Slashdot Mirror
Backdoor Malware Targets Apple iPad
An anonymous reader writes "Apple iPad users are being warned of an email-borne threat which could give hackers unauthorised access to the device. The threat arrives via an unsolicited email urging the recipient to download the latest version of iTunes as a prelude to updating their iPad software. Apart from opening up a backdoor, it also tries to read the keys and serial numbers of the software installed on the device, and logs the passwords to any webmail, IM or protected storage accounts."
It's not just the headline, it's the summary and the article too!
Yes well, this virus is infecting a Windows PC, so much for that.
Reminds me of that line from "Absence of Malice" that "everything they said was accurate but none of it was true".
If you want to get really pedantic, the target isn't even the Windows box. It's the user's information and the profits that can be gleaned either directly or indirectly from aggregating such information from millions of such users.
I'm guessing that the rationale behind this is that people who snap up the iPad are trend-following sheep with more money than sense who are "easy marks" and thus more likely to fall for a "social engineering" attack such as this one.
Official Heretic from the "Church of Global Warming". Proven right thanks to whistle blowers. AGW = Flat Earth Theory
The Luddites are out en-masse today.
Unfortunately, "Backdoor Malware Targets iPad Users" wouldn't have had the word "Apple" in it, and thus would not be eligible to be a headline on Slashdot.
"You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
I would whole heartedly agree with that statement.
I had to clean 30 new "internet security 2010" infections this week... Even though the users have been instructed on how to not get infected....
Honestly, 60% of all computer users are idiots... this is a universal fact.
Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
60% is an extraordinarily optimistic estimate...
The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources. - Albert Einstein