Apple computer owners have ben warned about a deadly new virus. Dubbed Backdoor.MAC.Elanor, the nasty new malware infects the OS X operating system and gives hackers complete access to the files on the computer. Cybercriminals can even use the malware to access the webcam on your iMac or MacBook – without you ever knowing that the camera is in use. Backdoor.MAC.Elanor was discovered by the team at Bitdefender who claim the virus is being downloaded from reputable sites offering Mac software. Cyber thieves have managed to hide the threat in a fake file converter application called Easy Doc Converter.app.
The app was described as a “fast and simple file converter for OS X,” but running the app actually installs the Elanor malware on user's machines. Technical Leader of the Bitdefender Antimalware Lab, Tiberius Axinte said: "This type of malware is particularly dangerous as it’s hard to detect and offers the attacker full control of the compromised system. "For instance, someone can lock you out of your laptop, threaten to blackmail you to restore your private files or transform your laptop into a botnet to attack other devices. "The possibilities are endless." Apple's desktop operating system, OS X, is one of the most secure in the world.MacBook owners should be aware that the latest threat is pretty tough to install on your device, since the Easy Doc Converter.app has not been digitally signed with an Apple-approved certificate. That means that the fraudulent app cannot be installed as long as you have Apple's Gatekeeper security package enabled, which it is by default.
1. On your Mac head to System Preferences
2. Next tap Security & Privacy
3. From the General tab look at the option that says "Allow apps downloaded from"
4. Make sure you tick the box that says "Mac App Store and identified developers."
Writer - Liam McClelland | @Liamicy