Mac trojan virus can open backdoors through Java enabled browsers (Photos)

Multiple virus attacks have been reported recently which have attacked companies like Twitter, Facebook, and Apple.

It seems these are different virus types but the most recent virus can potentially allow hackers to attack through a backdoor. This type of virus is called a trojan horse. The virus infects computers through various means. Earlier virus attacks were through email attachments however this most recent virus attacks through a browser enabled to run Java. One can actually disable Java plug-ins from running through your browser settings.

Java versus Javascript

Users can also disable Javascript however this is not necessary. Java and JavaScript are two different programming languages which run differently.

Java is an Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) language which follows portability methodologies that allow a developer to compile the code to "write once and run everywhere".

JavaScript however runs within the browser and is not compiled. It is used often with HTML5 and CSS to build web applications or multi-platform applications.

Trojan Virus Alert

Photo credit: 

Apple

Details from Oracle's website

Listed are key differences between the Java and JavaScript.

• Java is an OOP programming language while Java Script is an OOP scripting language.
• Java creates applications that run in a virtual machine or browser while JavaScript code is run on a browser only.
• Java code needs to be compiled while JavaScript code is in text.
• Both require different plug-ins.

Preventing this Virus

To protect your computer from this virus one needs to disable Java within your browser:

1. In Safari
2. Click Safari
3. Click Security
4. Remove the check mark on "Enable Java"

For more details about this Trojan Virus reference The Safe Mac posted February 19th, 2013. Also watch for updates from Apple.