New Mac malware discovered, hours before Mountain Lion release

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Jack

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ITWeb said:
Just hours before the release of Mountain Lion, the latest version of the OS X operating system, new malware has been discovered, highlighting the need for Apple Mac users to protect their computers with anti-virus software.

Sophos researchers have discovered that the new Morcut Mac OS X malware, also known as “Crisis”, has been distributed as part of a multi-platform attack, designed to hit both Windows and Mac users - embedded in an archive file that pretends to be Adobe Flash Player.

The threat, which has not yet been seen in the wild, is complex - and when run on an OS X system, drops multiple components, reconfigures system settings and installs a backdoor and rootkit combination that connects to a remote server and waits for instructions from malicious hackers.
When run on Windows systems, a version of the Swizzor malware is installed instead.

Read more: http://www.itweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=57120%3ANew-Mac-malware-discovered-hours-before-Mountain-Lion-release&catid=234&Itemid=190
 

Jack

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Sophos said:
Mac malware spies on infected users through video and audio capture

After further analysis, more information has emerged about the Morcut Mac OS X malware (also known as "Crisis" by some anti-virus products) which was discovered this week.

Clearly OSX/Morcut-A was created with spying in mind, as its code includes hooks to control/monitor the following operations:

  • mouse coordinates
  • instant messengers (for instance, Skype [including call data], Adium and MSN Messenger)
  • location
  • internal webcam
  • clipboard contents
  • key presses
  • running applications
  • web URLs
  • screenshots
  • internal microphone
  • calendar data & alerts
  • device information
  • address book contents

In short, if this malware managed to infect your Mac computer it could learn an awful lot about you, and potentially steal information which could read your private messages and conversations, and open your email and other online accounts.

Read more: http://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2012/07/26/mac-malware-spies-morcut-crisis/


Without any doubt malware will become a problem for Mac users in the near future.
This attacks look very professional and no doubt the coding of this virus wasn't an easy task. It would be very nice if we could find who is actually responsible for this,however at this point we can also note that this malware attacks are a 'breath of fresh air' for the security companies who ,without any doubt ,are gearing up for proving protection for MACS.
 
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