Intego has discovered a rogue anti-malware program called MACDefender, which attacks Macs via SEO poisoning attacks.
“When a user clicks on a link after performing a search on a search engine such as Google, this takes them to a web site whose page contains JavaScript that automatically downloads a file,” Intego reports. “In this case, the file downloaded is a compressed ZIP archive, which, if a specific option in a web browser is checked (Open ‘safe’ files after downloading in Safari, for example), will open.”
Intego reports, “It is important that users not continue with any unexpected installation of this type. Intego VirusBarrier X6′s malware definitions will be updated today, and Intego will be publishing a security memo when we have more information about this malware. For now, the threat is low, but users should be careful not to install software when installers open unexpectedly.”
Read more in the full article here.
More about SEO poisoning via Symantec SEO Poisoning here.
MacDailyNews Note: Here’s our usual oft-repeated reminder for Mac users and anyone who’s trying to use any other platform: Do not download and authorize the installation of applications (Trojans) from untrusted sources. No OS can protect users from themselves (or we wouldn’t be able to install any software). Those who grant attackers access to their Macs, should not be surprised to find their Macs are compromised.