For years Apple users have crowed over their Windows-based peers for being subjected to viruses and vicious malware programs. But news has broken today which leads many in the industry to believe that, as the company’s user-base grows, we’re entering a new era of Apple attacks by cyber criminals.

A technology security firm in California, Palo Alto Networks, has revealed details of all-new malware designed specifically to affect those using Apple’s iOS and OS X operating systems. That pretty much means that if you own an iPhone or a Mac, you could be at risk.

The malware has been called ‘WireLurker’ and has the capability to steal users’ information. It’s spread via a third-party app store called Maiyadi, and so far has been detected in 467 apps, which have been downloaded a total of 356,000 times. WireLurker is then downloaded to Mac computers when an infected iOS is connected via USB.

WireLurker checks to see if the infected iPhone is jailbroken – an illegal move designed to slip past certain restrictions put in place by Apple. If it is, the malware can immediately back-up the apps to the Mac, infect them, then place them back on the iPhone. But those who haven’t had their phone jailbroken are no more secure. WireLurker simply tricks users into accepting an infected app’s phoney security certificates, before installing malicious code. This allows hackers access to pretty much any data on the devices.

It was discovered by Palo Alto Networks’ threat intelligence team, who have described WireLurker as, ‘the first known malware family that can infect installed iOS applications similar to how a traditional virus would.’ The malware appears to have originated in China, and therefore it is Chinese users who have been most affected so far. Nevertheless, Palo Alto Networks echoes the words of antivirus expert Eugene Kasperksy, who last year predicted that Apple would soon be targeted by cyber criminals. They stated that WireLurker ‘marks a new era in malware across Apple’s desktop and mobile platforms.’ That, according to the company, represents, ‘a potential threat to businesses, governments and Apple customers worldwide.’

So far, Apple has refused to comment on the incident.

Recently, it seems that there’s been fresh cyber attacks in the news every week. If you’re concerned about the security of your IT systems, or just looking for IT support in London, we can help. Here at Tristar IT we offer comprehensive IT support services in London and the surrounding areas. To find out how we can assist your business, simply contact us on 01707 378453 or email us at sales@tristarsupport.co.uk.