developers try to gain experience in creating cross-platform threats. With the growing use of OS X, it's not surprising to see malware that targets that platform. It's a bit more unusual to see the malware that can also infect Windows. We're probably at least a few years away from cross-platform malicious software that adds Linux to the list, but it's certainly within the realm of possibility.
2 REPLIES 2

mm2270
Legendary Contributor III

Thanks for the heads up. I suspect Apple will be updating XProtect soon to help protect against this, but good to know.

ImAMacGuy
Valued Contributor II

probably will update xprotect to block all current versions of java (just out of habit) w/o a new one being released as well.