A new malware briefly flared in the Macworld this weekend but there’s only an extremely slim chance your Mac has been affected. Don’t panic at the inevitable hype: here’s how to protect yourself.

Start here: Do you use Transmission?

If you don’t, you’ll be fine.

Synopsis

The Transmission 2.9 BitTorrent client release was undermined by malware writers who inserted ‘KeRanger’ code that encrypts all your Mac’s files and then demands around $400 to unlock your data.

Apple’s reaction

Apple reacted swiftly. Within hours of the release an important Apple-provided security certificate was withdrawn by Cupertino and a new version of Transmission was made available that did not include the criminal code. Apple will doubtless be strenuously investigating how this code gained certification.

To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here