Technology: Shellshock Flaw Concerns Mac and Unix Users

If there was ever something to be worried about in today’s technology based culture, it is viruses and malware.  In late September, a new form of virus had been found and is called the Shellshock Flaw. 

The flaw makes it possible for potential hackers to have access to unauthorized information, make unauthorized modifications, and cause disruption of service.  It is extremely dangerous because the “shell” part of the systems has been around since the early 90s. 

Shells have been the default system for Mac OS X and some Linux systems since around 1989.  With a virus such as this, systems that have been affected may have never even known they were hit since the flaw was just discovered.  

One of the scary things about shellshock is that it can affect pretty much anything that is connected to the Internet. 

Many might be wondering if there is a patch for a problem such as this, and the answer is a bit foggy.  A security company named Red Hat released a patch for shellshock, but the patch is still yet to be completed, and not all companies use the specific “shell” that the patch is designed for. 

According to a recent report on Appleinsider.com, however, only certain Mac users have cause for concern.

“With OS X, systems are safe by default and not exposed to remote exploits of bash unless users configure advanced UNIX services,” an Apple spokesperson said last week, adding that the company is “working to quickly provide a software update for our advanced UNIX users.”

Mac owners running Mavericks, Mountain Lion, or Lioin can download the patch through Apple Support website. The patch is also available through Software Update.

With all the recent problems with credit card fraud in companies around the United States, people will be eager for security companies to find or create a permanent patch and get rid of the Shellshock Flaw.