Tech Shout!

On Friday, Symantec detailed a new proof-of-concept virus that has come up for Mac OS X. Though the malware has been giving a very low risk rating, researchers say it highlights the fact that no operating system is immune from viruses.

The virus called ‘OSX.Macarena,’ infects files in the current folder on the compromised computer. Symantec has updated its definition files to remove the virus and repair the files, although it’s unlikely even one Mac OS X system has been affected till now.

Apple has always boasted the security of its operating system as a key advantage over Windows, which has seen a constant attack of viruses and other malware for years. Although such proof-of-concept viruses have appeared in the past, Macs have been spared from actual real world attacks.

But that doesn’t mean users should let their guard down says Swa Frantzen from the SANS Internet Storm Center. “To be honest the virus is no big deal in itself. But it is yet another warning for a lot of parties involved,” said Frantzen, who noted there is no “magic shield” for the Mac.

Frantzen said, “As we said before the ability to have viruses and all sorts of other malware is inherently available in all modern operating systems, Mac, Linux, BSD, … included. It is a warning to get antivirus protection for those Macs, even if the shopkeeper told you do not need it, even if there are no viruses in the wild today.”