Nowadays, more and more PC user move into Mac OSX environment. Infecting a Mac OS will become more and more popular in the coming few years. Apple always claim that Mac OSX is virus-free. Yes, that is true, when they are still in the PowerPC generation. Once they changed to Intel architecture, it is easier for virus writer to write code in other OS, which can also run in Mac OS.
Using AutoRun with USB flash drives If you place an Autorun.inf file in the root folder of a CD or DVD and the Autorun.inf file contains an OPEN command pointing to a program file (e.g. OPEN=MYAPP.EXE), the program is launched automatically when you insert the CD/DVD in a drive. Is there any way to automatically launch an application on USB attach or CD insert on Mac OS X? It's easy on Windows, but I found that AutoRun.Inf does not work on the Mac at all. USB AutoRun is the term used when specific, predetermined digital content is automatically launched from your flash drive as soon as it is plugged into a memory port. The content can include items like a web page, interactive menu, multimedia presentation, a document, or an entire application. Note: Mac operating systems cannot use AutoRun. The first thing that we want to do is create an 'autorun' file, so right click within the folder and select 'new text document'. Rename it as 'autorun.inf' and then double click on it to open it up. Type: AutoRun open=launch.exe -a. Then click File Save. This will autorun a program called 'launch.exe' that we're going to make right now. A small autorun identification and risk removal tool that can help you clean your USB devices from such potentially dangerous content What's new in USB.
However, long time ago Apple notified that USB autorun is a dangerous thing, even though it is very conveninet for user. This feature is excluded from the system long time ago. As a result, the techniques mentioned in the previous post are not possible to perform in Mac OS. The only way I think that can be used to infect Mac OS is like the boot virus, eg. inject a jump instruction in the boot sector of the USB storage device.
Instead of describing how the infection can be done, I want to introduce an interesting USB virus (Although I think this is a hoax) and some other viruses on Mac. The USB virus is developed by Troika, an art and design studio located in London. They published the demo of this virus on the web with name Newton. This virus will break the Mac OS in piece, and they claimed that the effect only appeared once. Here is the demo of the virus:
The first worm on Mac OS X was discovered in Feb, 2006, announced by SophosLabs. This worm spreads via iChat instant messenger, forwarding itself as a file called latestpics.tgz to contacts on the infected users’ buddy list. When the latestpics.tgz archive file is opened on a computer it disguises its contents with a JPEG graphic icon in an attempt to fool people into thinking it is harmless.
“This is the first real virus for the Mac OS X platform,” continued Graham Cluley – Senior Technology Consultant in SophosLabs. “Apple Mac users need to be just as careful running unknown or unsolicited code on their computers as their friends and colleagues running Windows.”
For more detail about this first virus on Mac OS X, please visit this link:
Only one worm, disproved the virus-free promise from Apple.
P.S. Apple changed its virus-free statement to “Designed with security in mind, Mac OS X isn’t plagued by constant attacks from viruses and malware. Likewise, it isn’t inundated by never-ending security dialogs.”
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Updated: January 8, 2020 Home » Computer and Internet Security
Prevention is always better than cure, the old saying goes. Just like most computer security, it is better to prevent any unwanted intrusion than to cure the computer system from viral infection due to malicious software. For years, Autorun-based malware has been one of the world’s most favorite malware spreading method, with notorious representatives such as Trojan.AutorunInf, the Conficker worm (Win32.Worm.Downadup) or Worm.Autorun.VHD.
Alternative 2020 Article ➤ Top 6 Free Antivirus For Microsoft Windows 10 [ Reviews & Comparison ]
Usb Autorun Creator For Mac
Web safe fonts for mac and pc. Here are 6 free software by well known security company that disables the autorun features in your Microsoft Windows XP, 7, and 8 system. Who needs autorun? Personally, the disadvantage outweighs the advantage. These software is useful if your parents are not tech savvy.
↓ 01 – Bitdefender USB Immunizer
USB Immunizer is perhaps one of the best in the market, it disables autorun-related threats before they access the computer. Once installed, it constantly watches for newly inserted USB storage devices and immunizes them on the fly. If you accidentally plug in an infected USB drive that has not been immunized, the computer will not auto-execute the piece of malware located on the USB storage device.
As soon as your USB peripheral is inserted, the software scan it automatically and seeks for a malicious program, if a such file is detected, the software will be shown and asks you to click on the “Delete” button to remove all files associated with the program.
↓ 02 – USB Guardian
USB Guardian is a special software application that scan the USB for known signs of Worms and Viruses, this prevents your computer from getting infected with nasty viruses from worms like Conficker (aka Downandup, Downadup and Kido!) which have spread already to over 9 million computers.
As shown in the screen shot above, the user interface is simple and easy to use. Select and click on the buttons will do the trick of disabling USB Autorun.
↓ 03 – Ninja Pendisk
Ninja Pendisk took a different approach, it requires no installation and is 100% portable. This ninja awaits quietly in the system tray for the times whenever a USB thumbdrive is inserted on the computer which will be examined to uncover the commonly malicious or virulent files known as “autorun.inf” and “ctfmon.exe” amongst many others.
Phone activation is not available.
This product will not function without mandatory activation and registration via the Internet.
Ninja Pendisk blocks all virus and Trojan that try to spread to your computer system when an USB device is inserted. Normally a virus spreads through the autorun feature found in Windows, unlike a worm which exploit your computer due to security weakness and duplicate itself without you clicking on the program, a virus and Trojan does not have the capability to spread itself without the ‘click’ by the user.
↓ 04 – StopAutorun (Discontinued)
With the latest technology and detection algorithms, StopAutorun has the ability to respond to new types of viruses by stopping autorun from running, unlike other software, it also provides detailed information on the infiltration of threats and leakage of information, this helps you to understand where the threat is coming. This function will be useful for offices and computers with multiple users, where the the source of the virus is unknown. Download now! Features:
- Protecting your PC from viruses directly from removable media
- Create report characteristics of removable storage devices and detection of threats
- Detailed statistics removable media
- Send reports in the mail
- Simple and intuitive interface for viewing reports and program options
↓ 05 – Panda USB Vaccine
Panda security is well known for its cloud antivirus, however, this Panda vaccine for USB devices software is equally good. Panda USB Vaccine is a free solution designed to protect against this threat. It offers a double layer of preventive protection, allowing users to disable the AutoRun feature on computers as well as on USB drives and other devices.
↓ 06 – USB FireWall
USB FireWall is a free application that protects you from malicious programs whenever there is a new flash USB inserted into the drive. This application will inform you if it finds this kind of malicious software on your flash drive or external hard drive or event on your camera or any other USB drive.
Advice
A full fledge antivirus is still the best option, having said that, these USB protector is not a proper antivirus solution. If you dislike installting unnecessary software, try manually disabling Microsoft Windows XP, 7 or 8 autorun for USB with this simple tutorial.
Internet Security Threat Report
In 2013, much attention was focused on cyber-espionage, threats to privacy and the acts of malicious insiders. However, the end of 2013 provided a painful reminder that cyber-crime remains prevalent and that damaging threats from cyber-criminals continue to face businesses and consumers. The 2014 ISTR covers the threat landscape broadly, but this video highlights some key findings that deserve special attention.