WireLurker – The First Malware in iOS

We all already know that Android is prone to malware attacks. However, recently, we have heard new news of the first malware that infecting iOS. The malware is called WireLurker.  The malware is quite impressive and it targets both Mac OS and iOS systems for the past six months.

It infects Apple’s desktop and mobile platform from the distribution of repackaged OS X application, via USB or through automated generation of malicious iOS applications through binary file replacement. It is the first known malware that attacks iOS applications through traditional virus and it is the first malware to install third party applications on non-jailbroken iOS devices through enterprise provisioning.

How it works:

If the OS X Macbook has been infected by the malware, it will monitor whether there is any iOS device connected to it. When there is iOS device connected to it, it will install downloaded third-party applications or automatically generated malicious application onto the device whether it is jailbroken or not.

WireLurker exhibits complex code structure, multiple component versions, file hiding, code obfuscation and customized encryption to thwart anti-reversing. The malware is capable to steal any information from the mobile device that is infected and send updates to the attackers command and control server.

In the event if you want to prevent your Apple’s device from WireLurker or similar threats, you can do a simple protection by using a mobile security application like GlobalProtect, installed antivirus or security protection application for Mac OS X system and keep it up to date as well as ensuring that “Allow apps downloaded from Mac App Store” is ticked in the OS X System Preferences panel under “Security & Privacy”.

 

WireLurker – The First Malware in iOS