Microsoft Mac Business Unit Hacked: Report

Microsoft has acknowledged that its Mac software business unit was recently infected with malware. However, the company insists that the infection did not result in any customer data being compromised.

Microsoft Trustworthy Computing Security chief Matt Thomlinson recently made this statement on the firm's security blog:

"During our investigation, we found a small number of computers, including some in our Mac business unit, that were infected by malicious software using techniques similar to those documented by other organizations."

No Customer Data Compromised

Thomlinson went on to say that the firm does not believe any customer data was affected, though admits that the investigation associated with the matter has not been completed. (Source: cnet.com)

Thomlinson added that "this type of cyber attack is no surprise to Microsoft," and that the Redmond, Washington-based firm, like other companies, "must grapple with determined and persistent adversaries."

Thomlinson concluded by promising that Microsoft would "continually re-evaluate" its "security posture" in order to prevent similar attacks from taking place in the future. (Source: mashable.com)

Attack Originated in China, Microsoft Says

Microsoft says it believes the attack may have originated in China -- also no surprise given recent reports that Chinese hackers with links to that nation's military may be carrying out many hacks against major Western private companies and public agencies.

In recent weeks, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post have all admitted to being hacked. In those cases, infiltrators allegedly targeted the computers of employees.

Microsoft competitor Apple also faced attack last week. The Cupertino, California-based firm said it did not believe any data had been lost as a result of the hack.

According to CNET executive editor Charles Cooper, this could be "the new normal." Cooper points to a recent McAfee malware report which shows that the number of Trojan malware programs designed to steal passwords rose approximately 72 per cent in the last quarter alone. (Source: cnet.com)