Malicious software or malware normally targets desktop connected to the internet. It is very seldom that a malware seeks to get into a mobile operating system or an Apple iOS for that matter.
"WireLurker" is capable of doing just that, thus ushering a new era of malware attacks in both OS X and iOS, reports Digital Trends.
A research work published on Palo Alto Networks says that "WireLurker" has been targeting both Mac OS and iOS systems for the past six months.
"This malware family herald a new era in malware attacking Apple's desktop and mobile platforms," the research said.
The white paper also notes that the malware is the biggest in scale and comes with several firsts, looking at its character.
"It is the first malware that can infect installed iOS applications similar to a traditional virus. It is also the first malware that can automate the generation of malicious iOS applications through binary replacement. And lastly, it is the first malware to install third-party applications on non-jailbroken iOS devices through enterprise provisioning," details the Palo Alto Networks white paper.
However, "WireLurker" is only the second known malware that attacks iOS devices through OS X via a USB connection, added the research.
While it appears that the malware started to spread through a third party OS X app store in China and that infections are limited in that country at the moment, precautions must already be undertaken in other parts of the world to prevent "WireLurker from spreading," enthuses Digital Trends.
How to Prevent It
Like an infectious disease, "WireLurker" can 'contaminate' an iOS device only if there is physical contact, or in this case a USB connection to a Mac running on OS X already infected with the malware.
It is transmitted and 'lurks' in the wire connection that is why it is called "WireLurker," states the research paper.
With that being said, it is quite easy for users who have iOS devices to know right away how to prevent the malware from getting into their iPhones or iPads - make sure that the Mac OS X that you will connect to is malware-free!
Still, here are five key tips to prevent "WireLurker" from invading your mobile devices and possibly wreaking havoc on your installed applications:
1. Do not connect your iOS device with untrusted and unknown accessories, computers, or devices.
2. Do not power your iOS device through chargers from untrusted and unknown sources.
3. Do not pair your iOS device with untrusted and unknown computers or devices.
4. Always update your iOS to the latest version.
5. Do not jailbreak your iOS device. But if it is already jailbroken, use only credible Cydia community sources.
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