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| More malware for Mac OS X has emerged. |
Experts at SophosLabs™, Sophos's global
network of virus, spyware and spam analysis centers, have advised
Mac OS X users not to panic following the discovery of a new
version of the Inqtana worm.
The OSX/Inqtana-B worm
attempts to spread between Apple Macintosh computers via a
Bluetooth vulnerability, but due to security patches and
limitations built into the worm's code it is extremely unlikely to
spread.
"Viruses emerging for the Mac OS X platform is headline news for
Apple fans, but they are currently posing far from the level of
threat that Windows users face every day," said Graham Cluley, senior
technology consultant for Sophos. "No-one should panic, but this is
an indication that hackers are showing an increased interest in
targeting the platform."
The Inqtana worms exploits a vulnerability to spread themselves
to other vulnerable Mac OS X computers. However, Apple released a
patch against the vulnerability in mid 2005, meaning the worm is
highly unlikely to spread successfully.
Users of Mac OS X are advised to keep their software updated against the
latest security vulnerabilities in Apple's code.
A report issued
by Sophos last week revealed that 79% of people believed that Apple
Macintoshes would be targeted more in future, following the
discovery
of the first Mac OS X worm.
"I wouldn't lose any sleep over the Inqtana worms, but it's
important that Mac users wake up to the growing threat of malware
on their favorite operating system, and take the appropriate
measures," continued Cluley.
Sophos advises all computer users, whether running PCs or Macs,
to practise safe computing and keep their anti-virus software
updated.
Sophos is headquartered in Boston, US and Oxford, UK. More information is available at www.sophos.com.