Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) Devices no Longer Virus-Proof; Hit by WireLurker

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By Erik Waters on November 6, 2014 Intl News

The distinction Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) held of having virus-proof devices is under a great threat. For the first time in a long time, the iPhone manufacturer is being targeted by a malware called WireLurker, a malware being described by experts at Palo Alto Networks as “the biggest threat” Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) has ever faced.

WireLurker originated in China, according to research studies conducted to analyze the issue. The code of the malware was present in an unofficial App Store called Maiyadi, which is famous for delivering free pirated software for Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) devices. According to researchers, over 467 applications for the OS X on the Maiyadi store were carrying the virus last week, waiting to be downloaded onto OS X machines to spread their illness.

Palo Alto Networks has revealed that the malware primarily targets all those Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) machines which are running the OS X, both Macs as well as the Macbooks. Many people use OS X machines all over the world, especially the US. As the OS X is a desktop/laptop operating system, it allows users to have more freedom with the system, hence allowing more room for malwares to break-in. The malware then travels to all other Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) devices which are connected to the infected Mac. This results in slower devices, as the malware slows the system down by installing malicious software. WireLurker is also designed to steal information off of the infected devices.

It is being estimated that over 356,000 Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) devices have been infected by the malware so far. It is particularly easy for the malware to spread now because it does not require the Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) device to be jail-breaked, unlike previous malwares which have tried to break into the Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) system.

The company investigating the matter has described the malware as a “new breed of threat to all iOS devices”. It has also pointed out that the malware is being actively developed still by its makers. According to Claud Xiao, “this malware heralds a new era in attacking Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s desktop and mobile platforms”, adding that its ultimate goal is unclear.

To avoid the spread of the malware any further, Mr. Xiao has advised all Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) users to avoid downloading apps from third-party stores, such as the one originating in China. Only apps available on the Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) AppStore are completely virus-free, hence users are being told to download apps only from it. Installing an anti-virus system on Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) devices has also been suggested by the expert.

According to Ryan Olson, a Unit 42 intelligence director at the Palo Alto Networks, the attack of this kind has been alive ever since 2003, but has only now succeeded to break through Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) barriers. Olson is not very worried about user security. According to him, it’s not something [people]need to light [their]hair on fire about.”

Olson clarified that an accurate number of infected users could not be ascertained at the time. The malware is infected both the devices which have been jailbroken, and those which have not.