New Malware Targets iPad Users

 

The security software company BitDefender has revealed details about a new malware out there that has been targeting iPad users. According to a recent report, the malware has been spreading through emails from scammers who trick iPad users into installing a malicious code that could potentially steal confidential information. Bitdefender noted that the email aimed at Windows users wo bought an iPad requests them to download the latest version of iTunes in order to keep iPads updated “for best performance, newer features and security”. The message links to a download page that mimics Apple’s official iTunes page and visitors are asked to download a file named “itunessetup.exe”.

Bitdefender indicates that this executable file installs a Trojan horse named Backdoor.Bifrose.AADY that creates a harmful back-door entry for hackers to get access to private information like activation keys for software programs and passwords of POP3 mail accounts as well as applications like ICQ and Messenger that are installed on the system. According to Catalin Cosoi, senior antivirus and malware researcher for BitDefender, the malware is specifically programmed to target Windows users. He mentions:

“The trick is pretty simple. When you have the iPad, you do expect to receive messages, maybe not e-mail, but messages of some sort [from Apple] that ‘We have finished an update, you have to get this update. They’re clever to do it this way. If they were able to target Mac customers, it would have spread like wildfire, but because most antivirus companies detect this [Trojan], it’s aimed at Windows users who have bought an iPad and who also don’t run a security product.”

The launch of Apple’s new tablet device has been extremely successful with conservative estimates pointing to sale numbers of over 600,000 units so far. BitDefender has proposed generic safety rules as a way to combat the malware.

• Do not download or save files from sources you don't know; use only the producer’s official website (www.apple.com) in order to download software for your iPad
• Install and activate a reliable antimalware, firewall solution and spam filter
• Update your anti-malware, firewall and spam filter as frequently as possible, with the latest virus virus definitions and suspicious application/file signatures
• Run a complete anti-malware scan before opening or copying any file to your system, even if the file comes from a trusted source
• Scan your system frequently

The company has also recently warned users of a new malware out there that has been targeting users looking to unlock their iPhones, so be careful!