Sneakiest Computer Viruses
OSX/Hovdy-A
Sorry, Mac users, but you're in danger too. This Trojan affects computers using Mac OS X 10.4 or 10.5, and lets the bad guys use your Apple Remote Desktop agent for a host of disturbing activities. The virus can be used to monitor your keystrokes, transmit passwords, turn on file sharing, take screenshots, and, creepiest of all, take pictures with the built-in iSight camera -- all unbeknownst to you! It's spread through downloads that you have to agree to, so if you stay sharp, avoid sketchy utilities, and keep your anti-virus protection current, you'll be fine.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
James Shannon said 3:31PM on 10-09-2008
There is no way the internet will be viable under the current system .
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csummers1968 said 8:04PM on 10-09-2008
This is not a virus , sorry your scare tack ticks and lack of Mac OSX prove it . This is a program you 1 have to agree to down load . 2, have to agree to open and install on your hard drive . 3, have to agree to allow it to have access and change system files for it to operate . You can stop all this by simply not allowing it that privilege .Get real .
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Aron said 2:45PM on 10-20-2008
Uh if you notice if you read his ENTIRE comment.
"It's spread through downloads that you have to agree to"
He already mentions that you have to agree for it to install.
I assume it comes hidden in some app.
Roy Holtz said 5:26PM on 10-28-2008
As Mac computers become used more you will see wrong doers exploit Mac Systems Security just as Windows Systems Security has always been exploited to find vulnerabilities. The biggest vulnerability in the system seems to be how much the user knows and what precautions a user is taking to prevent an attack on his or her system.
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Randy B. Singer said 9:48PM on 11-01-2008
Since Trojan Horses don't self-propogate or self-install, they have to be made available for download by the sociopath that creates them. The problem for the sociopath is that this makes it very easy to trace the Trojan Horse back to them, and they end up in prison.
So, Trojan Horses can only be encountered where anonymous downloading takes place. These are inherantly risky places that most users normally avoid anyhow: peer to peer filesharing networks and downloads from porn sites.
Your average users will never, ever, encounter a Trojan. However, if you engage in inherantly risking computing behavior, it is a really good idea not to install anything that you aren't really, really sure of.
The advent of a new Trojan in the wild for the Mac is not a cause for panic, and it does not make it so that Macintosh users need to run out and purchase AV software. Macintosh users should also not be taking computing advice from PC bigots.
___________________________________________
Randy B. Singer
Co-author of The Macintosh Bible (4th, 5th, and 6th editions)
Macintosh OS X Routine Maintenance
http://www.macattorney.com/ts.html
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Sabrina said 12:34AM on 11-07-2008
I'm a Mac user. Sorry, what antivirus program? I thought that apples' security came through the updates. What sort of antivirus program would work on the newer Mac's?? Someone please let me know b/c I've gone through identity theft- no one is immune from it. This was all when I used a PC. Need to be as careful as possible, even if that means getting extra protection on a Mac. Freakin hackers.
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Norm Rechtman said 11:44AM on 11-07-2008
You can buy Norton Antivirus software for the Mac if you want
Randy B. Singer said 7:05PM on 11-09-2008
You don't need AV software for your Macintosh. There aren't any OS X viruses. There are some Trojans, but they are incredibly rare and, of course, don't self-propogate.
But if you are paranoid and must have AV software, here are a few examples. (This site will only allow 3 URL's in a post.) I recommend Virus Barrier.
Virex
http://www.networkassociates.com/us/products/mcafee/antivirus/desktop/virex.htm
Sophos Anti-Virus
http://www.sophos.com/products/es/endpoint-server/sav-mac.html
Intego Virus Barrier X
http://www.intego.com/virusbarrier/
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