February 17, 2006
First Mac OS X Trojan
Rumor has it that there is a trojan (think bad-for-your-computer) for OS X "out there."
As per ClamXav.com (a free OS X virus scanner) You cannot be infected by this unless you do all of the following:
- Are somehow sent (via email, iChat, etc.) or download the "latestpics.tgz" file (even from someone you know/trust!)
- Double-click on the file to decompress it
- Double-click on the resulting file to "open" it
Finally, I plan on downloading the free ClamXav virus scanner tonight. If you already have it, be sure to update your virus definition list today.
The best security policy is to employ common sense and modern manners in your e-mail and instant messaging behavior. If you're forwarding out attachments that you received to a 10 of your friends because it's "so cute" or "so touching" it's best to stop that practice. You really don't know if there's a virus embedded in that moving poem or graphic of cute kittens--even if there is a Bible verse overlayed! If you have a virus scan program on your computer, be sure to keep the virus definition list up to date. Also, it's good practice to install your operating system's security updates as they come along. But most of all, don't open an attachment unless you were expecting it. It may be sooooo cute but it also could be sooooo baaaaaad for your computer and could wipe out all your cute and non-cute data.
Posted by Amber at February 17, 2006 12:20 PMI feel so dirty now. And to think I bought a Mac because it would never get a virus. I was misled.
Isn't it interesting how the media has run this story with such fervor? They think they've finally found a way to discredit OS X. Little do they realize they are broadcasting their true ignorance.
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