Transmission torrent app red flagged for malware on Mac OS X

Transmission has been one of the longtime favourite apps for sharing and downloading torrent files on Mac OS X and has been recently flagged for malware. Being open sourced software, the Transmission BitTorrent client version downloaded last Friday or Saturday are sketchy and are downloaders are being warned to update to the latest 2.92 version to avoid being targeted by a ransomware that infiltrated an earlier version of the open source software.

KeRanger is the is believed to be the "first fully functional" ransomware on the OS X platform. When incorporated into an app, the malware connects to a remote server via the Tor anonymizing service, then "begins encrypting certain types of document and data files on the system."

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Logitech ConferenceCam Kit teamed with Intel NUC brings affordable conference room solution

The new Logitech ConferenceCam Kit with Intel's NUC video conferencing system brings affordable and connected conference room solutions to market. Configured and validated by Logitech and Intel for performance, simplicity and compatibility, the ConferenceCam Kit includes a Logitech ConferenceCam, Intel NUC and Intel Unite application.

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Apply virtual makeup in real time with FaceCake’s new augmented reality tool

Trying on clothes using augmented reality isn’t new but what about makeup? FaceCake has introduced a new AR platform to let you try on makeup shades using your browser. The other good thing is it happens in real time. Online cosmetics store Cargo partners with FaceCake to put the technology to use. They started off with products like lipstick and eyeshadow. The AR tool works with HTML5 and JavaScript so as long as you have a browser running that and a webcam ready, you can try on as many shades as you want.

Source: SlashGear

OS X hit by first ransomware via Transmission BitTorrent client

Apple’s Mac operating system has been hit by the “first fully functional” ransomware threat via the Transmission BitTorrent client. According to Claud Xiao and Jin Chen of Palo Alto Networks, “attackers infected two installers of Transmission version 2.90 with KeRanger on the morning of March 4.” Once installed, the malware connected to a remote server via the Tor anonymizing service and it “begins encrypting certain types of document and data files on the system.” It then “demands that victims pay one bitcoin (about $400) to a specific address to retrieve their files.” If you downloaded the app on Friday or Saturday, it’s recommended you download the 2.92 update to avoid being targeted by the ransomware. And here are steps to identify and remove the malware if it was installed.

Apple on the same day the threat was discovered revoked the signing certificate involved to prevent new installations of the infected version via the iOS-like GateKeeper signed-app security system. They also automatically distributed an OS X XProtect antivirus signature to flag or quarantine existing compromised downloads. With these measures up, those who try to open a known-infected version of the app will get a warning dialog box that notes “Transmission.app will damage your computer. You should move it to the Trash,” or “Transmission can’t be opened. You should eject the disk image.”

Source: Apple Insider