Automatic anti-malware mechanism receives updated definitions from Apple

Mar 22, 2013 14:38 GMT  ·  By

Apple has updated the Xprotect anti-malware mechanism in OS X to thwart a recently discovered Trojan dubbed “OSX.AdPlugin.i,” which disguised itself as a browser plugin in an effort to inject advertisements into the websites visited by the user.

As the screenshot above shows, Apple has updated the Xprotect.plst file on OS X computers to inject the proper anti-malware definitions required to block OSX.AdPlugin.i (also known as Yantoo), a new piece of adware reported by security specialists this week.

The malware attempts to create revenue by flashing ads, according to various experts in IT security. We have our own detailed report on the Trojan right here.

The malware has been labeled as low-risk, but you can never be too safe. It’s always reassuring to see that Apple is taking care of these small caveats via automatic updates.