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A few, ita, but not many - both Linux and Mac are much more susceptible to Trojans (like this little guy) than the type of virus that takes advantage of actual vulnerabilities - mostly because neither of them have that many big-style vulnerabilities.
Trojans require user activation. Many (most? all?) linux users are a good bit less computer-clueless than the average population, and will only install things from reputable places.
As to why it took this long to get a real-world Apple trojan out there... no idea. Probably because most users only install Apple software they can download from Apple's site, versiontracker, or that one other place I'm forgetting, none of which would leave a trojan up for very long. The very quick response to this one (which was posted at versiontracker originally I believe) seems to fit with that perspective. Thus, not as many virus-writing points.
most users only install Apple software they can download from Apple's site, versiontracker, or that one other place I'm forgetting
Huh. I get mine from all over. I'm a dirty dirty bicurious user.
The very quick response to this one
What was the response?
I've been following Macrumors lately (WANT NEW COMPUTER NOW) and they had a story up about it very quickly. Followed in hours - a day max - by updates that included a full walkthrough of its history, what it does, and how to fix it. And of course, it was removed from versiontracker.
When will there be AV for Mac, you think?
When will there be AV for Mac, you think?
Antivirus?
Forgive me if you are not referring to Antivirus. There has been various AV programs for macs for decades. Most died of anemia, but NAV for Mac is still out there. Virex I have because it had a version free with .mac accounts.
About.com lists more [link]
Virex I have because it had a version free with .mac accounts.
Me too. I think I've used it once or twice.
Before there were any Mac viruses discovered, what did Mac antivirus software actually
do?
Check all executables against a list of virus definitions - i.e. a list that had zero virus definitions in it?
There were actually Mac viruses back on the old OS. nvir could be quite bad if my memory is correct.
Also? the autostart worm caused a tizzy.
I have Virex on this machine. In addition to Mac stuff, it claims to scan for Windows and Unix virii -- I suppose on the theory that even if I don't get infected, I wouldn't want to pass on any unclean mail attachments to people who might be affected.
