Apple iPad users are being warned of an email-borne threat which could give hackers access to their iPad device. The threat arrives in an unsolicited email prompting the recipient to download the latest version of , as a prelude to updating their iPad software. The Backdoor.Bifrose.AADY malware opens up a backdoor which could let the perpetrator gain unauthorized access to the device. It tries to read the keys and serial numbers of the software installed on the device, and logs the passwords to any webmail, IM or protected storage accounts. Mac users are unaffected by the malware, but their information is compromised.
For a long time Mac users were, relatively, free of malicious software threats. There were many sited reasons why this was the case. The people that create and spread malicious software geared most efforts to PC users and networks, simply because they are far more numerous than Mac users. Most businesses use PCs and malicious software creators just have a little more experience creating threats for PCs. More computers available to attack, means more information to steal and more money to be made!
I have long warned that we will see more and more malicious threats to MACs as their market share increased and more people us them as their primary computer. It was just a matter of time. The thing that is scary is, from my observation, many MAC users are attracted to MACs for their stylish looks and 'ease of use'. I find that many MAC users are not as aware or even interested in understanding how to repair or deal with threats. That is not a knock on MAC users, it's just the way it is and MAC likes it that way, thats why they sell style more so than functionality (and MAC are just as functional in operation). MAC are less 'user-fixable' than PCs and there is a smaller pool of protective software.
We shall see if this is a sign of more to come or just some one trying to capitalize on the hype created around the latest MAC device, the iPad!
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