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.
Topics
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.
Talkback Most Recent of 34 Talkback(s)
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Apple Products
Everyone knows that Apple products can be used to insert viruses into alien('s) computers.
LadyGray27th Apr 2010 -
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.
jaypeg27th Apr 2010 -
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 Subject27th Apr 2010 -
When world is destroyed, there would no news paper
so there would be no headlines to read.
--Ram--
Rama.NET27th Apr 2010 -
wcb42ad27th Apr 2010 -
Rama.NET27th Apr 2010
-
Jobs would be too busy Jail Breaking his iPad!
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@...27th Apr 2010 -
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--Rama.NET27th Apr 2010 -
I have GOT to get me one of THOSE!
independenceDayPad, ftw.
Welcome to Earth!
nrfong27th Apr 2010 -
You must have not paid attention to the computer they used...
...in the movie Independence Day...
Wolfie2K327th Apr 2010 -
Acutally....
Everyone knows that Apple products can be used to insert viruses into alien('s) computers.
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.
Badgered27th Apr 2010 -
OF COURSE
Just more Windows malware. Not even really news anymore.
jpdemers@...27th Apr 2010 -
ye27th Apr 2010 -
bah...
It's a reference to the movie Independence Day
Actually one of my favorite movies....
bah, long weekend... should have noticed the sarcasm.Badgered27th Apr 2010 -
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.LadyGray27th Apr 2010
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