CharlesCS CharlesCS

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

▼

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.

157,559 views 48 replies
Reply #26 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting justblazz3, reply 25
freedom is my right

justblazz3 ...no, it's not, not here.  Stardock's sites and forums are privately owned and as such any 'freedoms' are determined and/or granted as Stardock sees fit.

I'm afraid starkers is correct.... ;)

Reply #27 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Jafo, reply 26
I'm afraid starkers is correct...

Finally!! :w00t:

 

Curtains - Customize Windows with additional styles
Reply #28 from Sins Forums Top

but i have norton 360--- doesnt change anything and your going off topic. Go back to Apple/Trojan plz. Stop with the ranting. 

 

norton

lol 

Reply #29 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting justblazz3, reply 28
but i have norton 360--- doesnt change anything and your going off topic.

Actually, it was you who went off topic by mentioning that you have a pirated copy of Norton. starkers is 100% correct about this site and its policies and Jafo confirmed that. Starkers wasn't "making trouble". Not in the least. 

We have a policy about software piracy because this site is funded by Stardock which can afford to fund us based on the sale of its software. 

 

Reply #30 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting justblazz3, reply 28
Stop with the ranting.

Far from it, sunshine.... a few words does not a rant make.  You were just told of the site policy... no more no less.

In fact, I'm surprised you're still here.  Most who brag of possessing pirated software are instantly exiled

All I can say is, Jafo is either in a more lenient mood today...  or he's looking for the WD40 so the exile button works properly.

Reply #31 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting starkers, reply 30
All I can say is, Jafo is either in a more lenient mood today...  or he's looking for the WD40 so the exile button works properly.

:rofl:

Reply #32 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Starkers...you're a trip. :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Reply #33 from JoeUser Forums Top

Quoting starkers, reply 27

Quoting Jafo, reply 26I'm afraid starkers is correct...

Finally!!

 

The clock twice a day!  You are on a roll now Cap'n! ;)

Reply #34 from Stardock Forums Top

Ironically, I found my way to Joeuser.com and Stardock thru pirated software about 6 or 7 years ago. I even admitted it on these forums to Brad I believe (and it was cool of him not to boot me) but I had since then removed it and eventually purchased ObjectDesktop Ultimate although i can't currently use it because my subscription has been inactive for some time now. Sad I paid so much and now I have to go thru customer service to be able to get the software I paid for. Once I get my internet back up at home I'll probably do that if not reactivate my subscription. I miss my deskscapes.

It is definitely a very stupid thing to not only mention you have pirated software but to brag about it. To be honest I learned that having pirated software is more of a pain than useful or fun. I'd rather pay. Besides, there are plenty of freeware out there than can do just about anything I need, in some cases even better than paid for versions. Games are the only thing there are no freeware versions that can compete. But I'll gladly pay for one if it's worth it. Now if I could only get my money back on Battlefield Bad company 2.

 

Reply #35 from Stardock Forums Top

BTW, was he banned? Just curious.

Reply #36 from WinCustomize Forums Top

No. 

Reply #37 from Stardock Forums Top

Cool, glad you guys are not always making sure the exile button is working properly. :grin:

Reply #38 from JoeUser Forums Top

Apple Fixed it. But the bad guys updated the bug hours later.

Reply #39 from Elemental Forums Top

Feel sorry for mac users who have bought into the whole macs are "more secure" than windows PCs. TBH anyone who knows anything about computers saw this coming years ago.. it was just a matter of when Mac usage was widespread enough to be worth targeting. IMHO you can thank the IPAD and Iphone for the tipping point. (although i dont think iOS is effected by this specific trojan the Ipad and Iphone have helped increase the number of mac users im sure.)

Reply #40 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Fistalis, reply 39
Feel sorry for mac users who have bought into the whole macs are "more secure" than windows PCs. TBH anyone who knows anything about computers saw this coming years ago.. it was just a matter of when Mac usage was widespread enough to be worth targeting. IMHO you can thank the IPAD and Iphone for the tipping point.

As any new thing becomes more and more popular, it will become the target for the web criminals. Just makes sense to shoot at a flock rather than at single birds...

Reply #41 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Yup and with Android being targeted too.....what a mess. Fortunately PC's got some protection whereas MAC and the others are just getting started.

Reply #42 from JoeUser Forums Top

Quoting DrJBHL, reply 40
As any new thing becomes more and more popular, it will become the target for the web criminals. Just makes sense to shoot at a flock rather than at single birds...

For a hunter, that is a bad analogy.  However, I think it does get the point across.  The same reason that most software (boxed) is written for the majority platforms, is the same reason the bug writers go for them.

(Doc, you never seen Sergeant york?  Everyone knows you go for the trailing bird if you want to get them all! ;) )

Reply #43 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Dr, reply 42
For a hunter, that is a bad analogy.

Only 'hunting' I ever did is the 2 legged variety. They 'hunted' back.

Quoting Dr, reply 42
(Doc, you never seen Sergeant york? Everyone knows you go for the trailing bird if you want to get them all! )

If you go for the trailing bird (the last one?), you'll miss them all (unless they're flying directly towards you).  Lead the target. Breathe out 1/2 breath. Don't close your eyes. Squeeze the trigger gently. Works for people. I figure it works for birds too.   ;)

Reply #44 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting VistArtXPosed, reply 11
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.

The trouble with Linux is the "you do not need antivirus software" is taken so far that it does not really exist for the most part and what is there is meant for servers (so they do not pass on files containing viruses).

I do use an antivirus in Linux, though the one I have was (as mentioned) mostly for servers (clamav, with ClamTk for a GUI front end. It is specifically for email servers). At least it should help keep stuff out of the partition that is shared with the Windows 7 install.

I really hope the IT department at the college I go to starts requiring AV software for systems other than Windows someday soon to be allowed on the network.

And the bad guys are crackers, not hackers.

Reply #45 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Gwenio1, reply 44
And the bad guys are crackers, not hackers.

Semantics....

You say tomato.... I say red squishy thing - good to add to Vodka ....;)

Reply #46 from Elemental Forums Top

Quoting WebGizmos, reply 13
This is just horrible!


Death to the macs!

 

 Hahahaha priceless! :grin:

 

I did a search for "evil smile" and "screw Mac" but didn't find anything as good as your pic.

Gleeful delight....it feels a bit evil but that's okay. It's macs }:)

Reply #47 from Stardock Forums Top

Quoting the_Monk, reply 22
 

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! 

Reply #48 from JoeUser Forums Top

Quoting Jafo, reply 45

Quoting Gwenio1, reply 44And the bad guys are crackers, not hackers.

Semantics....

You say tomato.... I say red squishy thing - good to add to Vodka ....

Technically they are correct.  However, like Aspirin (Bayer) became the generic term for acetylsalicylic acid, so now hacker has come to mean crackers.  They just put different color hats on them to denote the good witches from the bad witches.