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Title: Apple Updates OS X Anti-Malware Definitions to Block 'Yontoo' Adware Post by: HCK on March 22, 2013, 11:00:37 pm Apple Updates OS X Anti-Malware Definitions to Block 'Yontoo' Adware
Yesterday, word surfaced of new malware targeting major browsers on the Mac platform with adware capable of injecting advertising into users' browsing experiences. The malware, known as "Yontoo", masquerades as a video plug-in or download accelerator in order to trick users into installing the package. As noted by security firm Intego, Apple has already updated its "Xprotect" anti-malware system to recognize Yontoo and warn users who attempt to install it on their machines.Apple has decided the Yontoo Adware has fallen too far on the side of undesirable behavior, as they have released an update to the XProtect.plist definitions file to provide Mac OS X with basic detection for the Yontoo adware as OSX.AdPlugin.i. In testing, it appears this detection is very specific and potentially location-dependent. This extra specificity is likely there so as to catch only the surreptitious installations of this file.Apple routinely uses its Xprotect anti-malware tools introduced in OS X Snow Leopard to provide rudimentary protection against threats, and has expanded its efforts in OS X Mountain Lion with the introduction of Gatekeeper to allow users to restrict app installation to software from identified developers registered with Apple, or even to only apps installed through the Mac App Store. Apple has also been using Xprotect to enforce minimum version requirements for plug-ins such as Java and Flash Player, forcing users to upgrade from earlier versions known to have significant security issues. Recent Mac and iOS Blog Stories • Blizzard Announces 'Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft' for Mac and iPad • Mailbox Fills One Million Reservations, Updates App with New Shake to Undo Feature • Redesigned 'Speedtest.net' App Released, Improved Server Selection and Sharing • A Look at American Airlines' iPad Electronic Flight Bag • Apple Tops J.D. Power Smartphone Satisfaction Rankings By Significant Margin • Black Pixel to Revive 'NetNewsWire' With Cross-Device Syncing • Cleveland Museum of Art Uses iPads for Visitor-Personalized Tours • Pixelmator Crashing Issue Fixed in OS X 10.8.3 http://www.macrumors.com/2013/03/22/apple-updates-os-x-anti-malware-definitions-to-block-yontoo-adware/ |