Cyber Security Firm Finds New Malware Affecting Apple (AAPL) Devices

Cyber security software maker Palo Alto Networks [PAN] said it discovered a new form of iOS malware affecting Apple’s (AAPL) OS X desktop and iOS mobile operating systems. The malware, called WireLurker, uses infected OSX machines connected to iPhones and iPads to infect a mobile device. The virus was first used to trojanize 467 OS X apps in China after being distributed on the Maiyadi App Store, which acts as a third-party app provider for OSX computers.

“WireLurker monitors any iOS device connected via USB with an infected OS X computer and installs downloaded third-party applications or automatically generated malicious applications onto the device, regardless of whether it is jailbroken”, Palo Alto Networks’ Claud Xiao said in a statement.

“This is the reason we call it “wire lurker”. Researchers have demonstrated similar methods to attack non-jailbroken devices before; however, this malware combines a number of techniques to successfully realize a new brand of threat to all iOS devices.”

According to PAN, the new form of iOS malware “marks a new era in malware across Apple’s mobile and desktop platforms.”