The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #68739   Message #1163323
Posted By: JohnInKansas
16-Apr-04 - 01:27 PM
Thread Name: Tech: spyware-etc..how it happens -what to do
Subject: RE: Tech: spyware-etc..how it happens -what to do
The most recent eWeek virus report includes at least one new virus affecting Apple/Mac systems. It has not (?) been found "in gneral distribution" as yet, but is probably just waiting.

In addition, several of the "Multimedia Player" programs have found similar "holes" in their programs that could be used by malware to gain access to your machine. RealPlayer was one (noted because almost everyone has it), and there were several others. Patches are "pending" for most of them, but no info on how effective the current fixes are. Since the threat here is "undeveloped" it probably makes sense to give them a week or so before worrying too much about getting fixed. It's not clear whether this particular hole depends on what OS you're using the program on, or whether it's confined to specific versions of the programs.

John