First iPod "Proof of Concept Virus" created

cwa107 · Apr 7, 2007

http://www.macnn.com/articles/07/04/06/first.ipod.virus.created/

I just about laughed my rear-end off when they got to the part where it said:

...users must first install a copy of the Linux operating system, and then install the virus, which contaminates essential files.

So, wait, you're telling me that you must first circumvent any inherent protection afforded by the iPod's OS by installing Linux before the thing will even be vulnerable?

That's like saying that the Mac is vulnerable because you can install Windows on it and therefore be infected by Windows' viruses. Give me a break!!

MacHeadCase · Apr 7, 2007

Oh man! That's pretty bad. The way they absolutely must find something wrong with Apple products... Ugh.

cwa107 · Apr 7, 2007

MacHeadCase said:
Oh man! That's pretty bad. The way they absolutely must find something wrong with Apple products... Ugh.

I think it's just killing some people that OS X and the iPod have been virus-free for so long now, especially in light of all the problems with Windows' security and even Windows Mobile. I'd imagine the Zune doesn't have long before it falls victim.

MacHeadCase · Apr 7, 2007

I entirely agree. And a great find! Can't rep you — you know the drill... Need to spread the love...

dtravis7 · Apr 7, 2007

Good find! Very funny. I needed a good laugh.

knightlie · Apr 7, 2007

So..... this is a Linux virus then...? Or am I missing something!?

Brown Study · Apr 7, 2007

You aren't missing anything. It's a Linux virus, and in that case, I don't think it's even the first virus planted on an iPod. I recall something a while ago about a Windows virus on a 'Doze-formatted iPod. Yawn.

cwa107 · Apr 7, 2007

Brown Study said:
You aren't missing anything. It's a Linux virus, and in that case, I don't think it's even the first virus planted on an iPod. I recall something a while ago about a Windows virus on a 'Doze-formatted iPod. Yawn.

Those guys at Kaspersky... they are innovative, aren't they?

Sherman Homan · Apr 7, 2007

Pretty funny! I guess that no virus protection program is going to be able to stop someone from deliberately installing that "virus"!

Stretch · Apr 7, 2007

Its a virus, that you must first install linux for, then install the virus, and on top of that, run the virus program.

Last time I checked, don't viruses infect and run without you installing special software for them, and telling them to run?

Chimpur · Apr 7, 2007

When you start installing the software that installs the viruses thats more of a spyware/malware thing correct? like when people all install that new wallpaper app in offices etc..... But I dunno, given time there has to be someway to make a virus and with the increasing usage of macs theres a bigger and bigger target..... If the ever is a virus, it will spread like crazy, cause very few mac people will be cautious towards it/ be prepared!

Brown Study · Apr 7, 2007

StretchR said:
Last time I checked, don't viruses infect and run without you installing special software for them, and telling them to run?

Usually. But this is another honour system virus.

Nagger Pumper · Apr 7, 2007

"Several times, already, I've noticed that I've accidentally installed linux on my iPod. I think many people have. I've also been buried alive twice, had my liver taken out by thieves, and forgotten to bring money, and only realized it after eating the whole meal at a restaurant."

lol i love that sarcasm

knightlie · Apr 8, 2007

cwa107 said:
Those guys at Kaspersky... they are innovative, aren't they?

I just wonder how long they sat there trying to find a way to get a virus on an iPod.

mraya · Apr 8, 2007

Brown Study said:
Usually. But this is another honour system virus.

I knew that one as the first galician virus, several friends used to have it as signature. It was something like this...

"Hi, i'm the first galician virus. But, because we galicians don't have knowledge of computers, i work based in an honor system. Please, after reading this message, send a copy to all the people you know and then format your hard drive. Thanks!"

It did confounded some people who had very little knowledge about computers.

edit: That link is from 2001, this is the original one i guess, from 1997-1998.

Obtruse · Apr 8, 2007

Though iPods are safe for the time being, experts warn that as with other exploits, it may only be a matter of time before a legitimate threat emerges.

You have been warned people! Think twice before you select yes to formatting your iPod, installing linux, and then installing a virus.

You know, I'm so impressed by this find from Kaspersky that I might switch to their award winning software.
http://macnn.com/rd/75050==http://www.kaspersky.com/

MikeT · Apr 8, 2007

Why would anyone want to install Linux or any other operating system on an ipod?

cwa107 · Apr 8, 2007

MikeT said:
Why would anyone want to install Linux or any other operating system on an ipod?

<sarcasm>
Well... in order to install a virus and make the news, of course! :bomb:
</sarcasm>

First iPod "Proof of Concept Virus" created

cwa107

MacHeadCase

Guest

cwa107

MacHeadCase

Guest

dtravis7

knightlie

Brown Study

cwa107

Sherman Homan

Stretch

Chimpur

Brown Study

Nagger Pumper

knightlie

mraya

Obtruse

MikeT

cwa107

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