New malware for Macs

Experts in the information technology security industry have found two new malicious software programs designed to target Apple computers, in a blow to the company’s reputation that its products are not affected by viruses.

According to The Age, the new programs, which are called OSX/Tored-A and OSX/Jaylay-C, where found in email messages and on popular adult sites. Security expert at Sophos, Graham Cluley, said Mac users must now be alert about the potential threats.

“As we’ve demonstrated before, and as we’ll no doubt explain again, the Mac malware threat is real,” he said. “Hackers are deliberately planting malicious code on websites, and using social engineering tricks to fool you into installing it onto your computer.”

The company’s stance on virus threats is now under attack, with the president of the US Internet Security Advisors Group, Ira Winkler, writing recently that Apple should be investigated for claiming Macs are not susceptible to virus attacks.

“How can Apple get away with this blatant disregard for security?” he said. “Its advertising claims seem comparable to an automobile manufacturer implying that its cars are completely safe and its competitors’ cars are death traps, when we all know that all cars are inherently unsafe.”