Malware infection found in half a million Mac computers

Washington, Apr 6 (ANI): Half a million Apple computers have been found infected with the malware named Flashback Trojan, a Russian anti-virus firm claimed.

The software, Dr. Web, has found that about 600,000 Macs installed, have the malware infected, which is potentially allowing them to be hijacked and use them as "botnet".

The firm also said that over half the number are based in the US.

Though Apple has released a security update, but users who still haven't installed the patch, remain at risk.

"By introducing the code, criminals are potentially able to control the machine," the BBC quoted the firm's Chief Executive, Boris Sharov, as saying.

"We stress the word potential as we have never seen any malicious activity since we hijacked the botnet to take it out of criminals' hands. However, we know people create viruses to get money," he added.

The malware, Flashback, was first detected last September, when anti-virus researchers released a software which posed itself as a Flash Player update. Once it was downloaded, it deactivated some of the computer's security software.

Dr Web also identified that 274 of the infected computers it detected, appeared to be located in Cupertino, California which is the home to Apple's headquarters.

Apple was unavailable for any comment. (ANI)