I want my readers to be aware that there is a Mac security threat (called a "trojan horse") making its rounds across the internet. This malware, named the OSX.RSPlug.A Trojan Horse, is apparently associated with suggestive photos/videos of pop train-wreck Britney Spears. Please note that this is not virus — meaning that it can’t self-propagate from one machine to another.
When you believe that you have found the video of Ms. Spears and click to watch it, you receive a message stating that your machine lacks the necessary codec. A disk image will then start downloading, and it can then mount and launch an installer which asks for your admin password. If you enter the password, you have allowed the trojan horse to be installed.
Of course, you should NEVER install anything that you receive from an untrusted source. (Note: I won't comment or pass judgment on the impropriety of searching for or viewing suggestive videos or photos of scantily clad or nude pop stars.) If you find your machine is infected, Macworld has outlined the necessary steps to remove the trojan horse from your machine.
While I know that it is somewhat disconcerting to have to remember that malware exists, since it's not something that Mac users face that often, don't forget that this particular threat only poses a problem if you are careless and give your Mac permission to install it. Even with this threat, Mac OS X is still quite safe and secure, and I don't plan to get any "security software" at this time.
Source: "Trojan Horse Warning: What You Need to Know" by Rob Griffiths, published at Macworld.
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