Smartphones And Mobiles
Apple devices are at risk of a virus described by researchers as ?the biggest scale? malware they have ever seen.
Dubbed WireLurker, the malware targets both Mac computers as well as phones and tablets running iOS when connected using a USB cable.
After it has infected the Mac, when a mobile device is connected to the infected computer the virus spreads and installs malicious apps.
It was discovered by experts at Palo Alto Networks who detailed their findings in a research paper.
?We believe that this malware heralds a new era in attacking Apple?s desktop and mobile platforms,? explained lead researcher Claud Xiao.
?It is only the second known malware that attacks iOS devices through OS X via USB [and] is the first malware to automate generation of malicious iOS applications, through binary file replacement.?
WireLurker monitors iOS devices, including iPods, iPhones and iPads, connected to a Mac via USB.
The virus begins by infecting the Mac OS software, through malicious files or links.
When a device is connected to this infected Mac, the malware automatically installs malicious apps onto the phone or tablet.
The researchers said this malware combines a number of techniques to successfully 'realise a new brand of threat to all iOS devices'.
WireLurker is then capable of stealing information from the devices it infects.
This malware is under active development and its creator?s ultimate goal is not yet clear, added Mr Xiao.
Palo Alto Networks said that the attacks have been concentrated in China, and only currently affect Chinese users because the malware originated from a Chinese third-party apps store called Maiyadi.
However, it has the potential to spread to other regions, and other stores.
According to the company, more than 460 infected apps had been downloaded over 356,000 times so far.
The experts suggest iOS and Mac owners only download apps from the official Apple app store and that they make sure to keep their software up to date.
They also advise people to install antivirus and security software, and never connect a device to an unknown, or unsafe computer.
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Smartphones And Mobiles
Apple devices under malware attack
iphones, iPads and Macs hit by WireLurker virus that steals personal information
Apple devices are at risk of a virus described by researchers as ?the biggest scale? malware they have ever seen.
Dubbed WireLurker, the malware targets both Mac computers as well as phones and tablets running iOS when connected using a USB cable.
After it has infected the Mac, when a mobile device is connected to the infected computer the virus spreads and installs malicious apps.
It was discovered by experts at Palo Alto Networks who detailed their findings in a research paper.
?We believe that this malware heralds a new era in attacking Apple?s desktop and mobile platforms,? explained lead researcher Claud Xiao.
?It is only the second known malware that attacks iOS devices through OS X via USB [and] is the first malware to automate generation of malicious iOS applications, through binary file replacement.?
WireLurker monitors iOS devices, including iPods, iPhones and iPads, connected to a Mac via USB.
The virus begins by infecting the Mac OS software, through malicious files or links.
When a device is connected to this infected Mac, the malware automatically installs malicious apps onto the phone or tablet.
The researchers said this malware combines a number of techniques to successfully 'realise a new brand of threat to all iOS devices'.
WireLurker is then capable of stealing information from the devices it infects.
This malware is under active development and its creator?s ultimate goal is not yet clear, added Mr Xiao.
Palo Alto Networks said that the attacks have been concentrated in China, and only currently affect Chinese users because the malware originated from a Chinese third-party apps store called Maiyadi.
However, it has the potential to spread to other regions, and other stores.
According to the company, more than 460 infected apps had been downloaded over 356,000 times so far.
The experts suggest iOS and Mac owners only download apps from the official Apple app store and that they make sure to keep their software up to date.
They also advise people to install antivirus and security software, and never connect a device to an unknown, or unsafe computer.
- Apple?s Researchkit Is Now Available To All Developers And Medical Professionals
There was more than a new MacBook and smartwatch at Apple?s Spring Forward event last month. The company?s open-source ResearchKit software ? a set of developer tools to allow medical researchers to turn Apple devices into research and diagnostics...
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Apple is getting popular in emerging markets Apple is a famous company of mobile phones and computers. Its head quarter is in Cupertino that is a city in Santa Clara County, California in the United States. Apple is better known as a company that invents...
- Check If Your Android Phone Has Been Repaired Security Key "master Key" Yet? With Bluebox App
Few days ago the company Bluebox Labs announced a four-year-old security flaws in Android have the ability to affect 99% of devices running this OS. This error is related to overcoming key applications to install malware on the user's machine, it...
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Researchers at security firm Bluebox Labs have found a bug in Android allows malicious software disguised as an app has been authenticated. Bluebox Labs says that this vulnerability has emerged from the Android 1.6 "Donut", that is, four years...
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What would you do if you misplace your mobile phone, or worse still, had it stolen? Would you even know where to start to get it back, and what about all that personal data that is linked to your phone? If this has ever happened to you, you know what...