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SueAnn Help Advisor, Banner SponsorApr 17, 2009

Just received a notice from PC Tools (Spyware Doctor) that there is a new threat to MAC computers.  Spyware Dr. is the anti-spyware/virus software that I use to protect my PC and they send all their customers updates.  This is a MAC OS X botnet, aka MacBot or iBotnet.  I don't know diddly-squat about Macs, but I thought those of you that use them might want a heads up.

Us Bears Apr 17, 2009

Not a major threat.

This supposed "virus" is:

A)  Not a virus.  It is a trojan.
A trojan differs from a virus.   A virus moves from computer to computer WITHOUT the user taking any specific action beyond going to a web page or downloading a file.  A trojan can't.  A trojan is a malicious program that masquerades as a desirable one.  For instance, a trojan could be a program which claims to be a game but it really a malicious program.  The user downloads and runs the program thinking he will get to play a new game but, in reality he is running a hidden program which takes control of his computer.  A virus can spread itself without the user doing anything specific.

B)  Not very widespread.
The trojan has been contained.  If you haven't been affected yet, chances are you never will be.  Only a few thousand people got affected before the problem was discovered.

C)  Has been contained.
The specific program that caused the trojan scare was a pirated copy of a legal program.  This program was surreptitiously uploaded to sites on the internet where people go looking for illegally pirated software.  Those who downloaded and tried to run this ill-gotten program are the only ones who got affected by the trojan.  You can not get the trojan on your computer unless you try to illegally download a specific program and install it.
By now, that program has been removed from almost all of the sites that originally hosted it.  (Mostly BitTorrent websites...  If you don't know what BitTorrent is, more's the better.    )

D)  Has been patched.
By now, Apple has issued updates to its system which makes it impossible to be affected unless your computer is not up to date.

Bottom line:  Only stupid people who don't keep their system up to date and who break the law using illegal copies of programs can get it.  They probably deserve what they get.

The threat level is low on this one.

minkbears Apr 17, 2009

As a Mac user....thank you both for sharing the information.

Kathy

Bubble-Up Bears Apr 18, 2009

Thanks for the heads up Sue Ann! :)
I don't have a Mac but always appreciate others concern and taking time out to post.