With Apple's surging popularity, a number of consumers have purchased Mac computers. This makes the platform a more valuable target for cybercriminals, who are increasingly programming viruses to take advantage of individuals using these devices.
Now, antivirus firm SecureMac reports that a new trojan worm is spreading to Mac users through social networks such as Facebook. Victims will receive a message asking them if they are in a linked video. When they click on the video, the trojan runs a Java applet which downloads the actual virus and runs it automatically, according to InformationWeek.
Once infected, the trojan can record its victims' log-in information and use that data to proliferate itself. Some users have also reported that the malware can hijack email accounts and spread itself in that manner. The program runs invisibly in the infected computer's background, unbeknown to the user.
Fortunately, many antivirus program manufacturers are making new software for Apple computers. For example, Panda Security launched new software for the platform last month, reported IT Business Net.
