before the flame war begins. it is a trojan, people. something a user has to single handily download from a certain website and installing it on a computer by giving a password. one at a time. trojans have been available for the mac forever. viruses and worms don't. so nothing new here.
and please all those who don't know the difference between viruses and worms on one hand and trojans on the other, please don't apply.
so, now, i'll get some popcorn ...
Free apps install spyware on Macs
Summary
Mac users downloading free screensavers and a video converter app from several popular download sites also got spyware that installs a back door, collects data, and sends encrypted information to remote servers.
Topics
Mac users downloading free screensavers and a video converter app from several popular download sites also got spyware that installs a back door, collects data, and sends encrypted information to remote servers, security company Intego said on Tuesday.
The high-risk spyware, dubbed OSX/OpinionSpy, was being installed along with nearly 30 screensavers developed by a company called 7art and an app called MishInc FLV to MP3, according to a list compiled by Intego.
They were found on Softpedia, MacUpdate, and CNET-owned VersionTracker, according to a post on Intego's Mac Security Blog.
For more on this story, read Free apps install spyware on Macs on CNET News.
Talkback Most Recent of 32 Talkback(s)
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banned from zdnet2nd Jun 2010 -
RE: Free apps install spyware on Macs
@banned from zdnet and please all those who don't know the difference between viruses and worms on one hand and trojans on the other, please don't apply.
Perhaps you should tell that to the Mac users who don't know the difference, and quite frankly don't care. All they know is, this doesn't happen on a Mac.
Think I'll grab a bag of popcorn as well...
Badgered2nd Jun 2010 -
RE: Free apps install spyware on Macs
@Badgered
Shucks, I think I'll grab a tub and watch this 3D, high definition slug fest. This don't happen to a MAC, right? I'm glad I'm a PC.
windozefreak2nd Jun 2010 -
RE: Free apps install spyware on Macs
@windozefreak: "I'm glad I'm a PC"
So you prefer the greater variety and quantity of malware available to you on Windows?
rahbm5th Jun 2010 -
Trojan vs. Virus - does it really matter?
@banned from zdnet
Claim by apple was that Macs do not get viruses, spyware, crashes, etc. I don't see why are you splitting hairs here.
hamobu-223331361395187734816855141288122nd Jun 2010 -
I have the answer to that
@hamobu
Because when your banking information is stolen through a trojan and you are bankrupted, at least you can tell all your new friends at the homeless shelter that your banking information wasn't stolen through a virus. I guess it gives you bragging rights?
NonZealot2nd Jun 2010 -
RE: Free apps install spyware on Macs
It's generally not about individuals and trojans. What trojans don't/can't do is go out and auto-infect a zillion other Macs, which has been the main problem on Windows. Granted, Windows security has gotten a lot better recently, once MS got their heads out of their hinders, and even (temporarily) surpassed OS X in a couple of low-level OS protection technologies, but the Mac has traditionally had the superior technology and in practical terms has always been (and still is) far more secure than Windows.
Mac users have enjoyed the security benefits for the last quarter-century, all while Windows apologists kept braying the latest excuses. The landscape has changed recently, but not much in practical terms and Mac users still enjoy an almost malware-free existence.
RealNonZealot2nd Jun 2010 -
RE: Free apps install spyware on Macs
@RealNonZealot
Actually it's more about Apple lying to people in their ads that their computers will not have spyware or headaches. Clueless people were given impression that by spending tons of money on a computer they became totally immune to all problems and this has given them false sense of security which resulted in this situation.hamobu-223331361395187734816855141288122nd Jun 2010 -
RE: Free apps install spyware on Macs
@banned from zdnet ,
hahahahahahaha LOVED that reply..
I believe you neglected to include the factoid
that whoever doesn't know the difference between a trojan and a worm in hand may NEED a
Trojan ON their Worm With their Hand ~ !!!
OSXman2nd Jun 2010 -
Its all Malware to me
@banned from zdnet
The differences does not matter. It is still a piece of malware which many claim Macs are resistant too because MacOS is built with security from the ground up. You can split hairs all you want but it shows that as Macs gain popularity so do the attempts to exploit it and its users no matter the form of exploitation.
bobiroc2nd Jun 2010 -
This is all BS.
It's a well known fact that Macs are not susceptible to trojans and spyware.
John Zern2nd Jun 2010 -
This is all MS
It is well known fact that Macs are much more susceptible to trojans and spyware than windows machines are.
/baseless claimhamobu-223331361395187734816855141288122nd Jun 2010 -
RE: Free apps install spyware on Macs
@hamobu
Hmmm.. I cannot remember that ever being said but the Mac vs PC ads sure sadi just the opposite to many people. The average computer user puts viruses, worms, trojans, scarware, spyware all in the same category for the most part. That is why the term Malware came about to define all malicious software. Many Mac customers today bought a Mac on the false belief that it is infection proof.bobiroc2nd Jun 2010 -
RE: Free apps install spyware on Macs
But sadly, ZDNet IS susceptible to trolls.rahbm5th Jun 2010 -
no
no one ever said that. not even in your twisted little fud world. macs are immune to viruses and worms. not to trojans. how could they?
No OS can protect users from themselves (or we wouldn't be able to install any software). Do not download and authorize the installation of applications (Trojans) from untrusted sources.banned from zdnet2nd Jun 2010
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