Mac- and Linux-Based Malware Targets Biomedical Industry
March 14th, 2017 by admin
The malware infection, discovered in late January, that's been hiding out on Mac and Linux devices for more than two years doesn't mean the security floodgates are open, but it is a reminder that these devices aren't invincible. Apple is calling this new malware "Fruitfly," and it's being used to target biomedical research. While not targeted for Linux devices, the malware code will run on them.
This attack may hit a little too close to home for those industries ATS specializes in protecting, including healthcare and biotech. That makes this a good time to reexamine security best practices for devices that aren't commonly targeted for attacks.
Attacks Are Rare, But Not Impossible
Broadly speaking, any device that isn't running Windows has benefited from a concept called "security through obscurity," which means hackers don't bother going after these devices because of a smaller market share.
Mac OS X and Linux provide more secure options than Windows for various reasons, but neither is an invincible platform.
Every so often, hackers strike the Mac community with malware—and when the attacks are successful, it's typically because users don't see them coming. The lesson here, of course, is to never let your guard down.
You may not need an active anti-virus program on a Mac, but occasional anti-malware scans can be beneficial. According to Ars Technica, "Fruitfly" uses dated code for creating JPG images last updated in 1998 and can be identified by malware scanners. Anti-malware programs like Malwarebytes and Norton are available for Mac devices. ATS desktop support and management can also improve user experiences on non-Windows devices.
Keep Your Macs and Linux Machines Updated
The old IT adage that says "keeping your programs updated is the best defense against security exploits" is still true when it comes to Mac OS X. While Mac OS X upgrades have been free or low-cost for years, not everyone jumps on to the latest version right away. For example, less than half of Macs were running the latest version of the OS in December of 2014. This means all the desktop and laptop devices running older versions of Mac OS X are exposed to security holes Apple patched with updates.
Typically, Apple only supports the three most recent versions of their operating system, which usually come in annual releases. Your workplace computers should, at the very least, be running a version still supported by Apple. The good news is that Apple quickly issued a security fix to address Fruitfly. The bad news? This isn't the first Mac OS vulnerability malware has managed to exploit, and it won't be the last.
The IT consulting experts at ATS are ready to help your company find the right tools to increase productivity and improve security on all your office devices. Contact us today to get started.
Posted in: Security