Palo Alto Networks has identified a new virus that it said can attack iPhones and iPads when they are connected to Macintosh computers via USB. ‘WireLurker’ is the name given to the malware, which is embedded in some apps for Macintosh computers. More than 350,000 infected apps have been downloaded so far, according to one report.
Developers say the hackers who created WireLurker have not yet made their intentions clear. Researchers told Reuters that to date, infected users have had contacts stolen from their address books, but apparently have not lost id or financial information.
Tips for avoiding WireLurker include avoiding third-party app stores and unknown USB chargers. Apple says it has identified and blocked some apps that can launch WireLurker. Updating to the latest version of iOS can also help protect devices.
WireLurker appears to have started in China, and is reportedly hosted by Maiyadi, a Chinese app store.
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