Hello WAMUGers,
Security security ... Be very aware of what you are downloading and
clicking on.
Malicious bots are computerized programs that are installed onto your
Mac computer without your knowledge.
These programs use your Internet connections, email and the websites
you visit to connect with your computer and install the software.
Typically, they are used to watch what you are doing on the Internet
for advertising purposes.
Steer well clear of downloading illegal software from Web sites or
torrents.
The only "Bot" that I have heard infesting a Mac computer is the
"iServices Trogan".
The finger is being pointed at BitTorrent, a popular peer-to-peer site
that enables users to share large files, as the avenue by which
pirated copies of Apple software, iWork '09 and Adobe Photoshop CS4,
were downloaded onto Mac computers.
The applications reportedly work, but embedded in their code is a
trojan called OSX.Iservice.
If you think that your Mac may have been infected by the iServices
Trojan, you can remove it using the free tool available from SecureMac.
<http://www.securemac.com/>
You can remove the infection manually by removing the following files:
System/Library/StartupItems/DivX
System/Library/StartupItems/iWorkServices
If those files are not present on your computer you’re not infected.
------
Helpful links:
<http://www.htstechtips.com/2009/04/24/mac-botnet-symantec-confirms-mac-trojan-spawns-botnet/
>
<http://www.infoworld.com/d/security-central/first-mac-os-x-botnet-activated-996
>
------
Mac OS X Security Configuration Guides:
NB: "To use these guides, you should be an experienced Mac OS X user,
be familiar with the Mac OS X user interface, and have at least some
experience using the Terminal application’s command-line interface.
You should also be familiar with basic networking concepts.
Certain instructions in the guides are complex, and deviation could
result in serious adverse effects on the computer and its security.
The guides should only be used by experienced Mac OS X users, and any
changes made to your settings should be thoroughly tested."
<http://www.apple.com/support/security/guides/>
Keep alert when you are online, secure your Wireless Networks, don't
download illegal software, music, video etc.
Cheers,
Ronni
On 17/08/2009, at 10:43 PM, Philippe Chaperon wrote:
Hi Clyde and WAMUG'ers,
Yes, this program was 'scary' to say the least. It just shows how
prudent one must be on the internet.
I am not sure of which application would be recommended to check for
the 'bots' etc on the Mac OS X, but I use a very good software called
Little Snitch which will indicate every time an application on my
computer wants to 'phone home'. I can then either allow it or stop it
from doing so.
How good it is to stop the 'bots' I would not know, but possibly one
of our resident gurus - Ronni et al, could help with more info.
Kind regards,
Philippe C
2009/8/17 Clyde McLennan <cmcle...@westnet.com.au>:
Hi all,
Following the 4 corners program on internet security, especially
in regard
to wireless networks etc, one feels a little vulnerable. (see
http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/default.htm for the ABC's on-line
version of
the program)
One area that was mentioned was 'bots' or robots placed on your
system
that can be used by others to do nasty things. My question is
about the Mac
OSX system:
1. How do we know if we have a 'bot' on our system,
2. If we have, how can we get rid of it.
3. What software should we be running to protect ourselves
from them.
with thanks ... Clyde
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