Cyber Criminals spread Malware among Apple iPad Users

Online scammers are currently circulating e-mails that trick iPad users into believing that they download an iTune update, but in reality, it is malware that provides a way to hackers break into the computers for further installation of malicious software, as per the security firm BitDefender.

The security experts state that the e-mail text is not badly written that leaves no room for farcical. The usage of passive voice in the first sentence and awkward words indicate that the author of note doesn't work at Apple as a marketing professional or anywhere else.

The security firm further states that the subject line of e-mails contains wording - "iPad Software Update." The e-mail text guides the recipient irrespective of whether he uses iPad or not to follow the web link given in it. The link seems to host iTune update, but it installs a malware called Backdoor.Bifrose.AADY.

The malware then penetrates into the "explorer.exe" process and creates a backdoor so that attackers could take control of the system whenever they wish. The malware also tries to read serial numbers and keys of various software program downloaded on the system. It also captures password to ICQ, POP3 mail accounts, Messanger and protected storage, BitDefender said.

Sabina Datcu, Technology Writer, BitDefender, states that a direct link to the location of download is easily provided. The criticality of cyber crime could be inferred from the web page to which the users are directed where in they found the perfect imitation of legitimate iTunes software downloads, as reported by V3 on April 26, 2010.

He further adds that if users follow the web link, they are actually assisting cyber criminals to access their sensitive data. In fact, they get a malware in place of promised iTunes for their systems.

Describing reason for distributing the malware to target iPad users, the security firm states that Apple's continuous success has gripped the attention of cyber criminals to exploit the popularity of company's products to spread malware.

Meanwhile, the important thing to note is that only Windows users have been affected by the malware. Mac users are still protected from this piece of malware.

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» SPAMfighter News - 5/6/2010