Apple Mac users can no longer afford to ignore the
threat of malware, according to security firm Sophos.
The discovery of a new version of the
OSX/RSPlug trojan horse targeting the
Mac OS X operating system means Mac users need to be on their
guard.
"Mac users are gambling with the security of their data if they
believe they are immune from threats," said Graham Cluley, senior
technology consultant at Sophos.
The Trojan is being
distributed through a legitimate-looking website that offers
software it claims will help users watch high-definition TV.
"Mac users are no different to Windows users when it comes to
falling for social engineering tricks," said Cluley.
Windows users should also be on the look-out for this social
engineering trick, which the criminals are using to target Windows
operating systems as well as Mac OS X.
The malicious website is set up to deliver malware from the Zlob
family of malware to users running Windows.
Zlob featured in the
top ten web-based malware threats in mid-2007.
"Once a piece of malware like this is in place on your computer,
it can do whatever the hacker wants it to do," said Cluley.