That's just like Apple to look out for its users. Researches at an IT security and data protection firm called Sophos are claiming that this week's major Snow Leopard update also beefed up the operating system's internal malware protection.

The alleged anti-malware update includes protection against the OSX/Pinhead-B Trojan (referred to as HellRTS by Apple), which is a backdoor Trojan that can allow remote hackers to gain control over Macs and steal important information--or, simply spy on all those website you're browsing.

Of course, the company isn't chiding Apple for this update. Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant, says that it's a good thing that Apple updated its malware protection. "This Trojan can give hackers the green light to send spam email from your computer, take screenshots of what you are doing, access your files and clipboard and much much more," he says.

But, he adds, "What's curious to me is why Apple didn't announce they were making this update in the release notes or security advisory that came with Mac OS X 10.6.4.  It's almost as if they don't want to acknowledge that there could be a malware threat on Mac OS X"

Regardless of Cluley's opinions on Apple's hush-hush malware protection, here's a video on how OS X zaps away malware.



Via 9to5

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