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A new piece of malware targeting Macs and Linux-based systems is causing a world of trouble for those in its path. Wirenet.1 is responsible for stealing passwords stored in browsers like Chrome, Chromium, Firefox and Opera. Furthermore, it’s able to obtain passwords from popular applications including SeaMonkey, Pidgin and Thunderbird. Even if you don’t use any of the above mentioned software, you’re still in danger as a keylogger is bundled in the payload.
The outbreak was just recently detected meaning there are still multiple pieces of the puzzle missing. It’s unknown how the malware is being spread but Russian anti-virus company Dr. Web says the malicious code installs itself into the user’s home directory under the name WIFIADAPT.
There are some steps that can be taken right away if you think you could be infected. Dr. Web is quick to point out that their anti-virus software will keep you protected (for a fee, of course). Another option is to simply disable communication with the control server used by the code’s author. In this case, blocking communication with IP address 212.7.208.65 should do the trick.
The malware further highlights a growing trend to target operating systems with a smaller install base – basically anything other than Windows – that were once thought to be more secure. The most popular Trojan to affect a non-Windows system was Flashback, a modified version of the BackDoor.Flashback.30 variant first discovered by Dr. Web in April 2012. This code found its way to more than 600,000 Mac computers.
User Comments: 29
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I like Leeky's comment about Samsung
Frankly, given the hate currently building against Apple, I'm surprised nobody is attacking them the way that Sony were attacked. I guess Apple have never given a reason to become a target but that may have recently changed.
I don't see any reason to target Linux, except maybe as a test. And I am also suspicious that the only crowd identifying the threat are also offering a way to remove it for money, as a Guest noted above.
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Well as MAC and Linux gain more recognition of course more malware will be coming out.
I wouldn't be surprised if iOS malware becomes more common than windows eventually, given the popularity of iPhones.
In fact, smartphone viruses and malware will probably be the next big frontier for malware.
Anyone who believed Macs were more secure was fooling themselves, it's been proven a few times it was not the security of the system but the lack of interest that made for less malware targeted on those OSes.
Now that it's happening there's no need to gloat and say I told you so.
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We need combofix that can running on Linux and Mac now
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@ Punkid: I don't think anybody with any system getting malware is cause for celebration and fan boy hate. Compared to Windows, Mac OS and Linux obviously have significantly less malware. Conversely, anyone who owned a Mac and thought they'd never get viruses were out of their minds too.
If you're on the Internet, get an antivirus and firewall.
im not celebrating :P . and yes, windows has more malware because of its popularity as Camikazi pointed out. Now that Linux and Mac OS are gaining popularity, malware has increased. The fact is, no OS is invulnerable as Apple made their customers believe, but I think theyve changed some text on their website that no longer states that its totally malware free...a move in the right direction :P
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