Yes, as Mac computers grow in popularity they are bigger targets for malware. The media loves a story and every vulnerability that affects mac users lead to headlines like “Widespread Virus Proves Macs Are No Longer Safe From Hackers“, or “Flashback trojan shows Macs do get viruses“. As an equal parts Mac and Windows user, here are some unbiased things you should know.
Mac still don’t need antivirus programs yet. All of the current Mac threats have been patched through software update. However, you should still be concerned about the security of your Mac, in fact you should always have been concerned about it. Practice good surfing habits, and keep your computer updated. Don’t run programs you don’t recognize or click on links in e-mails from people you don’t recognize. Macs are not as susceptible to malware, but when you park your car in a nice neighborhood you still lock your doors. To do otherwise is just socially irresponsible.
The vulnerability is actually in Java, which is an add-on currently owned by Oracle. As a heavy PC user I rely on Java, and don’t recommend canning it. But Macs no longer ship it by default, so the responsibility of installing and keeping it updated is YOURS. Sure Apple could be nice and handle it for you, but isn’t that what everyone loves so much about Apple? Their ease in cutting off third-party programs that they have no control over? Either way it certainly ihas made their platform so much more stable, leading to the phenomenon that customers refer to as “They just work”.
So how can you avoid installing this trojan? First do all of your software updates; Apple has already patched it. Second, educate yourself on what trojan.flashback looks like.
This is what a real Adober Flash Player Installer looks like:
Mac Flash Installer
The Flashback Trojan prompts you with an Flash player installer that looks like this:
Mac Flashback Trojan
I know it’s easy to forget what you’ve accepted and what you haven’t, sometimes I forget what a message dialog said the instant I click ok. If you fear you may have it you can check out this website for a way to check manually if you have it installed. Warning: It requires the use of terminal. If you do not feel comfortable with executing terminal commands find a local computer shop to help you out.
Apple does a great job at patching malware at the slow rate that they are being dished out. As long as you, as always, drink the koolaid and have the latest and greatest of absolutely everything they sell you. But one day will need an antivirus program for you Mac. That day is not here, but if you do decide to you need protection, I advise away from McAfee or Norton, whose windows products don’t have the best protection rates, seem to slow down a lot of computers that I’ve seen them run on. When broken they seem to do more harm than the virus, like an allergic reaction. Go with a smaller but reputable company like ESET.
flashback, apple virus, albatros, antivirus mac, flashback checker
