Apple releases Flash Trojan removal tool and Java update

Apple has last night released a Java update that removes the Flashback malware from infected Macs. Earlier this week DrWeb showed that hundreds of thousand Apple computers worldwide were infected with this malicious piece of software, which was making use of a vulnerability found in Java.

In addition to detecting and removing the malware, the update also adds a number of precautions that should reduce the chances of a similar large-scale botnet in the future. The default Java-webplugin no longer will automatically execute Java-applets. This reduces the risk that users are installing malicious software without their knowledge.

The security update is recommended for every Mac user and can be downloaded via the ‘System Update’ in the Apple menu. More information regarding the tool can be found on the Apple support page.