Apple is working on a tool to detect and remove a computer virus that has taken control of hundreds of thousands of Mac computers worldwide, but faces criticism for its apparently slow response to the threat.
The Trojan virus exploits vulnerability in Java, a programming language widely used by interactive websites, to steal personal information. Third party security firms have detected infections on more than 600,000 Macs, which have been co-opted into a remotely-controlled "botnet",
As well as creating a tool to remove Flashback, Apple said it was working with internet service providers in an effort to disrupt the “command and control” network used by the criminals behind it.
“In addition to the Java vulnerability, the Flashback malware relies on computer servers hosted by the malware authors to perform many of its critical function,” Apple said on its technical support website.
“Apple is working with ISPs worldwide to disable this command and control network.”
Apple released a patch for the Java vulnerability exploited by Flashback last week, but according to security firms, it had already tricked hundreds of thousands into handing over control of their Mac.
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