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iPhones, iPads under attack from China?

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WireLurker logoApple Inc. made its powerful brand name on the strength of intuitive technology that for years seemed immune to routine hacking. Now, a malware campaign afflicting China threatens to dampen that distinction and harm those here who rely on any one of an estimated 800 million iPads, iPhones and 64-bit Macs.

The WireLurker malware reportedly flourishes in China on pirated software. Once installed it burrows into the operating system and waits for peripherals to connect, whereby it records the information passed between the devices. Much of that information consists of serial numbers, phone numbers and iTune store identification information.

Then WireLurker installs benign-looking apps that sift for other identifiers including texting history, address books and other private files to pinpoint potential targets. WireLurker also imports regular updates from an attacker’s command servers, thus remaining on guard against counterattacks.

Security company Palo Alto Networks alerted Apple users on this side of the Pacific in a recently released white paper.

Although WireLurker poses no immediate threat here as yet, it represents a comprehensive approach to malware distribution not seen before with Apple products, Palo Alto Networks says.

To reduce the risk of infection, users of Apple devices are advised to take a few precautions:

  • Avoid downloads from any location other than iTunes or the Mac App Store. To ensure this, in the System Preferences panel, click on the check box next to “Allow apps downloaded from Mac App Store (or Mac App Store and identified developers)”
  • Avoid connecting or pairing your Mac or portables with other unsecured devices, whether they are Mac- or PC-based.
  • Keep the operating systems updated on all devices. The updates also plug holes in system security.
  • Keep all antivirus and anti-malware programs updated as well.

Keep in mind as well: The people most at risk are those who ignore every pop-up security warning Apple throws at them.

Palo Alto Networks is providing a tool to detect WireLurker infection on Mac and advises that removing WireLurker and the damage it causes will require expert attention.

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