DailyTech - Some Fifth Generation Video iPods Carry Windows Trojan

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Gadgets Some Fifth Generation Video iPods Carry Windows Trojan
Chris Peredun - October 17, 2006 9:39 PM

32 comment(s) - last by Edward082.. on Oct 20 at 3:47 AM

Apple ships small number of iPods loaded with Troj/Bdoor-DIJ, takes potshot at Microsoft

Apple Computer has posted an article on its support site admitting that it has shipped a small number of fifth-generation Video iPods that contain, for your convenience, a pre-loaded Windows virus.

The iPods contain the Troj/Bdoor-DIJ trojan, which allows an attacker to access and control your system remotely. Apple has traced the source of the trojan to a single infected Windows machine at one of their manufacturers, and claims that "less than 1%" of the iPods shipped after September 12, 2006, are carrying the trojan.

Apple is apologetic, but evidently still not above taking potshots at rival Microsoft whenever the chance arises, writing "As you might imagine, we are upset at Windows for not being more hardy against such viruses, and even more upset with ourselves for not catching it."

To their credit, Apple does provide links to several free trials of anti-virus software, and gives simple instructions on cleaning the infected iPod via iTunes 7.

McDonalds of Japan suffered a similar, but larger setback when it was discovered that all 10,000 of the MP3 players they offered as prizes were infected with a trojan.

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Hmm...

By Bonrock on 10/18/2006 12:52:10 AM , Rating: 5

I could have believed this was an accident--until I read Apple's glib and incredibly arrogant comment blaming this incident on Windows. I'm generally not one for conspiracy theories, but this sounds a bit too convenient to me. Apple infects peoples' computers with a virus and then essentially says, "Oops, we're sorry. But by the way, if you had a Mac, this wouldn't be a problem. Are you sure we can't interest you in buying a Mac?"

RE: Hmm...

By sc3252 on 10/18/2006 1:18:25 AM , Rating: 2

I love this. I can just imagine apple reps calling people up or emailing their customers. "Hi this is apple. We are sorry to inform you that we have sent a virus with your ipod, you are fine if you have a mac, but windows computers are infected. If you did happen to have a windows computer, well thats what you get for owning a windows pc, thank you for your time and have a nice day, o yeah dont for get it was an accident, bye"

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RE: Hmm...

By tuteja1986 on 10/18/06, Rating: 0

RE: Hmm...

By othercents on 10/18/2006 11:08:36 AM , Rating: 2

This would definitely be a legal issue for Apple. They should have taken proper precautions against viruses and since they did not it could be considered intentional. They didn't take precautions for the purpose with the intention that they would be able to spreed viruses to Microsoft computers.

Instead of trying to help the computer industry they are trying to push their product and destroy the other products that are available.

Other

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Apple uses Window Machines?

By dhluke on 10/18/2006 8:20:24 AM , Rating: 2

How come no one is commenting on the fact that Apple just admitted that it's using windows machines? Granted, it's one of their contractors and not themselves, but wouldn't Apple required them to use Macs to put the software into their products?

RE: Apple uses Window Machines?

By Vertigo101 on 10/18/2006 9:15:10 AM , Rating: 3

Microsoft uses Apple machines as well...it's really not uncommon to have a mix of machines in larger businesses.

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RE: Apple uses Window Machines?

By Wwhat on 10/18/2006 10:23:40 AM , Rating: 2

Didn't microsoft use macs to design xbox360 games? it's a weird world eh.
But yeah I noticed it too, apple admitting they need windows machines to make ipods, amusing.

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RE: Apple uses Window Machines?

By Vertigo101 on 10/18/2006 12:44:38 PM , Rating: 2

The reason for that is that the Xbox 360 CPU is basically a crippled 3-core PowerPC, therefore the G5's were the closest production machines they could send out as developer kits.

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I wonder why they don't use Macs at the manufacturing center?

By Nekrik on 10/18/2006 1:12:00 AM , Rating: 4

It's also nice how they try to derail the focus from their shoddy quality control standards and lack of sufficient test measures to another company.

RE: I wonder why they don't use Macs at the manufacturing center?

By Christopher1 on 10/18/2006 9:50:07 PM , Rating: 2

True. They should have had a quality control person checking these things. Also, are these Windows computers they use connected to the internet somehow? That is where 99.99999999% of virus infections come from.

If it was a computer on an assembly line, there is no reason for it to be connected to the internet, it should go through ANOTHER freaking computer so this would not happen.

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This is why Macs are safer...

By Cunthor01 on 10/18/2006 12:46:41 AM , Rating: 5

... they infect Windows machines with trojans.

: \

By Chapbass on 10/18/2006 1:04:11 AM , Rating: 1

funny, my girlfriend just bought a nano ( :\ ) and now shes saying she has a trojan...then i happen upon this post...

and this is why i hate apple. not because of their products or their commercials (which are annoying to say the least), but the guerilla tactic political style BS they pull.

RE: : \

By PreOmegaZero on 10/18/2006 1:10:12 AM , Rating: 2

If you read the link, you'd see:
"The iPod nano, iPod shuffle and Mac OS X are not affected..."

Your GF got the trojan from somewhere else ;)

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RE: : \

By Chapbass on 10/18/2006 1:23:17 AM , Rating: 2

oh lame, now i actually DO have to do some work.

i was hoping to get outa this one :(

what i get for not RTFAing eh? got my hopes up too soon :P

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The worst part of owning a Mac...

By d4a2n0k on 10/18/2006 1:02:55 PM , Rating: 5

Is telling your parents you're gay.

Marketing...

By FrFx on 10/18/2006 1:24:37 PM , Rating: 4

Viral marketing in it's all glory ;)

Oh yes, this is SO an accident

By BioRebel on 10/18/2006 1:48:38 AM , Rating: 1

Looks like Steve Jobs is getting desperate to sell some macs. Once the iPod fad dies, MAC is gonna go under.

RE: Oh yes, this is SO an accident

By Christopher1 on 10/18/2006 9:53:30 PM , Rating: 2

I think as home machines, you are right, they are going to go under. However as business and graphics powerhouse machines, they will still be successful.

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Windows is the thing

By mforce on 10/18/06, Rating: 0

RE: Windows is the thing

By Christopher1 on 10/18/2006 9:52:17 PM , Rating: 2

The possibilities for infecting a APPLE pc are also almost endless. No OS from Linux, to Vista, to OSX can be COMPLETELY secure, and if someone wants to take the time to look, they are going to be able to find a problem with the OS and take it over.

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lame

By tobrien on 10/18/2006 8:06:36 AM , Rating: 2

That's pretty lame. Does Apple think that "apology" is going to keep them from getting sued?

Proof?

By shamgar03 on 10/18/2006 10:23:16 AM , Rating: 2

Proof that apple writes virus' for windows? They are probobly subsidized by macafee and symantec.

Almost a trend...

By Aikouka on 10/18/2006 10:29:31 AM , Rating: 2

Less than a week ago, McDonalds of Japan reported a similar incident with MP3 players being infected, and now Apple is reporting the same problem. It's almost awkward to see it happen so soon.

Just like I posted in the McDonalds news post, I'd put my money on it being someone on the inside putting a virus on one set of the master software (or in the case of the McDonalds fiasco, the only master set), or else someone is going to get fired for visiting... naughty sites :o!

too little too late

By Trisped on 10/18/2006 2:46:55 PM , Rating: 2

So, Apple attacks Microsoft because Windows isn't "Hardy Enough." I attack Apple becase their OS isn't powerful enough to make their own mp3 players. After all, if it had been an Apple computer, they wouldn't have been infected by a Windows virus. But because they couldn't run the software they needed on a Mac, they had to use a PC. How ironic. Apples do have virus/trojans

My real post is to complain about the lack of Apple inititive. They make iTunes. They know that EVERY iPod that docks with a windows PC is going to be also using iTunes. They know that some iPods are affect with 1 virus. Instead of creating an updated version of iTunes that will automaticly check to see if the trojan is installed on the computer/iPod and remove it, they just give people links to free virus scanners. How inteligent is that? I know when i was hit by a virus (the only time EVER in my 20+ years using a PC) I just downloaded a file from Norton that automaticly cleaned my PC of the infection. No problem. File was less then a 1MB too.

This is bad news for corporate security

By Edward082 on 10/20/2006 3:47:16 AM , Rating: 2

GFI just responded to this issue with an article that warns of how easy it is for viruses and other malware to be introduced to corporate network. Companies are easily affected by iPods infected with malware, since most don’t seem to be aware of the dangers of media players and other portable storage devices.

http://www.gfi.com/news/en/ipodvirus.htm

Practical Joke

By czarchazm on 10/18/06, Rating: -1

RE: Practical Joke

By probedb on 10/18/2006 5:04:06 AM , Rating: 2

So installing a trojan which allows an attacker to access and control your system remotely is a harmless joke?

Yeah I'd be laughing my head off at that one.

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