Remove Flashback Trojan from Mac OS X with New Software Update from Apple

Apr 12, 2012 - 11 Comments

Flashback Malware Removal

Apple has released a new Java security update that automatically removes the most frequently occurring variations of the Flashback trojan malware. The software update is recommended for all Mac users to install, even if they have previously checked their systems for infection.

To get the update and remove any malware that is potentially on a Mac, simply download the “Java for OS X 2012-003” update from Software Update found within the  Apple menu. There is no manual checking or removal required, simply installing the update from Apple resolves any potential infection for you.

The new Java update also disables automatic execution of Java applets, providing further security against potential threats down the road. Release notes are as follows:

This Java security update removes the most common variants of the Flashback malware.

This update also configures the Java web plug-in to disable the automatic execution of Java applets. Users may re-enable automatic execution of Java applets using the Java Preferences application. If the Java web plug-in detects that no applets have been run for an extended period of time it will again disable Java applets.

This update is recommended for all Mac users with Java installed.

For details about this update see: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5242

All Mac users should install the update as soon as possible. For extra protection, don’t miss our recent post on some simple tips to secure Mac OS X from viruses, malware, and trojans.

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Posted by: Paul Horowitz in Mac OS, News, Security

11 Comments

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  1. […] Apple has released a standalone removal tool that targets Flashback malware infections. The separate utility is recommended for Mac users who do not have Java installed on their OS X Lion machine, but it’s functionality is identical to that performed by the most recent Java update to remove Flashback. […]

  2. Tony says:

    If in software update, the Remove tool is not show up, is propably ( my case ) cause JAVA is not installed/used/set_up / in use or what ever similar process…

  3. Dave says:

    Update didn’t show up in Apple—SftwrUpdt for my MB Air ’11. Had to find direct link in apple.com/support for the file.
    http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1515

  4. Matthew says:

    Audio is not working sense updating anyone else have this issue

  5. Dani says:

    Can anyone tell me if this is the right version to downloade:

    http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1516

    The software update on my mac does not work..

  6. Carlos says:

    Even with the New Software Update, I need to completely disable Java as shown below?

    1a) Disable Java in Safari
    1b) Disable Java System-Wide in Mac OS X
    https://osxdaily.com/2012/04/07/tips-secure-mac-from-virus-trojan/

    • matt says:

      No, the new update secures Java from Flashback. Keeping it disabled could prevent against theoretical future attacks, but it is unknown.

  7. […] Apple has released a Java software update that includes automatic detection and Flashback removal ability. Go to “Software Update” from the  Apple menu to download that update and […]

  8. […] recent outbreak of the Flashback trojan (Apple released an update and fix, get it!) has brought a lot of attention to potential viruses and trojans hitting the Mac platform. Most of […]

  9. […] Apple has released an official update that removes Flashback with a Software Update. Download the latest Java updates from the OS X Software Update panel to automatically remove […]

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