virus

Come to find out, Macs aren't virus-proof. There's a new trojan virus spreading through Mac computers at an alarming rate — over 600,000 could be infected now, 57 percent of those being in the US. The virus disguises itself as an Adobe Flash Player installer, and after you've installed what you think is an update to Flash, the malware then seeks out passwords and log-in information stored on your computer.

There are a few ways to find out if your computer is infected, but there is also one simple way to prevent the effects of the virus — download the latest security update from Apple! This will close any loopholes and vulnerabilities in order to keep your computer (and your information) secure.

Source: Flickr user neenio

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There's a new trojan virus on the block, and instead of infecting your computer with malware or copying your data, it's actually stealing your money. Over 3,000 people in the UK have already been emptied of nearly $1 million dollars to date from the Zeus3 trojan, and while this sounds like the perfect time to panic, the only "silver lining" for the rest of us is that the trojan has affected customers from just one online banking system . . . so far.

There is one major problem, though. Find out what it is, and how the trojan works when you read more.

Keeping up-to-date on all the latest gadget, website, and Internet scams and viruses can be a daunting task. And if you thought because you're a Mac-head that you're excluded from the fun, think again. The latest malware infestation to hit the tech world is aimed at iPad users.

Specifically, the malware is targeting iPad owners that use a Windows computer to update their iTunes software. Here's the details: victims of the virus receive an email marked "iPad Software Update" and are given a link that looks like a legit iTunes software download page. This, however is a fake page, and after being downloaded, opens up your machine to malicious hackers that can gain access to your computer at any time, and even get a hold of your personal info, keychains, passwords, and serial numbers. Find out how to tell if you're about to download this malware, just read more.

In what might be seen as another reason to panic, public health officials have issued a warning about a "potentially deadly airborne fungus" spreading in the Pacific Northwest. The fungus was first seen 10 years ago in Canada and has since spread through Washington with recent cases in both Portland and Northern California. The "killer fungus" has triggered an infection in its victims that can cause pneumonia and meningitis. According to records, a little more than 50 cases have been reported, with 10 of those being fatal.

Scary? Yes. But not panic worthy. At least that's the message the CDC told WebMD.

"We wouldn't recommend that people change their habits in any way," Julie Harris, PhD, MPH, a staff epidemiologist with the CDC, tells WebMD. "We wouldn't recommend people stay indoors or don't go hiking or don't go outdoors."

The infection only happens from inhaling the microbial pathogen, but even then officials say that contraction is extremely rare. Also of importance is that it's not contagious, meaning another person cannot infect you.

If you do hike in these areas, keep in mind the symptoms associated with the infection. If infected, these symptoms will arrive two to eight months after exposure: severe headache, fever, chills, and shortness of breath.

While we at Fit don't want to freak you out, we know how important it is to be aware of what's out there. Since hiking presents a new set of challenges – bugs and rocky terrain come to mind — make sure to always play it extra safe.