Intego discovered a new OS X malware last week. Based on its report, however, this new malware is a variant of an early Mac OS X malware that was first seen in 2004. It was reported that cybercriminals have been using several different forums to distribute copies of this new variant.

This OS X malware arrives on a system as a package purporting to be an iPhoto installer. iPhoto is a Mac application that allows users to easily edit and manage photos on their computers. Trend Micro detects this malware as OSX_HELLRTS.A. It acts as a backdoor program that can allow remote attackers to gain direct access to an infected Mac computer. Users who unwittingly install this malicious package are at risk of having their systems compromised and controlled by cybercriminals.

Mac users are protected by Trend Micro™ Smart Protection Network™ against this threat by detecting and preventing the malicious package from being installed onto a user’s system. Mac users are thus strongly advised to use Trend Micro Smart Surfing for Mac.