As of yesterday, security company Symantec released a statement claiming there were still 140,000 Macs infected from the recent Flashback malware outbreak that originally infected an estimated 600,000 Mac users. That was despite Apple issuing a Java security update to remove the malware. Today, security researchers from Kaspersky said during a press conference (via Ars Technica) that it estimated infections dropped to 30,000, while still warning more “mass-malware” on OS X is on the way:
Kaspersky also clarified that much of the Flashback infections were spread through trusted WordPress websites that have been hijacked rather than through malicious downloaded files as many assume. Ars explained:
As for who is behind the recent Flashback infection, Kaspersky does not know. In an article examining the link behind Apple’s growing marketshare and increasing malware on the platform, Lab Expert Kurt Baumgartner speculated “eastern euro-cybercrime” is probably a good bet:
Not surprisingly, Kaspersky is recommending security software as a necessity for Mac users going forward. The security firm did note that the introduction of Apple’s new Gatekeeper utility in Mountain Lion this summer, which allows tighter control over the sources of downloaded content, would provide added security to users. Apple has not responded to Kaspersky’s statements.
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- Flashback malware still on 140,000 Macs, despite Apple’s fix (9to5mac.com)
