In the last week two different types of OS X malware made their debut and it has Mac users biting their nails about the possibility of an unprotected Mac. Backdoor.MAC.Eleanor and OSX/Keydnap, the two newest Mac malware, are both blocked from execution if managed with the appropriate Mac settings.
As MacWorld points out to us, with some malware there is little that can be blamed on the user. The software that leverages vulnerabilities in the operating system to install without verification or that has the ability to mask itself as an application that it is really not, is usually to blame. But how easy is it to really spot this in the act? Most of us can’t, and have to rely on an operating system, or researchers in order to find out about the malware and by that time who knows whats happening on the device.
The Backdoor.MAC.Eleanor is a Trojan horse distributed under the name EasyDoc Converter. Masking itself as a file converter application through reputable websites that offer Mac software, users think they are downloading valuable Mac software when really, they are in for a big surprise. This is the time when I advise you the user, to be careful when downloading software from sites that are not the direct developer. Nowadays many download sites package software inside of installers that also install adware or other unwanted apps. The OSX/Keydnap malware vector distribution is unknown. We do know that it arrives in the form of a ZIP archive that has to be extracted, with the file inside double clicked.
OK the goods. Unsigned apps can only launch by either right-clicking the app after it is downloaded, selecting Open from the contextual menu, and agreeing to launch the app even though it is unsigned. OR If the Security & Privacy system preference pane’s General tab has Allow Apps Downloaded From set to Anywhere. This should be changed to Mac App Store and Identified Developers. In the new macOS Sierra, this won’t be a problem as the Anywhere option has been removed for this very reason. Remember, Backdoor.MAC.Eleanor and OSX/Keydnap will be blocked if these settings are in place, so even if you mess up and don’t take any of my advice to heart, your Mac will still be safe.
If you would like to educate yourself in more detail about the information presented in this post, please visit : macworld.com
