
The Mac malware threat is real, say security experts
By Andy McCue
Published: 16 February 2006 16:45 GMT
The first virus to target Apple's Mac OS X operating system has been discovered in the wild, according to security experts.
The virus, called Leap.A, was discovered by UK antivirus company Sophos and spreads via the iChat instant messaging system. It forwards itself as a file called latestpics.tgz to contacts on the infected users' buddy list.
The virus appears to have spread after members of a Mac user forum were tricked into clicking on the file, which was posted as an external link promising screenshots of the Leopard Mac OS X 10.5.
Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos, called this the first "real virus" for the Mac OS X platform.
He said in a statement: "Some owners of Mac computers have held the belief that Mac OS X is incapable of harbouring computer viruses but Leap.A will leave them shell-shocked, as it shows that the malware threat on Mac OS X is real."
Experience Required: - A minimum of 2 years experience of software development for iPhone and/or Mac OS X using Cocoa and Objective C Understanding ...
Windows 2000, Windows NT, Novell, Lotus Notes, Mac OS). Support Engineer required by Logic Engagements Ltd to work for our client, based in ...
KEYWORDS : Mac OSX, Windows, OSX Server, ARD, Support, Macintosh, Windows Server, Quark Express, Adobe, MS Office, Extensis Suitcase, FTP, Carbon ...
Agenda Setters 2009
Welcome to the ninth annual Agenda Setters poll – silicon.com's list of the top 50 most influential individuals in the technology and IT industries, from techies and CIOs to entrepreneurs and business leaders. Find out more in our latest special report.
Stories from the web...
Copyright © 2008 CBS Interactive Limited. All rights reserved. Top of page
Bethan Jones Can I use a netbook as my everyday work machine? Part II silicon.com sub editor reveals whether her netbook delivered
Seb Janacek Magic Mouse - Apple's best ever? Minority Report: After years of disappointment, one Mac lover has hope