Dr. Web, the Russian antivirus company stated that more than 600,000 Macintosh computers are infected with the Flashback Trojan. The company who owns Mac computers, Apple, was slower than expected to react on the revelation.
On April 10th, the company released a support knowledge based article HT5244 that stated that it is making software that will detect and eliminate the Flashback malware.
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Apple Should Fight Off Flashback Malware Before It Reaches The Core
The Flashback Malware isn’t another viscous attack on the network but has an ugly side to it that Apple has covered very well with the best cover up it could find. The Java Update 7 fixes a hazardous malware vulnerability that goes on to steal user names and passwords to popular websites by monitoring the browsing habits of the user.
The Mac computers are automatically programmed to check for software updates every week however that is changeable if the user goes in the settings and changes them into manual.
Just recently, a nasty software known as Flashback utilizes a privacy flaw in Java and goes onto install itself on Macs. For all the Mac users, they can check the software update anytime to manually check for the latest update.
Even though slow, Apple is doing something about the problem at hand and users should stay alert to manage the problem at hand as soon as they can. The major issue here is that the company is taking too long to deal with the problem. They haven’t given out a tentative date but it’s supposed to be attainable in a matter of days or maybe even weeks.
For Macs functioning on Mac OS X v10.5 or earlier can be saved from the malware by going in the web browser(s) preferences and deactivating or disabling Java. Along with the Java weakness, the Flashback software takes use of computer servers hosted by the malware authors to do many of the computer’s critical function.
Apple is working with ISPs all over the world to disable the aforementioned actions and thus take charge of the network. Apple should have worked faster as in now it’s been a week since the initial declaration of the malware attack.
Apple ‘s Step On This Issue
The company’s efficiency is questioned since many say that Apple should have been aware of the issue within a day or two and then released the security update within a week. There is a possibility of updating Java or just disabling it, but that’s not an easy task for everyone out there. Waiting for the security update is the only thing the non-geeky Mac users can do.
Why Apple Took Step
The main point over here is that Apple needs to act fast or its reputation as the clean malware–free computer platform will be gone. The company has been out on about for long to finally be struck by the hacker radar out there. A lot is on stake here regarding how Apple is reacting to the situation at hand, and more importantly how quickly it acts is what has engulfed a big chunk of Macintosh computers.
To make sure Apple doesn’t coincide with the same vulnerable to viruses Window machines, the master minds at Apple need to work harder to provide the security update as soon as possible.