New Trojan Horse Targets Macs
The Mac OS, which is at least partially based on BSD UNIX, is typically regarded as a relatively safe haven from malware. Not that the Mac OS hasn't seen its share of malware, but nothing that even comes remotely close to the sheer volume of malware that has targeted Windows PCs. Part of this is a result of Windows' near hegemony of the world's installed operating systems--with such a large installed base, it is a natural target. The Mac, with a much smaller share of the market--currently estimated to be about 10 percent in the U.S.--has been a less tempting target for malware writers. Some would also argue that the Mac OS is an inherently safer OS, less prone to potential malware attacks than Windows. But with the increased market share Macs have had recently, as well as the ever-increasing sophistication of malware attacks, it is likely just a matter of time before malware attacks on Mac systems become more commonplace.
Once the malware is successfully installed, it connects to a remote server, giving the malware creator the ability to remotely access the infected Mac. While this opens the door for potential malicious activity, such as stealing personal information and data, there are no reports yet of any of the "extremely serious consequences" that Intego warns of. Intego also reports that its VirusBarrier X4 and X5 software with the latest virus definitions protect against this Trojan horse.
As to whether this means that Mac users are now regularly in the crosshairs of malware writers is widely open to debate. If this Trojan horse that's been downloaded over 20,000 times was targeted at Windows users, this would hardy be considered newsworthy. But since this Trojan is targeting an OS that seldom is targeted, it is notable event. This doesn't necessarily mean that Mac users should run out, purchase, and install security software today; but by the same token, Ben Franklin's advice that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, is something worth considering. Just because today's malware attack only impacted users who downloaded pirated software, doesn't mean that tomorrow's malware attack couldn't have a far more benign delivery mechanism.