New Mac Virus Targets Porn Surfers

SAN FRANCISCO — Adult webmasters and consumers of adult entertainment should take note: using a Mac is no guarantee of safety against viruses.

A new virus targets online porn hunters. It prompts users to download a free video player, but instead it delivers a payload of malicious code, according to Mac security software vendor Intego, which first reported the virus in an alert posted Wednesday.

“A malicious Trojan Horse has been found on several pornography web sites, claiming to install a video codec necessary to view free pornographic videos on Macs,” Intego stated in its alert. “A great deal of spam has been posted to many Mac forums, in an attempt to lead users to these sites.”

Internet technology expert Brandon Shalton told XBIZ that Mac users should be prepared for more attacks.

"Mac folks always were so proud of the fact that Macs didn't have as many viruses," said Shalton, founder of the traffic analysis service T3Report.com. "Well, look at the proportions of Windows-based [computers] versus Mac, and the numbers explain why windows gets targeted more. There are more people to target. The virus writers want to do a lot of damage for whatever their benefits are, so you go where the masses are. Now, I think the virus writers probably see Mac as a challenge."

Once installed, the virus morphs into a phishing machine, stealing the user's personal information and passwords while directing the user to fraudulent phishing websites and hitting the user with unsolicited pop-up ads.

The good news is that the virus depends on human gullibility to proliferate – it doesn't exploit a vulnerability in the Mac OS, unlike the first recorded Mac virus, which used Mac's iChat program as a dispersal mechanism.

Windows is still the dominant player in the home-computer market, with more than 90 percent of the market share, but Apple's market share has grown from 2 percent to 8 percent. That success will inevitably bring more threats, according to Internet analyst Bojan Zdrnja.

"Mac users should not think they are invulnerable just by using a Mac and that they can click on absolutely everything," he said.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

WannaCollab Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

WannaCollab has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Show More