Apple Mac computers were targeted today by anonymous hackers when several Apple employees visited a software developer’s website. The site was infected with malware that specifically targeted Mac computers.
Java does it again
Java, which has a running reputation as an add-on Web browser program that constantly serves as a hacker’s delight because of software issues, was the culprit again in the latest cyber attack. The flaws in Java script allowed hackers to exploit security weaknesses, which allowed malware to infect Mac computers from the developer website.
Other companies too
The malware incident on Apple employee computers was not isolated but also involved Macs run by other companies as well. Although Apple declined to offer any details as to how widespread the problem was, an investigator on the Apple attacks said that hundreds of companies were affected, including several defense contractors.
The source, close to the investigation, who asked to remain anonymous, said:
"This is the first really big attack on Macs. Apple has more on its hands than the attack on itself."
Apple speaks
A statement from Apple described the situation:
"Apple has identified malware which infected a limited number of Mac systems through a vulnerability in the Java plug-in for browsers. The malware was employed in an attack against Apple and other companies, and was spread through a website for software developers.
"We identified a small number of systems within Apple that were infected and isolated them from our network. There is no evidence that any data left Apple."
Apple will release a software program for users to see if their Mac computers have been infected as well as the accompanying fix. It will become available sometime on Tuesday.
Via Reuters
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