With many consumers purchasing Apple computers, cybercriminals are increasingly targeting the platform for new malware campaigns. Apple recently addressed this by buffing the malware protection programs included with the OS X operating system.
Notebooks.com reports the recent update was in response to the particularly nasty HellRTS Trojan virus. Once a system is infected with the malware, hackers are able to send spam from personal email accounts, gain access to personal files and even view what is currently shown on a user’s computer screen. While the update is not an end-all solution, it does improve the platform’s resilience.
Oddly, the 10.6.4 update made no mention of the enhanced security protection. Notebooks.com speculates Apple didn’t want to tarnish the reputation of its operating system by admitting security gaps. Many consumers believe that Macs are unable to get viruses, so this update could cause concerns among Apple owners.
Apple’s other popular consumer electronics are also having issues with viruses. A recent report from antivirus vendor PandaLabs indicates that malware designed to target iPhone devices can also infect iPads, relays Cellular News.
