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Topic: Hardware

iPad users on Windows targeted with malware

Summary: Scammers are distributing e-mails designed to trick iPad owners into downloading software that they think is an iTunes update.

Elinor Mills

By Elinor Mills |

Scammers are distributing e-mails designed to trick iPad owners into downloading software that they think is an iTunes update, but which turns out to be malware that opens a back door on the computer, researchers warned on Monday.

Read more about iPad in ZDNet's Special Report

The e-mails have a subject line that says "iPad Software Update" and offer a link to a Web page that looks like a legitimate iTunes download page, according to BitDefender. Instead, the link installs malware identified as Backdoor.Bifrose.AADY, according to the BitDefender blog.

The malware injects itself in to the "explorer.exe" process and opens up a back door that attackers can use to take control of the system whenever they want, the post said. It also attempts to read the keys and serial numbers of the various software programs installed on the computer and logs passwords to the victim's ICQ, Messenger, and POP3 mail accounts, and protected storage, BitDefender said.

For more on this story, read iPad users on Windows targeted with malware on CNET News.

Topics: Hardware, Collaboration, iPad, Malware, Mobility, Operating Systems, Security, Software, Windows

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Talkback

34 comments
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  • Apple Products

    Everyone knows that Apple products can be used to insert viruses into alien('s) computers.
    LadyGray
    Reply Vote

    • Are you serious?

      There's no viruses here. There's just a simple, run-of-the-mill, socially
      engineered strategy for getting gullible computer users to install
      malware on their Windows machines. The malware in question will not
      run on OS X or the iPad, nor is it in anyway passed from the iPad to the
      Windows machine.

      ...But then again, yes, if an alien lifeform attacked Earth, you just might
      be able to use your iPad to inject some sort of virus into the attackers
      mother ship, giving you time to nuke them while they reboot.
      jaypeg
      Reply Vote

      • But.....

        you would have to get permission from Jobs to put the virus on the iPad in the first place for injection.

        The headlines would read. World Destroyed. Jobs Refused To Allow App To Save The World.
        Test Subject
        Reply Vote

        • When world is destroyed, there would no news paper

          so there would be no headlines to read. ;-)
          --Ram--
          Ram U
          Reply Vote

          • There's probably an app for that (nt)

            nt
            wcb42ad
            Reply Vote

          • Good one. :-) n/t

            .
            Ram U
            Reply Vote

        • Jobs would be too busy Jail Breaking his iPad! :D

          When all he would have had to do was go on eBay
          and buy Pre-Installed Sim Unlocker and Jail Breaker.
          So his virus design wouldn't destroy his bank that
          runs Windows. Now it wouldn't destroy the whole
          world, just him and his Uber Cult followers that
          refuse to unlock and jail break their iPhones and
          iPads for full World Wide Web Access!


          While continues to imprison developers in his
          all controlling power from the depths of Hades!
          ....or is that his control booth, like in the
          Wizard of Oz? haha.... No wonder he wanted to
          own the film industry's Special Effects leader!
          ;)
          i2fun@...
          Reply Vote

      • OMG, you made my day.

        >>...But then again, yes, if an alien lifeform attacked Earth, you just
        might be able to use your iPad to inject some sort of virus into the
        attackers mother ship, giving you time to nuke them while they reboot.

        jaypeg, thanks for that. you just made my day.
        --Ram--
        Ram U
        Reply Vote

      • I have GOT to get me one of THOSE!

        independenceDayPad, ftw.

        Welcome to Earth!
        nrfong
        Reply Vote

      • You must have not paid attention to the computer they used...

        ...in the movie Independence Day...
        Wolfie2K3
        Reply Vote

    • Acutally....

      [i]Everyone knows that Apple products can be used to insert viruses into alien('s) computers.[/i]

      Unless I'm misreading the information, it's strictly a Windows malware. It's just that people who own an iPad are either getting these e-mails, or are falling for them.
      Badgered
      Reply Vote

      • OF COURSE

        Just more Windows malware. Not even really news anymore.
        jpdemers@...
        Reply Vote

      • It's a reference to the movie Independence Day. nt

        .
        ye
        Reply Vote

        • bah...

          [i]It's a reference to the movie Independence Day[/i]

          Actually one of my favorite movies....

          bah, long weekend... should have noticed the sarcasm.
          Badgered
          Reply Vote

          • Sarcasm

            I have often wished there was a specific font that could be used for sarcasm/humor/cynicism. It could just be called "sarcastic" and would always alert the reader no matter what their mental state was. Perhaps an HTML tag that changes text to that font.
            LadyGray
            Reply Vote

          • Re: sarcasm

            Apple probably is in the process of patenting it right now that you gave them the idea
            stevejg61
            Reply Vote

        • Maybe a clearer reference.

          Like it is well know that a PowerBook can be used to inject a virus into an
          alien computer?

          Then again there are many Anti-Apple articles on ZDNet lately, it is a bit
          ridiculous how the large amount of negative press can make people feel.
          Rick_K
          Reply Vote

          • Another epic fail from windoze

            And I notice there isn't a lot of NBMer activity here.

            No pot to p!ss in, boys?

            lol.. :D
            ubiquitous one
            Reply Vote

          • moved

            [i]
            SonofaSailor
            Reply Vote

          • Where to?

            China?

            :)
            ubiquitous one
            Reply Vote
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