The popularity of the Apple iPad has surpassed all expectations, selling over half a million devices in the first week available in the United States. So many orders have been submitted that Apple decided to delay the international launch of the iPad. With so many people jumping on board the iPad band wagon, it was only a matter of time before malware creators targeted users of the new device.
According to information made available on BitDefender.com, this has already happened in the form of an unsolicited email invitation to install an update. This email promises to update software, “for better performance, newer features and security”. It is important to note that at this time, this specific threat identified as Backdoor.Bifrose.AADY by BitDefender only affects Microsoft users with Mac users remaining unaffected.
BitDefender is a security vendor which provides anti-virus software. They state that PC users receive an email which provides instructions as well as a link to download the latest version of iTunes software. If you click on this link you will find yourself redirected to another page which looks like an authentic download page, however you are not updating software as promised. Instead a malicious code will be downloaded that opens a backdoor for unauthorized access and control of the PC. This can result in the malware reading the serial numbers of the software installed on the iPad as well as logging passwords used for protected storage and email accounts.
The following security measures recommended by BitDefender can prevent the inadvertent downloading of malicious malware onto the iPad or other devices.
- Never download or save files from people or sources you do not know. If you are interested in downloading software to your device, do so only from the official website of the producer- in this case Apple.
- Protect your device. Install and keep current software that will protect your device from malware, viruses, spyware and spam. This should include a firewall solution.
- There are times when even a trusted source inadvertently sends a virus via an attachment or file. You can protect yourself by either manually running a scan prior to opening a file or have it set up so that your security software does so automatically.
- Schedule frequent scans of your system.
With technology changing constantly it is necessary to always use caution when surfing the net or accessing email. Just as developers of anti-virus software react to the latest threat, their creators are working on another line of attack. By following the above tips you can reduce the chances of your device becoming infected with malicious software.