OS Update Virus Targeting iPad Users
New iPad owners are falling victim to an iPad update scheme.
Last week we reported that hackers were going after Google Chrome users by disguising trojans as browser extensions. Now they're going after owners of that fancy new iPad, basically using the same email scheme as before but with a slight alteration. This time users are directed to download a software update by clicking on a link embedded in an email.
Naturally this attack is geared towards consumers new to the iPhone/iPod Touch community. Typically Apple doesn't link directly to an update via email, but rather pipes the upgrade alert through iTunes. Unfortunately, new consumers aren't quite hip to the Jobs Way, and thus get suckered into the malware-by-email scheme.
Once unsuspecting consumers (newbies) click on the email link, they are taken to a webpage that matches Apple's official website theme. Identified by BitDefender as Backdoor.Bifrose.AADY, this bit of malware injects itself into the explorer.exe process on the consumer's PC and opens up a backdoor for hacker entry, allowing unauthorized access to users files and the ability to seize the computer.
"Backdoor.Bifrose.AADY attempts to read the keys and serial numbers of the various software installed on the affected computer, while also logging the passwords to the victim’s ICQ, Messenger, POP3 mail accounts, and protected storage," the company said.
BitDefender said that Mac users remain unaffected by this piece of malware. To avoid falling victim to this threat and others, head here to view BitDefenders' list.
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lol
But, but, but....Apple products are supposed to be immune to malware..right?
sweet get the noobies they'll blaim apple they dont know whats going on
Finally. I'm not a fan of Viruses, but those arrogant "Apple is da best & no viruses" users need to be taught a lesson....
Finally. I'm not a fan of Viruses, but those arrogant "Apple is da best & no viruses" users need to be taught a lesson....
Btw, I realize this affects Windows OS, but still...
But, but, but....Apple products are supposed to be immune to malware..right?
LOL you beat me to it. But someone had to say it
Wait a minute - as I read this, an ipad social engineering exploit installs a virus onto your windows computer. That's just not fair!
Can you imagine the phone calls Apple tech support must get? I'd go nuts... makes me think of the "you're too stupid to own a computer" joke. I'd get fired within a week.
iPad meets internet
iPad meets iPorn
iPad gets virus
users go wtf.
Every one else goes hahah lamo lolzamo
Think that 99-year-old iPAD woman (news article from yesterday) will be savvy enough to avoid this?
You would think that people would have learned to avoid these emails by now. Seriously, I learned to avoid these things back in the 90s! (and i was only born in 90 for a reference point)
Before people get all into this, the malware described in this article does not affect an Apple product.
It has no more to do with the security of an iPad than your bank security is to blame when an e-mail pretends to be from your bank and asks you to download a virus to access your account balance from your smartphone.
Technically it's a virus through the windows OS.
I'm expecting the thumbs down on this one
But, but, but....Apple products are supposed to be immune to malware..right?
Wasn't there an article not to long ago on this site that had an expert hacker that said Apple is more susceptible to getting viruses then Windows?
Ahh here we are: http://www.tomshardware.com/news/s [...] 10205.html
If i were a hacker i would target Apple's computers. Why?
1. market share is growing
2. [some] Apple users are gullible, the think they're immune because they're on an apple computer.
So let me get this straight: ipad gets STD via email and then gives STD to pc later that night? That whore!!!
But, but, but....Apple products are supposed to be immune to malware..right?
No, there is no recorded virus. This requires the user to click on something and install something.
But, but, but....Apple products are supposed to be immune to malware..right?
lol, the article actually states that the virus attacks Windows explorer, and that Macs are immune. it doesn't attack any apple product, only windows.
I mean, I agree completely, Mac's are less secure. this virus doesn't make any sense, I mean why would anyone but a Mac Minion buy an ipad?
this think just screams some lazy opportunist wanker grabbing the closest virus they could find and just clumsily nailing it to the ipad bandwagon.
Wait a minute - as I read this, an ipad social engineering exploit installs a virus onto your windows computer. That's just not fair!
Probably a story for the conspiracy theorists to think this was all Apple's doing to get more people to switch to a mac.
But, but, but....Apple products are supposed to be immune to malware..right?
read the article again...here is a little help...
"BitDefender said that Mac users remain unaffected by this piece of malware."
If i were a hacker i would target Apple's computers. Why?1. market share is growing2. All Apple users are gullible, the think they're immune because they're on an apple computer.
Fixed it for you.
That didn't take long.
Hope this shuts up the mac fanatics about them being virus proof... I'm surprised more hackers haven't released Mac viruses just to prove the point.
Not sure what the point of commenting on this is since all the tools who have already commented won't read this reply. Hell, new commenters with the same sentiment probably won't read anyone else's reply, just go off on their own.
THIS DOESN'T AFFECT THE IPAD. It merely targets WINDOWS USERS who OWN IPADS. Doesn't affect the iPad. (Do you really think the iPad runs explorer.exe. If you learned how to read, the article clearly describes a piece of Windows OS malware.)
All this gloating over how "Apple products are vulnerable" only makes you look unintelligent.
No, I wouldn't claim that Macs are bullet-proof. I'm sure there have even been exploits of the iPhone and such. But folks, this aint one of em.
But, but, but....Apple products are supposed to be immune to malware..right?
This affects Windows machines only... Neither the iPad nor any version of OS X is affected. So... what is your point here?
The iPad => It can't run flash, but it has confirmed ability to run viruses.
Hope this shuts up the mac fanatics about them being virus proof... I'm surprised more hackers haven't released Mac viruses just to prove the point.
That didn't take long.
Take that, Jobs!After the Gizmodo/iPhone 4G fiasco, Apple and their fanboys deserve this.
iPad meets internetiPad meets iPorniPad gets virususers go wtf. Every one else goes hahah lamo lolzamo
LOL you beat me to it. But someone had to say it
Finally. I'm not a fan of Viruses, but those arrogant "Apple is da best & no viruses" users need to be taught a lesson....
This really is pathetic. Look at all you people who didn't read the article and/or have no idea what you are talking about. This virus affects Microsoft Windows only. The iPad nor OS X is getting a virus. The only reason the iPad is even mentioned is because that is the subject of an email that is leading Windows users to a site that contains malware. All of you completely and utterly failed at reading comprehension. But, in all honesty, none of you rabid fanboys ever read the Apple articles anyways. You just head straight to the comments section for the usual nonsense. +1 for keeping up the good work.
It amazes me all the dumb windows users who can't read and comprehend. This is a WINDOWS virus you pin heads. The macs as evidence with the statement IN THE ARTICLE that reads: "Mac users remain unaffected by this piece of malware" No wonder windows users are so stupid they are busy clicking on all kinds of links..
Usually the heading of an article provides enough information so.... you can't really 'blame' the posters for their comments can you. The heading is literally MADE to attract a high post count.Either way, people will click on anything
These same individuals that are too blinded by fanboyism to actually read the headline before they start commenting on the article are the same ones calling anyone who uses Apple products mindless sheep and/or idiots. Want to see mindless sheep? Check out the comments section on any Apple article. These guys don't even read the article! It's pathetic.