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Apple virus estimated to have hit half a million users

Posted at 8:45 PM, Apr 08, 2012
and last updated 2012-04-10 13:54:28-04

Apple users beware. A virus nicknamed “Flashback” is estimated to have hit more than half a million Mac users.

The malware can reportedly make its way into your computer to gain access to user info.

According to a Washington Post article the virus can automatically install itself.

“Flashback is a type of malware that is transferred to your computer by masquerading as a safe browser plug-in. When a person goes to an infected website housing the malware, he will be prompted to download a plugin, such as flash, in order to view content. Giving permission allows the malware to execute and download to your computer. Evolved versions of the virus use a hole in Apple’s version of Java to download to your Mac immediately after you open the webpage.”

Apple is combating the problem by releasing a Java patch to thwart the virus. You can read more about the virus and download the new software on their website.

This is reportedly the largest attack ever on the Mac operating system. Experts say that as Apple grows, so will the number of attacks to its systems.

For an explanation of how to check if the malware is installed on your computer, just click over to F-Secure, recommends the Washington Post.