New malware has been discovered, which specifically targets Apple, Inc. products. It’s called “WireLurker.”
The vicious virus was discovered by cybersecurity software maker Palo Alto Networks, based out of Santa Clara, California. WireLurker zeroes in on OS X desktop software and Apple’s iOS mobile operating system, downloading malicious third party apps on iPhones and iPads.
The malware seems to be targeting users only in China now, according to The New York Times. But the West isn’t out the clear yet, as the breach has the potential to grow into a much larger threat. As The Times notes, Palo Alto Networks says the malware is “the biggest in scale we have ever seen.” It has been active in China for the last six months- first infecting Mac computers.
It is called WireLurker because of the malware’s ability to sense when you plug an iPhone or iPad into your computer running OS X. Once that happens, it begins to install malicious apps on your device. Once installed, the malware can collect information from iOS devices, including contacts and iMessages, with capabilities to request updates from attackers.
It’s unclear what the malware creator is after, but the code is continuously being updated, and is deemed active.