OS X Malware Demands $300 FBI Fine For Viewing, Distributing Porn 173
An anonymous reader writes "A new piece of malware is targeting OS X to extort money from victims by accusing them of illegally accessing pornography. Ransomware typically uses claims of breaking the law and names law enforcement (such as the CIA or FBI) to scare victims, but it is usually aimed at Windows users, not Mac users. The security firm Malwarebytes first spotted this latest threat, noting that criminals have ported the ransomware scheme to OS X and are even exploiting a Safari-specific feature. The ransomware page in question gets pushed onto unsuspecting users browsing high-trafficked sites as well as when searching for popular keywords."
Ok? (Score:5, Insightful)
I thought we were past the "being surprised that apple products get malware" stage years ago. This seems like a pretty run-of-the-mill scam. I can't really see what's notable about it. Someone help?
Comment removed (Score:3, Insightful)
FTFY (Score:4, Insightful)
I thought we were past the "being surprised that websites get hacked" years ago.
This is not malware, it's a hacked site with annoying javascript. The only news here is how desperate some people are to show that OSX is vulnerable to malware - even when the malware never is installed on the system...
Not a virus, how does your foot taste? (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:makes sense (Score:4, Insightful)
Still bitter about that Mac user stealing your girlfriend, I see...
Re:Ok? (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:FTFY (Score:4, Insightful)
It is malware, it's just not running from a platform usually used for such things.
True, but the important point is the platform in question is not OS X and it is somewhat disingenuous to pretend it is. The platform is "any web browser that automatically reloads the last visited site if you force it to quit".
Re:Ok? (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:No, still pretty invulnerable... (Score:2, Insightful)
A user can go along time without seeing virus and malware in OSX because OSX holds 7.18% of the market as opposed to Windows 7 and XP at a combined total of 81%.
Who cares why it is true when it *is* true?
It's still the case that by far a non-technical user is vastly safer running a Mac.
If I were to write malicious code with the intent to prey on the gullible and make quick money which OS would I target?
Obviously people too stupid to choose the safer, instead of the more popular, choice.