MacDefender’s Improved Variant MacGuard

Even as an update for Mac OS X is expected from Apple for safeguarding systems from the infamous MacDefender scareware, cyber-criminals have already released MacGuard a higher edition of the malicious software. Ibtimes.com reported this on May 25, 2011.

In an online alert, Intego the security company said that different from MacDefender's earlier editions, the new MacGuard didn't rely on any administrator's password for getting itself loaded. That was because as any end-user having administrative privileges could load programs within the Application directory, there was no need for a password. Moreover, the MacGuard malware loaded an application, which was a downloader namely avRunner that subsequently executed without assistance. Simultaneously, the loading pack erased itself clean off the Mac computer in order that no traces were left as residue of the actual downloader, Intego explained. Techland.time.com published this on May 25, 2011.

Furthermore as per Intego, it was during the deletion of the loading pack that the real MacGuard upgrade was loaded and executed. Also, with the help of Search Engine Optimization corruption, the malware authors would manage in posting their malicious downloader onto websites, which Mac users expectedly would visit to know the latest about international events.

Intego conjectures that if such malicious software emerges for Mac then it could make Mac operators scared, given that a large number of them aren't prepared for combating such malware assaults.

Incidentally, there are rumors that security on Mac OS X is greater in comparison to Windows. But according to critics, there hasn't been a Mac virus till now just because the total number of operators of Mac has been insignificant and not because the platform is more secured. Thus as Mac users grow in number, it can't wholly be dismissed that Mac-specific malware won't emerge.

Still whatever way Apple will currently respond or if Mac vulnerability is uncovered, nothing is more lucid than that MacGuard and MacDefender have foiled what hitherto everyone believed about Mac being immune to viruses, Intego concludes.

Nonetheless, presently, PC operators are suggested for maintaining safeguard vis-à-vis threats by making all applications up-to-date and deploying security software that's authorized and trustworthy.

» SPAMfighter News - 6/3/2011