Detection of Mac malware to expand, as realities of mobile malware are laid bare

The detection of Mac malware is solely the top of the iceberg, as more is expected to be found.

According to the primary State of the Threats Report from AlienVault, the new detection of the Sabpub and Flashback malware, which exploited a Java vulnerability, proves that much like Windows, the OS is simply as secure because the software installed on it.

It said that Mac users have found themselves to be in danger because the emergence of significant malware for OSX, with it using exploits in third-party software to contaminate compromised systems with Trojans; it said this has led to Apple having to answer the specter of malware on its systems.

The report also found that mobile malware is increasing exponentially, especially at the Android platform. Research by Websense of greater than 200,000 Android apps found a noticeable quantity with malicious intent or permissions.

Websense Security Labs' 2012 Threat Report said that while exploit kits and advanced tips on how to attack Windows systems and the software that reside in this platform exist against the huge surface area, new rogue anti-virus dropper files are surfacing for Mac OS because it continues to extend in popularity.

Also, as Android is an open OS where anyone can update an app with malicious intent and repost it in a couple of minutes, Websense said that the Android environment is rife with security concerns.

Research from mobile analysts Goode Intelligence found that 24 per cent of organisations have experienced a mobile malware infection, a rise from nine per cent in 2010, while only 18 per cent were protecting mobile devices with anti-malware solutions.

Alan Goode, author of the research, said: “The past three years was extraordinary for mobile and there aren't any signs of this abating. Smartphones and tablet computers are having a transformational effect at the way that an organisation does business and manages information.

“There is a giant question over whether information security professionals can stay alongside of the pace of change currently seen with smart mobile devices and might manage the dangers linked to them.”