Apple Gets First Real Virus Scare

Apple Gets First Real Virus Scare

  • By Ginger Hill
  • Nov 06, 2014

Looks like sitting on your new iPhone 6+ and bending it is the least of your worries! Palo Alto Networks, a security firm, has discovered malware in the iOS operating system.

Wirelurker, as it’s termed, sneaks onto computers using unauthorized Chinese apps. It then attacks iOS devices whey they connect over USB. Seriously, though, when’s the last time you actually plugged your iPhone into your computer? Hope you don’t answer with “yesterday!”

Apple has blocked these apps containing malicious software and they have also blocked identified apps to prevent them from launching. It seems that Wirelurker appears to be mostly wiped out. (Key word here is “mostly.”)

Now that Apple has had vulnerabilities exploited by Wirelurker, this could lead to other viruses infiltrating the iOS operating system.

If you’re an iPhone user, be sure to only download apps/software from the Apple App Store. If a piece of software isn’t signed and approved by Apple, it cannot operate on an iPhone, which has been enough to stop most viruses…until now. Wirelurker exploited an exception to Apple’s policy: enterprise provisioning, an official ID that allows third-party apps onto iOS devices.

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • Choosing the Right Solution

    Today, there is a strong shift from on-prem installations to cloud or hybrid-cloud deployments. As reported in the 2024 Genetec State of Physical Security report, 66% of end users said they will move to managing or storing more physical security in the cloud over the next two years. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Security Risks for U.S. Retail Chains

    Interface Systems, a provider of security, actionable insights, and purpose-built networks for multi-location businesses, has released its 2024 State of Remote Video Monitoring in Retail Chains report. The detailed study analyzed over 2 million monitoring requests across 4,156 retail locations in the United States from September 2023 to August 2024. Read Now

  • Gaining a Competitive Edge

    Ask most companies about their future technology plans and the answers will most likely include AI. Then ask how they plan to deploy it, and that is where the responses may start to vary. Every company has unique surveillance requirements that are based on market focus, scale, scope, risk tolerance, geographic area and, of course, budget. Those factors all play a role in deciding how to configure a surveillance system, and how to effectively implement technologies like AI. Read Now

  • 6 Ways Security Awareness Training Empowers Human Risk Management

    Organizations are realizing that their greatest vulnerability often comes from within – their own people. Human error remains a significant factor in cybersecurity breaches, making it imperative for organizations to address human risk effectively. As a result, security awareness training (SAT) has emerged as a cornerstone in this endeavor because it offers a multifaceted approach to managing human risk. Read Now

Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction. 3

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation. 3

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area. 3