Network Security News

Trojan targeting Apple machines briefly in the wild

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Security researchers discovered a new variant of the RSPlug trojan in the wild that targets Apple computers, which was quickly fixed in the process.

However, though the trojan has been put down, some security experts are warning that more cybercriminals are creating malware geared toward Apple computers, SCMagazineus.com reports.

The latest version of the RSPlug trojan was reportedly distributed through websites offering prirated software, according to the article. Infected machines would have caused a user's browser to redirect to a phishing or malware-serving site.

Users were introduced to the first RSPlug trojan variant in October 2007 when it was distributed through pornography sites. The trojan attempted to dupe people into downloading the malware by telling the user they needed to download a codec to view a certain video.

Last month the Mac Trojan emerged as another example of cybercriminals focusing on Apple through pirated versions of iWorks 2009 and Adobe Photoshop for Mac, eWeek.com reports. Researchers said the trojan took advantage of the machine's "ease-of-use and predictability of software installation on Macs."

Though these attacks were quickly dealt with, SMBs who utilize Apple computers in their office may want to increase the level of their network security.