iPad buyers targeted by Windows malware
Tuesday, April 27, 2010 11:15As if to prove the Apple iPad’s crossover appeal to PC users, spammers have launched a malware campaign to reel them in using the promise of extras for the new device.
According to BitDefender, the spam campaign invites its would-be victims to download an updated version of iTunes with the promise of a preliminary update that will give prospective iPad users “best performance, newer features, and security.”
[ Read Galen Gruman's report on iPad security and IT's foolish double standard. | Stay ahead of advances in mobile technology with InfoWorld's Mobile Edge blog and Mobilize newsletter. | Get the best iPhone and iPad apps for pros with our business iPhone apps finder. ]
Following the embedded link leads to a piece of malware identified by the company as Backdoor.Bifrose.AADY, a data stealer which sets out to steal software keys and serial numbers from installed programs as well as login passwords for email, online storage accounts and IM services.
The iPad has, infamously, not even been launched in the U.K. even though U.S. users have had access to the new computer for some days. U.K. users are also being asked to pay a premium. Ironically, the malware won’t affect Apple’s Mac users at all and is PC only.
Bitdefender announced a Mac antivirus product a week ago while admitting that Mac malware is not exactly a common issue. It looks as if even Mac products can now be used to attack PC users.
