Just for your information, there are some screen savers being distributed that have "spyware" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spyware) in them. These screen savers attempt to install the spyware at the same time as the screen savers are being distributed.

See the links below for more information but, basically, the advice coming out of this incident boils down to:
(...from: http://rixstep.com/2/20100601,01.shtml)

Bottom line:

  1. Don't download any lame screen savers. Seriously. Get a clue.
  2. Absolutely don't download anything from 7art-screensavers.com.
  3. Don't give your pass phrase to a bl**dy screen saver. Get serious.


Wayne Billing
Classroom Technology Support
Audio Visual and Classroom Technology Support
123 Fletcher Argue Building
474-6649
474-7598 (fax)
Wayne_Billing@umanitoba.ca

Begin forwarded message:

From: Doug Hamilton <doug_hamilton@umanitoba.ca>
Date: June 2, 2010 3:56:37 PM CDT
To: C-REPs compureps <um-compureps@lists.umanitoba.ca>
Subject: [C-REPS] FYI - OSX/OpinionSpy

Hello,

Just a follow up regarding the "spyware" class of application produced by Premier Opinion, and was reported by Intego which they dubbed "OSX/OpinionSpy". Premier Opinion provides analytics to software developers. The method of installation is legitimate, below is a screen shot of the installer.


I believe a total of two business were distributing Premier Opinion with their Mac OS X applications "7art-screensavers" and "MishInc FLV to Mp3".

If you require further information, here are a few additional links.
http://rixstep.com/2/20100601,01.shtml
http://osxdaily.com/2010/06/01/spyware-on-the-mac/

If you find a system with this software, here is a manual removal process.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/askjack/2010/jun/02/how-to-remove-opinionspy


Cheers.
-------------
Doug Hamilton, BA, MA, APP
Senior Apple Computer Consultant
Computers-on-Campus; Univ. of Manitoba
204-474-6196 (Ph.)
204-474-7556 (Fax)
http://www.umanitoba.ca/bookstore/




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