I'd like to create a Virus Log describing each virus that becomes known for the Macintosh Platform. Inside each announcement, the following information shall be included:

Virus Name:
Mac OS threatened:
Date of Detection:
Sources of Information:
Brief Summary of what the Virus Does:
Links to steps on how to Remove:
Brief steps for protection:

** ANNOUNCEMENT **

Symantec has identified a Mac OS X Virus.

Virus Name: MacOS.Renepo.B
OS Threatened: Macintosh OS X
Date of Detection: October 22,2004

Sources of Information: Symantec Website... http://securityresponse.symantec.com....renepo.b.html

Brief Summary of what the Virus Does: This virus is a script that installs several pieces of software to record keystrokes made into the computer (very bad) and it also steals passwords, attempts to compromise the internal firewall, and become the root user. Once it becomes a root user, the script can do anything to that computer. The computer will also slow down, with a process called JOHN consuming most of the CPU time.

Links to steps on how to Remove: See the Symantec Website

Brief steps for protection: Watch what you download. Maintain firewalls, especially if you are on a Cable/DSL connection. It doesn't hurt to have two firewalls handy. Avoid using the root user for normal tasks, and also avoid using an administrator account for normal daily tasks. Check your file permissions out using the Disk Utility, and also update your computer and keep it updated often. Also, make backups of any data files.

I hate that they classify this as a virus. At best, it's a rootkit or a trojan. A virus or worm implies that it can replicate itself, which it cannot.