Mac owners unaffected

Apr 26, 2010 14:01 GMT  ·  By
A screenshot of the malicious email directing unwary iPad owners to the malware in question
   A screenshot of the malicious email directing unwary iPad owners to the malware in question

Security firm BitDefender has identified a virus targeting early iPad adopters. The threat comes in the form of an email promising “…best performance, newer features and security,” which instructs users to download the latest version of iTunes onto their PC, and perform an update for their tablet device.

“Although the iPad has not yet been officially released for sale in the UK, BitDefender has already identified malware targeting the early adopters,” the company states on its website. The email in question contains a malicious link that takes users to what BitDefender calls “a perfect imitation of the one they would use for legitimate iTunes software downloads.” Once the user follows all the required steps, the process ends with malware being downloaded onto their system.

“Identified by BitDefender as Backdoor.Bifrose.AADY, the piece of malicious code inadvertently downloaded injects itself into the explorer.exe process and opens up a backdoor that allows unauthorized access to and control over the affected system,” the security firm reports. “Moreover, Backdoor.Bifrose.AADY attempts to read the keys and serial numbers of the various software installed on the affected computer, while also logging the passwords to the victim’s ICQ, Messenger, POP3 mail accounts, and protected storage,” BitDefender warns.

It is unclear why the company entitled its latest security memo “Warning on Early iPad Virus,” since the malware actually affects Windows-running PCs.

“It is important to say that Mac users remain unaffected by this piece of malware,” the computer-security experts outline. BitDefender then proceeds to recommend means of protection, to ensure users steer clear of this problem.

On the Malware City blog, BitDefender’s Sabina Datcu stresses that, “The e-mail emphasizes that users should keep their iPad software updated ‘for best performance, newer features and security’,” which is described as an effort to add more credibility.

Apple’s WiFi-only iPad is currently available in the U.S. The company has confirmed plans to launch the 3G capable version on April 30 in the country, while both versions are to be released in several other territories come the end of May.