Mac Users Vulnerable to Flashback Virus

Several Mac computers on the University of Arkansas campus were affected by malicious software known as Flashback that has infected more than 600,000 Macs worldwide. The IT Services Security Team strongly recommends that Mac OS X users immediately install the latest Apple security updates and the latest version of Symantec Antivirus software. Get information on updating Apple software and virus definitions at http://techarticles.uark.edu/169 and install the latest version of Symantec AntiVirus at http://its.uark.edu/antivirus.

The Flashback virus targets a vulnerability in Java software on Mac computers and is designed to steal personal information without the user noticing. In response to the virus outbreak, Apple released two updates, "Java for OS X 2012-13" and "Java for Mac OS X 10.6 Update 8." More information about the updates is available at http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5244.

The IT Services Security Team continues to monitor this virus and will provide further information when available. Find up-to-the-minute IT Security updates at http://techarticles.uark.edu/security/news_and_update_notifications/. Report security concerns or ask questions by contacting security@uark.edu.