Do SpyEye, Zeus Trojan horses affect Mac OSX?

I received a mail Nov 12 from a known address. The only content was a link, which seems to be related to SpyEye, which I found (afterwards) is a trojan horse version of Zeus.
Stupidly I clicked it and then looked. No further clicks...But I also replied to the mail.
What I saw were different job possibilities, one of which was to post links for Google....?
My Sophos virus/malware scanner did not report anything, and when I became aware I immediately continued to scan the computer and Sophos did not find anything.
Does anyone know if these trojans can/will affect Mac OSX v. 10.5.8?
Thanks, G

How can I tell if my computer is...: Apple Support Communities

Similar Messages

HT5246 The above info is confuses me. I thought this trojan horse affected those who had Java (JRE) up and running i.e.,Safari security Java checkbox enabled. I also believed this Trojan horse affected those using Snow Leopard. Clarify please.

The above info re the Flashback removal tool confuses me. I thought this trojan horse affected those who had Java (JRE) up and running i.e.,Safari security Java checkbox enabled. I also believed this Trojan horse also affected those using Snow Leopard. Clarify please.

There are several variants of the trojan. The first ones were released as installers for Adobe Flash and therefore did not require you to have Java on your system. Later variants took advantage of a Java vulnerability and could install themselves by simply visiting a rogue Web site. Therefore, even without Java installed if you had run a rogue updater for Adobe Flash or Reader, then you might have installed the trojan.
The trojan also affects Snow Leopard and prior versions of OS X (so far the code is known to be intel-only, but this is unconfirmed), but Apple has only issued patches for supported versions of the OS (version 10.6 or later).
Apple's removal tools run in OS X 10.6 or later if you instlal the Java update, and the standalone removal tool is for Lion only. Why Apple does not offer options for other operating systems is beyond me, but that's the way of things. Right now there are other tools you can use to check for and remove the malware on versions of OS X that Apple does not support: http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-57413811-263/flashback-malware-removal-tool -roundup/

Trojan Horse on Mac

I read about a Trojan Horse on the Mac and the MacScan came up and offers a way to prevent it. MacScan appears to be free. Is it valid? I the Trojan Horse a real problem?

Just to supplement BDAqua's good advice:
From MacWorld, January 10, 2008:
SecureMac has introduced a free Trojan Detection Tool for Mac OS X. It's available here:
http://www.securemac.com/
The DNSChanger Removal Tool detects and removes spyware targeting Mac OS X. Called DNSChanger Trojan and also known as OSX.RSPlug.A Trojan Horse the software attacks users attempting to play a fake video file.
Upon attempting to play the video, the victim receives the following message:
“Quicktime Player is unable to play movie file. Please click here to download new version of codec.”
Upon running the installer, the user's DNS records are modified, redirecting incoming internet traffic through the attacker's servers, where it can be hijacked and injected with malicious websites and pornographic advertisements. The trojan also installs a watchdog process that ensures the victim's DNS records stay modified on a minute-by-minute basis.
SecureMac's DNSChanger Removal Tool allows users to check to see if the trojan has been installed on their computer; if it has, the software helps to identify and remove the offending file. After a system reboot, the users' DNS records will be repaired.
There may be other ways of guarding against Trojans, viruses and general malware affecting the Mac. A white paper has recently been published on the subject by SubRosaSoft, available here:
http://www.macforensicslab.com/ProductsAndServices/index.php?mainpage=document_general_info&cPath=11&productsid=174
Also, beware of MacSweeper:
MacSweeper is malware that misleads users by exaggerating reports about spyware, adware or viruses on their computer. It is the first known "rogue" application for the Mac OS X operating system. The software was discovered by F-Secure, a Finland based computer security software company on January 17, 2008
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacSweeper
You should also read what a major contributor called tacit has to say here:
http://tacit.livejournal.com/238112.html

Trojan horses on Mac

Hi,
is there someone who knows who to find trojan horses on a Mac?

The only Trojans that exist for Mac have been "proof of concept" ones. One called "Leap or "Oompa-Loompa". I wouldn't waste my money on a program that claims to find them.
That said, it is possible (though not probable) for spyware to get onto your Mac. The best way to avoid that is by using your firewall and/or a hard wired router, downloading only from "trusted" sites, installing all security updates and being careful about what you give administrative power to. It is also recommended to run day to day tasks from a non-admin account.
Don't use Limewire or any other P2P service to download your software, get it from reputable sources. In addition, always keep at least your users backed up, preferably a clone of your entire system on a separate disk. And put your sensitive passwords, bank accounts, credit card numbers in a "secure note" in a new keychain or in an encrypted folder.
As for viruses, none. If and when a Mac virus does appear it will be headline news and you can download the AV software then. If you feel you have to run an AV program I'd suggest ClamXav a mac friendly freeware app that is very stable with Tiger. It will check for known virus signatures at any rate.
Enjoy your Mac
-mj
[email protected]

Partition Affecting Mac OSX

Hi, I had another question regarding partitioning. I have a new Macbook running 10.5.6, with 4 GB of RAM and 320 GB of hard drive space. I am planning to put Vista Ultimate on this computer, and I wanted to partition it 110 Windows, 210 Mac. The installation manual said I should make sure that this partition would not affect the OSX part of the partition. Is this an acceptable partition? Thanks.

Hi and welcome to Discussions,
110GB for Vista is more than acceptable.
Usually I would propose something about 50 - 70GB for Vista.
Make sure to always have about 10% free disk space on your OSX partition, otherwise OSX can slow down drastically and/or show some erratic behaviour.
Take care
Stefan

Apple insider say there are Two new trojan horses threaten Mac software

Yes it says pirates downloading iworks etc, and before you all ask no I don't have it.
Either this is a scam or is this the first Mac trojan? Im woried as I have never had anything bad happen to my Mac. Shall i get anti virus? I dont use torrent sites any way, but if they can effect Mac programs could it affect my emails?

As Terence says, a trojan is NOT a virus.
It may seem like a minor distinction, but a virus can come onto a computer via an e-mail attachment, embedded into an email, or something loaded from the internet, CD/DVD, USB drive, etc., then replicate itself to, say, everyone in your address book, +all without any action by you+. There are hundreds of thousands of them for PCs. At the moment, for Macs there are exactly zero known viruses. None. Zip. Zilch. So don't panic.
It is possible, though, for you to get one of these. It won't do any harm on your Mac, but if you send it to a PC user, it may spread. If you want, you can get anti-virus software for this purpose. The one I see recommended most is ClamXav, and is free. Like many Mac users, I don't run any.
There is malware, including trojans, for Macs, though far fewer than for PCs. As reported, all these require some action by you -- and in those cases where they come with pirated software, you obviously would have to be a thief, too (poetic justice?).
Here's a similar thread, with some recommendations: http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1797574

SPY script/ Trojan Horse active on my MAC BOOK PRO

Hello, Since two days I have noticed a small pop up every other minute when I am connected to the internet (which I do wireless) in the left top corner. It is a small window that pops and disappears very fast, impossible to read what it says. Does anyone can help me with this? How do I find out what it is and even more important how can I delete/ remove it

Just in case we actually are confronted by a Trojan, read this:
From MacWorld, January 10, 2008:
SecureMac has introduced a free Trojan Detection Tool for Mac OS X. It's available here:
http://www.securemac.com/
The DNSChanger Removal Tool detects and removes spyware targeting Mac OS X. Called DNSChanger Trojan and also known as OSX.RSPlug.A Trojan Horse the software attacks users attempting to play a fake video file.
Upon attempting to play the video, the victim receives the following message:
“Quicktime Player is unable to play movie file. Please click here to download new version of codec.”
Upon running the installer, the user's DNS records are modified, redirecting incoming internet traffic through the attacker's servers, where it can be hijacked and injected with malicious websites and pornographic advertisements. The trojan also installs a watchdog process that ensures the victim's DNS records stay modified on a minute-by-minute basis.
SecureMac's DNSChanger Removal Tool allows users to check to see if the trojan has been installed on their computer; if it has, the software helps to identify and remove the offending file. After a system reboot, the users' DNS records will be repaired.

How do I remove Trojan horse OSX/FakeAlert.B codecm_uploader from my macbook?

How do I remove Trojan horse OSX/FakeAlert.B codecm_uploader from my macbook? My AVG AntiVirus keep putting up a pop up window to say that it's blocked the threat from spreading and I've to consider deleting the infected file. When I search for the file, I can't find it. It pops up literally every 30secs!

First, you need to get rid of AVG. It may have alerted you to this, but in general it's not much good on the Mac.
Second, that indicates that you are infected with the FkCodec, aka Codec-M, adware. See my Adware Removal Guide for instructions on removing it. Be aware that AVG might interfere with your attempts to remove it, thinking that it is protecting you.
(Fair disclosure: The Safe Mac is my site, and contains a Donate button, so I may receive compensation for providing links to The Safe Mac. Donations are not required.)

My computer has been infected with a Trojan Horse. It has completely taken over my Mac email account and was sending out malicious email to everyone in my address book. At the same time it infected my iPhone---I am no longer able to receive or send emai

My computer has been infected by a Trojan Horse. It has taken over my Mac email account and began sending out malicious emails to everyone in my address book. I cleared out my MAC address book and began using my AOL email account. It took a few days and then my AOL email account was infected and has now been send out malicious email to all my contacts for over a month. It has also infected my iPhone--I am no longer able to send or receive emails on my iPhone. Also, once the Trojan Horse began using my AOL email it completely blocked me from using my MAC account by sending never ending popups asking for my email password to access my MAC email account, but it never accepts my pass word. The TH has also slowed down everything on my computer. It's like I am working on an old PC with dial up connection instead of the high speed digital connection that I have. The little color wheel spins constantly as I wait for sometimes over a minute for a page to pull up. If it pulls up at all. I have tried to use the 2 disks that came with my computer to completely remove everything on my computer and then reinstall all the programs, but I am not allowed to sweep my computer clean. I thought maybe my disks that came with my computer were defective so I called Apple and they sent me 2 new disks. I am not able able to clear my computer with the 2 new disks either. I have done this before successfully so it's not something new to me. I do remember when I believe my computer became infected: I had googled an unusual sewing term, and I was opening what appeared to be legitimate sites, when all of a sudden a pop up appeared that said that my computer had been infected. I immediately shut my computer off, but it was too late. I downloaded a virus program for Mac, and it has never found a virus or problem at all. I think it is part of this Trojan Horse, but I am unable to delete it from my computer. It refuses to uninstall. The Mac Trojan Horse is real and it is terrible. If anyone has any suggestions for me I would be very appreciative,
Beth
vu

Install ClamXav and run a scan with that. It should pick up any trojans.
17" 2.2GHz i7 Quad-Core MacBook Pro  8G RAM  750G HD + OCZ Vertex 3 SSD Boot HD 
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How to protect yourself against the latest Mac OSX Trojan/worm/"virus"

Does anyone know if this is true? I saw it on goole news
How to protect yourself against the latest Mac OSX Trojan/worm/"virus"
Thanks
Jason
[ Edited by Apple Discussions Moderator; href URL ]

Hi YoungBrando,
Welcome to the Apple Discussion Pages
IS there something out there ?
Apparently so.
Are people getting lot of there Buddies computers trying to sned them the file ?
It does not look like it.
Does this Qualify as a virus ?
No. It does not pass itself on without some intervention by the users involved.
Does it qualify as a a Trojan ?
Yes.
What to do.
Don't except files from anyone with the file name mentioned.
Read this response as well
Be aware before Unstuffing any unknown files.
Change the IChat > Preferences > Message section option to Confirm before sending any Files to ON This may not stop the code from getting your computer to send the file without you seeing but it may help based on the way the code is described as being put together generally.
Symantic's reponse
In this article Sophos claim it to be the First Virus for OS X
It also highlights that the main Anti-Virus software houses have already put out an update.
7:51 PM Friday; February 17, 2006

Trojan Horse virus warning on my MAC

I got a error message of Trojan Horse virus. the message has a number 800 404 5537 to help. They told me to enter an address on the internet explorer URL to control my computer to troubleshoot. Should I give them access?

This is a well-known fake tech support scam. If you call them, they will "show" you some things on your machine that they will tell you are indicative of viruses and other problems. (They are actually perfectly normal things that people can be easily frightened into misinterpreting.)
If you go along with them, they will do two things: 1) require you to pay for a year or two of "service" by giving them a credit card, and 2) request remote access to your computer so they can fix it. They will then charge your credit card far more than they said they would and potentially use the remote access you grant them to install malicious software on your computer.
Never fall for this kind of scam. If you do, there's only one possible response: cancel the credit card and erase the computer's hard drive.

I believe that i have malware on my mac, osx 10.9.4. accordingly, i've tried to run clamxav (on my mac HD) but just get a spinning wheel, then have to shut down. any advice on how to stop spinning wheel or get rid of malware? please help. :-).

i believe that i have malware (possible highjack of safari browser) on my mac, osx 10.9.4. accordingly, i've tried to run clamxav (on my mac HD) but just get a spinning wheel, then have to shut down. any advice on how to stop spinning wheel or get rid of malware? i have symnatic endpoint and, after scanning, it reveals nothing. please help. :-).

are locked user files or that have incorrect permission a bad thing?
Yes.
why am i removing symantec?
Short answer: Because it's worse than useless and worse than the imaginary "viruses" you're afraid of would be if they really existed. For the long answer, see below.
1. This is a comment on what you should—and should not—do to protect yourself from malicious software ("malware") that circulates on the Internet and gets onto a computer as an unintended consequence of the user's actions. It does not apply to software, such as keystroke loggers, that may be installed deliberately by an intruder who has hands-on access to the computer, or who has been able to log in to it remotely. That threat is in a different category, and there's no easy way to defend against it.
The comment is long because the issue is complex. The key points are in sections 5, 6, and 10.
OS X now implements three layers of built-in protection specifically against malware, not counting runtime protections such as execute disable, sandboxing, system library randomization, and address space layout randomization that may also guard against other kinds of exploits.
2. All versions of OS X since 10.6.7 have been able to detect known Mac malware in downloaded files, and to block insecure web plugins. This feature is transparent to the user. Internally Apple calls it "XProtect."
The malware recognition database used by XProtect is automatically updated; however, you shouldn't rely on it, because the attackers are always at least a day ahead of the defenders.
The following caveats apply to XProtect:
☞ It can be bypassed by some third-party networking software, such as BitTorrent clients and Java applets.
☞ It only applies to software downloaded from the network. Software installed from a CD or other media is not checked.
As new versions of OS X are released, it's not clear whether Apple will indefinitely continue to maintain the XProtect database of older versions such as 10.6. The security of obsolete system versions may eventually be degraded. Security updates to the code of obsolete systems will stop being released at some point, and that may leave them open to other kinds of attack besides malware.
3. Starting with OS X 10.7.5, there has been a second layer of built-in malware protection, designated "Gatekeeper" by Apple. By default, applications and Installer packages downloaded from the network will only run if they're digitally signed by a developer with a certificate issued by Apple. Software certified in this way hasn't necessarily been tested by Apple, but you can be reasonably sure that it hasn't been modified by anyone other than the developer. His identity is known to Apple, so he could be held legally responsible if he distributed malware. That may not mean much if the developer lives in a country with a weak legal system (see below.)
Gatekeeper doesn't depend on a database of known malware. It has, however, the same limitations as XProtect, and in addition the following:
☞ It can easily be disabled or overridden by the user.
☞ A malware attacker could get control of a code-signing certificate under false pretenses, or could simply ignore the consequences of distributing codesigned malware.
☞ An App Store developer could find a way to bypass Apple's oversight, or the oversight could fail due to human error.
Apple has so far failed to revoke the codesigning certificates of some known abusers, thereby diluting the value of Gatekeeper and the Developer ID program. These failures don't involve App Store products, however.
For the reasons given, App Store products, and—to a lesser extent—other applications recognized by Gatekeeper as signed, are safer than others, but they can't be considered absolutely safe. "Sandboxed" applications may prompt for access to private data, such as your contacts, or for access to the network. Think before granting that access. Sandbox security is based on user input. Never click through any request for authorization without thinking.
4. Starting with OS X 10.8.3, a third layer of protection has been added: a "Malware Removal Tool" (MRT). MRT runs automatically in the background when you update the OS. It checks for, and removes, malware that may have evaded the other protections via a Java exploit (see below.) MRT also runs when you install or update the Apple-supplied Java runtime (but not the Oracle runtime.) Like XProtect, MRT is effective against known threats, but not against unknown ones. It notifies you if it finds malware, but otherwise there's no user interface to MRT.
5. The built-in security features of OS X reduce the risk of malware attack, but they are not, and never will be, complete protection. Malware is a problem of human behavior, and a technological fix is not going to solve it. Trusting software to protect you will only make you more vulnerable.
The best defense is always going to be your own intelligence. With the possible exception of Java exploits, all known malware circulating on the Internet that affects a fully-updated installation of OS X 10.6 or later takes the form of so-called "Trojan horses," which can only have an effect if the victim is duped into running them. The threat therefore amounts to a battle of wits between you and the scam artists. If you're smarter than they think you are, you'll win. That means, in practice, that you always stay within a safe harbor of computing practices. How do you know when you're leaving the safe harbor? Below are some warning signs of danger.
Software from an untrustworthy source
☞ Software of any kind is distributed via BitTorrent, or Usenet, or on a website that also distributes pirated music or movies.
☞ Software with a corporate brand, such as Adobe Flash Player, doesn't come directly from the developer’s website. Do not trust an alert from any website to update Flash, or your browser, or any other software.
☞ Rogue websites such as Softonic and CNET Download distribute free applications that have been packaged in a superfluous "installer."
☞ The software is advertised by means of spam or intrusive web ads. Any ad, on any site, that includes a direct link to a download should be ignored.
Software that is plainly illegal or does something illegal
☞ High-priced commercial software such as Photoshop is "cracked" or "free."
☞ An application helps you to infringe copyright, for instance by circumventing the copy protection on commercial software, or saving streamed media for reuse without permission.
Conditional or unsolicited offers from strangers
☞ A telephone caller or a web page tells you that you have a “virus” and offers to help you remove it. (Some reputable websites did legitimately warn visitors who were infected with the "DNSChanger" malware. That exception to this rule no longer applies.)
☞ A web site offers free content such as video or music, but to use it you must install a “codec,” “plug-in,” "player," "downloader," "extractor," or “certificate” that comes from that same site, or an unknown one.
☞ You win a prize in a contest you never entered.
☞ Someone on a message board such as this one is eager to help you, but only if you download an application of his choosing.
☞ A "FREE WI-FI !!!" network advertises itself in a public place such as an airport, but is not provided by the management.
☞ Anything online that you would expect to pay for is "free."
Unexpected events
☞ A file is downloaded automatically when you visit a web page, with no other action on your part. Delete any such file without opening it.
☞ You open what you think is a document and get an alert that it's "an application downloaded from the Internet." Click Cancel and delete the file. Even if you don't get the alert, you should still delete any file that isn't what you expected it to be.
☞ An application does something you don't expect, such as asking for permission to access your contacts, your location, or the Internet for no obvious reason.
☞ Software is attached to email that you didn't request, even if it comes (or seems to come) from someone you trust.
I don't say that leaving the safe harbor just once will necessarily result in disaster, but making a habit of it will weaken your defenses against malware attack. Any of the above scenarios should, at the very least, make you uncomfortable.
6. Java on the Web (not to be confused with JavaScript, to which it's not related, despite the similarity of the names) is a weak point in the security of any system. Java is, among other things, a platform for running complex applications in a web page, on the client. That was always a bad idea, and Java's developers have proven themselves incapable of implementing it without also creating a portal for malware to enter. Past Java exploits are the closest thing there has ever been to a Windows-style virus affecting OS X. Merely loading a page with malicious Java content could be harmful.
Fortunately, client-side Java on the Web is obsolete and mostly extinct. Only a few outmoded sites still use it. Try to hasten the process of extinction by avoiding those sites, if you have a choice. Forget about playing games or other non-essential uses of Java.
Java is not included in OS X 10.7 and later. Discrete Java installers are distributed by Apple and by Oracle (the developer of Java.) Don't use either one unless you need it. Most people don't. If Java is installed, disable it—not JavaScript—in your browsers.
Regardless of version, experience has shown that Java on the Web can't be trusted. If you must use a Java applet for a task on a specific site, enable Java only for that site in Safari. Never enable Java for a public website that carries third-party advertising. Use it only on well-known, login-protected, secure websites without ads. In Safari 6 or later, you'll see a lock icon in the address bar with the abbreviation "https" when visiting a secure site.
Stay within the safe harbor, and you’ll be as safe from malware as you can practically be. The rest of this comment concerns what you should not do to protect yourself.
7. Never install any commercial "anti-virus" (AV) or "Internet security" products for the Mac, as they are all worse than useless. If you need to be able to detect Windows malware in your files, use one of the free security apps in the Mac App Store—nothing else.
Why shouldn't you use commercial AV products?
☞ To recognize malware, the software depends on a database of known threats, which is always at least a day out of date. This technique is a proven failure, as a major AV software vendor has admitted. Most attacks are "zero-day"—that is, previously unknown. Recognition-based AV does not defend against such attacks, and the enterprise IT industry is coming to the realization that traditional AV software is worthless.
☞ Its design is predicated on the nonexistent threat that malware may be injected at any time, anywhere in the file system. Malware is downloaded from the network; it doesn't materialize from nowhere. In order to meet that nonexistent threat, commercial AV software modifies or duplicates low-level functions of the operating system, which is a waste of resources and a common cause of instability, bugs, and poor performance.
☞ By modifying the operating system, the software may also create weaknesses that could be exploited by malware attackers.
☞ Most importantly, a false sense of security is dangerous.
8. An AV product from the App Store, such as "ClamXav," has the same drawback as the commercial suites of being always out of date, but it does not inject low-level code into the operating system. That doesn't mean it's entirely harmless. It may report email messages that have "phishing" links in the body, or Windows malware in attachments, as infected files, and offer to delete or move them. Doing so will corrupt the Mail database. The messages should be deleted from within the Mail application.
An AV app is not needed, and cannot be relied upon, for protection against OS X malware. It's useful, if at all, only for detecting Windows malware, and even for that use it's not really effective, because new Windows malware is emerging much faster than OS X malware.
Windows malware can't harm you directly (unless, of course, you use Windows.) Just don't pass it on to anyone else. A malicious attachment in email is usually easy to recognize by the name alone. An actual example:
London Terror Moovie.avi [124 spaces] Checked By Norton Antivirus.exe
You don't need software to tell you that's a Windows trojan. Software may be able to tell you which trojan it is, but who cares? In practice, there's no reason to use recognition software unless an organizational policy requires it. Windows malware is so widespread that you should assume it's in everyemail attachment until proven otherwise. Nevertheless, ClamXav or a similar product from the App Store may serve a purpose if it satisfies an ill-informed network administrator who says you must run some kind of AV application. It's free and it won't handicap the system.
The ClamXav developer won't try to "upsell" you to a paid version of the product. Other developers may do that. Don't be upsold. For one thing, you should not pay to protect Windows users from the consequences of their choice of computing platform. For another, a paid upgrade from a free app will probably have all the disadvantages mentioned in section 7.
9. It seems to be a common belief that the built-in Application Firewall acts as a barrier to infection, or prevents malware from functioning. It does neither. It blocks inbound connections to certain network services you're running, such as file sharing. It's disabled by default and you should leave it that way if you're behind a router on a private home or office network. Activate it only when you're on an untrusted network, for instance a public Wi-Fi hotspot, where you don't want to provide services. Disable any services you don't use in the Sharing preference pane. All are disabled by default.
10. As a Mac user, you don't have to live in fear that your computer may be infected every time you install software, read email, or visit a web page. But neither can you assume that you will always be safe from exploitation, no matter what you do. Navigating the Internet is like walking the streets of a big city. It's as safe or as dangerous as you choose to make it. The greatest harm done by security software is precisely its selling point: it makes people feel safe. They may then feel safe enough to take risks from which the software doesn't protect them. Nothing can lessen the need for safe computing practices.

Trojan Horse Virus

A little while ago, my macbook was very slow and I went into the Apple store and they recommended that I turn Norton Antivirus off. I did.
A few months later (now) I ran it just for the heck of it to see if it found anything - and it did. Two or three Trojan Horse malware files. Looking at Nortons descriptions, I think that they were (I located and deleted them) all PC based virus BUT, I am wondering:
1. I have Microsoft Office for Mac on my Macbook and I am wondering if those files might have been compromised by a PC virus?
2. I am assuming that if these files have been compromised there is nothing that I can do about retrieving that information as it could be anywhere.
3. If I have other PC based drives hooked up to my macbook wirelessly - were they vulnerable while I had these Trojan Horses on my Macbook?
Thanks.
A.

Don't always believe what Norton tells you. It is incompatible with OS X.
Norton Antivirus has a very long and illustrious reputation for mangling Mac OS X systems, sometimes to the point where a complete reinstall is necessary. Among other things, it installs kernel extensions which are known to cause kernel panics and system freezes; it contains known and documented bugs which can silently corrupt Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign files, destroy a user's ability to authenticate as an administrator, and (on PPC systems) can cause Classic to stop functioning; and Symantec has on at least two occasions now released flawed .dat file updates which erroneously report certain critical Mac OS X files as "viruses." (Deleting these "viruses" causes damage to the system that in some cases renders it unbootable.)
1. No
2. Need more details about what you call 'compromised'
3. Yes.
No viruses that can attack OS X have so far been detected 'in the wild', i.e. in anything other than laboratory conditions.
It is possible, however, to pass on a Windows virus to another Windows user, for example through an email attachment. To prevent this all you need is the free anti-virus utility ClamXav, which you can download for Tiger and Leopard from (on no account install Norton Anti-Virus on a Mac running OS X):
http://www.clamxav.com/
The new version for Snow Leopard is available here:
http://www.clamxav.com/index.php?page=v2beta
(Note: ClamAV adds a new user group to your Mac. That makes it a little more difficult to remove than some apps. You’ll find an uninstaller link in ClamXav’s FAQ page online.)
If you are already using ClamXav: please ensure that you have installed Apple Security Update 2010-005 and that your version of ClamXav is the latest available.
However, the appearance of Trojans and other malware that can possibly infect a Mac seems to be growing, but is a completely different issue to viruses.
If you allow a Trojan to be installed, the user's DNS records can be modified, redirecting incoming internet traffic through the attacker's servers, where it can be hijacked and injected with malicious websites and pornographic advertisements. The trojan also installs a watchdog process that ensures the victim's (that's you!) DNS records stay modified on a minute-by-minute basis.
You can read more about how, for example, the OSX/DNSChanger Trojan works here:
http://www.f-secure.com/v-descs/trojanosxdnschanger.shtml
SecureMac has introduced a free Trojan Detection Tool for Mac OS X. It's available here:
http://macscan.securemac.com/
The DNSChanger Removal Tool detects and removes spyware targeting Mac OS X and allows users to check to see if the trojan has been installed on their computer; if it has, the software helps to identify and remove the offending file. After a system reboot, the users' DNS records will be repaired.
(Note that a 30 day trial version of MacScan can be downloaded free of charge from:
http://macscan.securemac.com/buy/
and this can perform a complete scan of your entire hard disk. After 30 days free trial the cost is $29.99. The full version permits you to scan selected files and folders only, as well as the entire hard disk. It will detect (and delete if you ask it to) all 'tracker cookies' that switch you to web sites you did not want to go to.)
A white paper has recently been published on the subject of Trojans by SubRosaSoft, available here:
http://www.macforensicslab.com/ProductsAndServices/index.php?mainpage=document_general_info&cPath=11&productsid=174
Also, beware of MacSweeper:
MacSweeper is malware that misleads users by exaggerating reports about spyware, adware or viruses on their computer. It is the first known "rogue" application for the Mac OS X operating system. The software was discovered by F-Secure, a Finland based computer security software company on January 17, 2008
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacSweeper
On June 23, 2008 this news reached Mac users:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/06/23/mac_trojan/
More on Trojans on the Mac here:
http://www.technewsworld.com/story/63574.html?welcome=1214487119
This was published on July 25, 2008:
Attack code that exploits flaws in the net's addressing system are starting to circulate online, say security experts.
The code could be a boon to phishing gangs who redirect web users to fake bank sites and steal login details.
In light of the news net firms are being urged to apply a fix for the loop-hole before attacks by hi-tech criminals become widespread.
Net security groups say there is anecdotal evidence that small scale attacks are already happening.
Further details here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7525206.stm
A further development was the Koobface malware that can be picked up from Facebook (already a notorious site for malware, like many other 'social networking' sites like Twitter etc), as reported here on December 9, 2008:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/technology/newsid_7773000/7773340.stm
You can keep up to date, particularly about malware present in some downloadable pirated software, at the Securemac site:
http://www.securemac.com/
There may be other ways of guarding against Trojans, viruses and general malware affecting the Mac, and alternatives will probably appear in the future. In the meantime the advice is: be careful where you go on the web and what you download!
If you think you may have acquired a Trojan, and you know its name, you can also locate it via the Terminal:
http://theappleblog.com/2009/04/24/mac-botnet-how-to-ensure-you-are-not-part-of- the-problem/
As to the recent 'Conficker furore' affecting Intel-powered computers, MacWorld recently had this to say:
http://www.macworld.co.uk/news/index.cfm?email&NewsID=25613
Although any content that you download has the possibility of containing malicious software, practising a bit of care will generally keep you free from the consequences of anything like the DNSChanger trojan.
1. Avoid going to suspect and untrusted Web sites, especially p'orn'ography sites.
2. Check out what you are downloading. Mac OS X asks you for you administrator password to install applications for a reason! Only download media and applications from well-known and trusted Web sites. If you think you may have downloaded suspicious files, read the installer packages and make sure they are legit. If you cannot determine if the program you downloaded is infected, do a quick Internet search and see if any other users reported issues after installing a particular program. A recent example is of malware distributed through innocent looking free screensavers: http://www.zdnet.com/blog/security/malware-watch-free-mac-os-x-screensavers-bund led-with-spyware/6560?tag=nl.e589
3. Use an antivirus program like ClamXav. If you are in the habit of downloading a lot of media and other files, it may be well worth your while to run those files through an AV application.
4. Use Mac OS X's built-in Firewalls and other security features.
5. Stop using LimeWire. LimeWire (and other peer-to-peer sharing applications and download torrents) are hotbeds of potential software issues waiting to happen to your Mac. Everything from changing permissions to downloading trojans and other malicious software can be acquired from using these applications. Similar risks apply to using Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, YouTube and similar sites which are prone to malicious hacking: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8420233.stm
6. Resist the temptation to download pirated software. After the release of iWork '09 earlier this year, a Trojan was discovered circulating in pirated copies of Apple's productivity suite of applications (as well as pirated copies of Adobe's Photoshop CS4). Security professionals now believe that the botnet (from iServices) has become active. Although the potential damage range is projected to be minimal, an estimated 20,000 copies of the Trojan have been downloaded. SecureMac offer a simple and free tool for the removal of the iBotNet Trojan available here:
http://macscan.securemac.com/files/iServicesTrojanRemovalTool.dmg
Also, there is the potential for having your entire email contact list stolen for use for spamming:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/20/technology/internet/20shortcuts.html?_r=1
NOTE: Snow Leopard, OS 10.6.x, offers additional security to that of previous versions of OS X, but not to the extent that you should ignore the foregoing:
http://www.apple.com/macosx/security/
Apple's 10.6.4 operating system upgrade silently updated the malware protection built into Mac OS X to protect against a backdoor Trojan horse that can allow hackers to gain remote control over your treasured iMac or MacBook.
http://www.sophos.com/blogs/gc/g/2010/06/18/apple-secretly-updates
Finally, do not install Norton Anti-Virus on a Mac as it can seriously damage your operating system. Norton Anti-Virus is not compatible with Apple OS X.
And if you are using iPhone Apps you are also at risk of losing all privacy:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/03/hacker-claims-third-party-iphone-apps-can-tra nsmit-udid-pose-se/

Possible worm or trojan horse?

I got my powerbookg4 (panther) back from apple repair today and now when I open up Safari I get a message from my isp "Spam Alert: Your PC may be infected with a virus that sends out large amounts of spam. As such, your outbound email service has been temporarily suspended." Click below for more information" When you click you get another message that explains that a large volume of outgoing mail has been detected and that it is indicative of a virus or trojan horse. I can click on a button to go to a free location to check out my system. That sounds suspicious in and of itself, but if you go directly to my providers website, they also link to the same place. Additionally, that site doesn't check safari browser, mac osx.
So this is perplexing. How do I know if this is possible on my machine? I rarely use my provider email, and all my email accounts go through apple mail. I logged on to my son's mac to see if he got the same thing, hoping the provider was just sending out random messages but it didn't occur on his machine.
Advice? Thoughts? I do not have a virus protection program on my mac, but I do not visit suspicious sites, do not download from unknown sites, all my music is from itunes, etc. Is the a reputable site I can use to check out my mac?
Thanks

Hi Carole,
I would ignore the on-line warning, especially clicking on the links. No telling what type of spam they'll produce. If you have concerns, call your ISP directly.
While you can certainly pass on a virus/trojan horse, etc. through an e-mail, these type of items do not affect the Mac.
To date, no virus has been written for the Mac (there was a suedo virus written earlier this year - much ado about nothing). From your description, it seems your surfing habits are quite conservative. If true, then Virus software would be unnecessary.

Can't find file for Trojan Horse on my MacBook

Anyone seen this before?
I have the Norton Antivirus Program installed on my MacBook.
I believe an attack occurred while I was looking through the Apple Support Forums for help with a QuickTime problem and accidentally clicked on the following link: http:www.smacktalkpaintball.com/video/
The Norton Warning came up and I hit the delete option and then set Norton to scan manually.
The following came up at the end of the scan:
Virus "bof.jar-51a4bd07-3d4b399d.zip" detected, Today at 7:24 AM. Repair failed.
/Users/Owner/Li...bd07-3d4b399d.zip Trojan Horse infected
I was not able to locate either of these files anywhere on my computer.
I have two external hard drives that I use to back-up data, but neither of them were connected at the time of the attack, and nothing else was connected when I ran the virus scan.
I do not have Windows installed on this MacBook - Mac OS X, Version 10.5.8,

Norton was able to detect the Trojan whereas MacScan was not, but Norton was not able to remove it
That sounds an unlikely outcome on both counts. Norton anti-virus is just that: anti-virus, and I would not trust it to deal with trojans.
Are you sure you actually installed a Trojan?
If you allow a Trojan to be installed, the user's DNS records can be modified, redirecting incoming internet traffic through the attacker's servers, where it can be hijacked and injected with malicious websites and pornographic advertisements. The trojan also installs a watchdog process that ensures the victim's (that's you!) DNS records stay modified on a minute-by-minute basis.
You can read more about how, for example, the OSX/DNSChanger Trojan works here:
http://www.f-secure.com/v-descs/trojanosxdnschanger.shtml
SecureMac has introduced a free Trojan Detection Tool for Mac OS X. It's available here:
http://macscan.securemac.com/
The DNSChanger Removal Tool detects and removes spyware targeting Mac OS X and allows users to check to see if the trojan has been installed on their computer; if it has, the software helps to identify and remove the offending file. After a system reboot, the users' DNS records will be repaired.
(Note that a 30 day trial version of MacScan can be downloaded free of charge from:
http://macscan.securemac.com/buy/
and this can perform a complete scan of your entire hard disk. After 30 days free trial the cost is $29.99. The full version permits you to scan selected files and folders only, as well as the entire hard disk. It will detect (and delete if you ask it to) all 'tracker cookies' that switch you to web sites you did not want to go to.)

Do SpyEye, Zeus Trojan horses affect Mac OSX?

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