Apple's Internet Security Attacks: Malware Milestone
by Bitdefender Security Specialists, on 10 June 2011
For decades, malware attacks have focused on Windows computers because they have dominated the market. So when a recent malware "phishing" program started to attack Apple computers, the company was faced with unprecedented Internet security vulnerabilities.
What used to be considered a "Windows problem" is now knocking at Apple's front door – and gullible Mac users are opening up for these intruders.
Technology columnist Rich Jaroslovsky of Bloomberg News told NPR's Morning Edition that the recent attacks on Apple's computers can be seen as a "rite of passage" for Macs because they are an acknowledgement of the growing popularity of the company's devices. Cybercriminals aim to infect as many computers as possible to maximize their profits, which mean enough people use Apple devices to make it worth their while to target them.
Because Apple's many products all run on the same Mac operating system, these attacks could ultimately affect iPhones and iPads, which leaves consumers and industry experts wondering what's in store for these hugely popular mobile devices. Nobody knows the answer yet, but Jaroslovsky says there is a lesson to be learned here. He says the Internet security threats zeroing in on Apple's computers should be a "wake-up call to be extra vigilant with any device that connects to the Internet."
Apple will take this sort of backwards compliment as a sign of their progress. However, instead of basking in the glory of entering the theoretical "big leagues," they will need to come up with an anti-malware counterattack – and do so fast.
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Authors
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Bitdefender Security Specialists
Bitdefender Labs -
Catalin Cosoi
Chief Security Researcher -
Dan Lowe
Dan Lowe, an OEM Senior Marketing Manager, has been working with Bitdefender for the last 3 ½ years. His familiarity with multiple security products from Firewalls to Antivirus has provided him a unique perspective on the security industry. -
Ligia Adam
Security Evangelist and Social Media Professional -
Loredana Botezatu
Loredana Botezatu – E-threat Analyst – Loredana has been writing about the IT world and e-security for well over five years. She has made a personal goal out of educating computer users about the ins and outs of the cybercrime ecosystem.