Mac Trojan getting worse, should this be cause for celebration?

from JoeUser Forums

Although I can understand the reason behind the thoughts of those who are actually happy in some way over this Mac Defender trojan that has infected thousands of Mac computers in recent weeks, I am not sure this is really a cause for celebration amongst us Windows user. I mean who wouldn’t want to take an opportunity like this one to rub it in Apple Fanboy faces how their precious Mac computers are not as “bullet proof” as they make them out. How all it would take is someone willing to make the trojan or virus to cause havoc even on an OS that has been regarded as virus-free for so long. Still, this really should not be a time for anyone to be happy and even hoping this is only the beginning as some of the comments I have seen online seem to indicate.

According to this Maximum PC article, it seems the trojan creator has modified the trojan to circumvent the password it required in order to infect the Mac computer. In other words although you still have to be stupid enough to click on a pop up to install it, it’s actually a lot easier to fool someone now to install it. Again it just goes to show how a determined person can screw with Macs if they only had the desire to do so.

On the one hand, I hope Mac users learn their lesson. on the other, I hope this really doesn’t become a serious problem. My kids may want a Mac someday and I would hate for them to have to deal with viruses and trojans as well.

157,550 views 48 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top

Misery loves company and I guess that is why some are gleefully rejoicing this latest development. 

On the bright side, I hear this one is fairly tame (as these things go - at least in the Windows World), so it is good news.  It is a bad bug that can be gotten rid of that does not cause a lot of damage - AND - it wakes up the Mac users to the reality that no one is immune (as you said).

I am glad the first one was mild.  It could have been worse - and future ones undoubtedly will be.

But one area of disagreement - you do not have to be stupid.  Just ignorant.  After being infected the first time, then you become stupid if you get it a second time!

Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I always hear about Windows users having problems with trojans, etc. I've been using Windows since.... well, since there was a Windows OS to use. I have never had trojans, malware, or viruses. I have had several false-positives, but never the real thing.

As for Mac users.... well, it was only a matter of time. I personally don't like Apple, but hate to see this crap happen to anyone........

Multiplicity - Control multiple PCs using one keyboard and mouse
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top

No reason to celebrate at all, just as Mac/Apple users had no reason to feel "safe" or "immune".

I believe it wrong to celebrate another's misfortune. 

Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top

But one area of disagreement - you do not have to be stupid. Just ignorant. After being infected the first time, then you become stupid if you get it a second time!

True, ignorant. But stupid sounds nicer. LOL

I always hear about Windows users having problems with trojans, etc. I've been using Windows since.... well, since there was a Windows OS to use. I have never had trojans, malware, or viruses. I have had several false-positives, but never the real thing.

I have had one here and there but it has been a long time since. It's a matter of being educated on avoiding getting infected. I can't help but wonder the ignorance of a Mac user as they have never had to deal with this before or at least not in a grand scale like this one.

As for Mac users.... well, it was only a matter of time. I personally don't like Apple, but hate to see this crap happen to anyone........

Exactly.

Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting DrJBHL, reply 3
No reason to celebrate at all, just as Mac/Apple users had no reason to feel "safe" or "immune".

I believe it wrong to celebrate another's misfortune.

To the average mac user that goes about their business without the ego that is so often associated with them, I feel bad.

To the "elitist" MacHoles that constantly spout their drivel of how superior their mac is, and how it can never be attacked.. I giggle my ass off in sheer delight.

Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top

First I've heard of this and I am a Mac user. Haven't seen anything about it on the company intranet either...guess I (we) need to get out from under my (our) rock...  :S

Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting navigatsio, reply 6
First I've heard of this and I am a Mac user. Haven't seen anything about it on the company intranet either...guess I (we) need to get out from under my (our) rock... 

Nav, I published about this on 5/21.  https://forums.wincustomize.com/408852

 

Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Thanks Doc! It may prove beneficial to pass the info up and down the line at work... :|

Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Phoon, reply 5
To the "elitist" MacHoles that constantly spout their drivel of how superior their mac is, and how it can never be attacked.. I giggle my ass off in sheer delight.

Yes....being cut down a peg or two does no harm.

It was bound to happen.....eventually...;)

Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top

It took them long enough.   This gives reason for Mac users to install an AntiVirus & Internet Security Suites just like the rest of us (same goes for you Linux users).  In the information age, nobody is immune to malware/ID Theft.  Now it's only a matter of time until hackers deviate their efforts away from Windows (somewhat) and move onto Android, iOS, and possibly even Linux.

And someday, Windows may become more immune to viruses than OSX, Android, & possibly Linux (highly doubt that).

Reply #12 from Sins Forums Top

happy day. happy day.

 

 

Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top

This is just horrible!

:-"

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Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting DrJBHL, reply 3
No reason to celebrate at all, just as Mac/Apple users had no reason to feel "safe" or "immune".

I believe it wrong to celebrate another's misfortune.

Precisely, Doc, we don't need purveyors of misery causing this kind of havoc in the world, be it related to Macs or PC's.  The only reason I don't have a Mac as well a PC is because other priorities came up first... otherwise I could also be at risk to Mac infections.

More to the point, the purveyor of this Mac misery could turn his attentions to Windows and turn the table, with Mac zealots then celebrating the misfortunes of Windows users.

I'm not fond of Mac zealots, either [any zealot for that matter], but they are easily ignored [turn a blind eye/deaf ear] and life goes on as usual.  The animosity I've seen generated between Mac and PC users..... put bluntly, it's just fucking childish and defies the notion of being adult.

*Nuff said*

Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I come from a family of die hard MAC users who have for years taunted me about Windows and my vulnerability to malware.  I hate viruses and trojans, but I can't help doing a little happy dance that I won't have to endure listening to any more sanctimonious crap from my family.

Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting CCdeQueen, reply 15
I can't help doing a little happy dance that I won't have to endure listening to any more sanctimonious crap

Yes, that's it entirely.

Needless to say, however, were ALL of these Virii scum and their brethren to be melted down for candle fat the 'happy dance' would be universally entertained.

Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I'll bring the popcorn.

Reply #18 from JoeUser Forums Top

I come from a family of die hard MAC users who have for years taunted me about Windows and my vulnerability to malware. I hate viruses and trojans, but I can't help doing a little happy dance that I won't have to endure listening to any more sanctimonious crap from my family.

:rofl:

Reply #19 from Stardock Forums Top

Ironically, my first experience with a computer was with a Macintosh back in 1994 when I was doing the divider pages for our class yearbook. I can't deny the experience was very similar to using a Windows PC but I prefer Windows these days.

Reply #20 from JoeUser Forums Top

Quoting CharlesCS, reply 19
Ironically, my first experience with a computer was with a Macintosh back in 1994 when I was doing the divider pages for our class yearbook. I can't deny the experience was very similar to using a Windows PC but I prefer Windows these days.

Pre-OSX, macs were notoriously bad about viruses!  I guess because they were aimed at and used primarily with students, but while I could find a dozen viruses in a DOS/Windows lab (most like Stoned), I would find 100 in a Mac lab -most like stoned (annoying and will crash the computer, but not destroy data or spam everyone).

Reply #21 from Elemental Forums Top

I have not used a 'mac' since the days of the Apple//+ and Apple//e.   I switched to PC's becuase most softward that interested me would more likely to be released for a PC, and not for an Apple.  Iv'e stayed with PC's because i'm more comfortable with PCs.  I am not happy that Macs are now being targeted by malware writers.  Guess I'm not happy about anyone getting 'hurt.' 

 

Reply #22 from Stardock Forums Top

 

should this be cause for celebration?  

 

Sure......if you don't care that I celebrate each and every time some PC-head gets infected because he didn't listen when I preached "LEAST-PRIVILEDGE learn to think that way"........or... "learn to use your PC's LOCAL SECURITY POLICY".........or....."keep your OS up-to-date"......or....."never ever browse the internet using an ADMIN account"......etc. etc.

 

Then sure......celebrate away!  :P

Reply #23 from Sins Forums Top

Mac computers and its OSX are awesome to use but its vast amount of users are dumber than the average joe.  The os is designed to make it easy for for everyone but it fails to educate users that its possible to be infected and lets them build a cultural identity that macs are immune. I have had my machine now for 2 years, windows 7 64bit ultimate with a cracked norton 360 haha.. so why can i be immune cos i'm clever enough to obtain what i need to survive and avoid scams on the net such as ; You have a green card to travel to the USA all expenses paid for, you won an iphone 4, your infected with viruses so download this to get rid of it lol.. all these tricks experienced and learned. Mac users lack experience on the web in terms of security and depend on Apple to save them- not themselves. 

Reply #24 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting justblazz3, reply 23
I have had my machine now for 2 years, windows 7 64bit ultimate with a cracked norton 360 haha..

That's not a wise thing to say on a software developer's site..... having a cracked version of something/anything on your PC. :S :S

The admins here have zero tolerance for that sort of thing... 'twas sort of nice knowing you.

Reply #25 from Sins Forums Top

starkers dont stir up trouble now.. freedom is my right.. so what if i say i dont have a cracked version then.. how wud u know?