Internet thieves say they'll wait until the store is fully stocked before distributing their code on the Internet.
One well-known group, which operates under the name "Hackulous", claims it's developed a program, called Kickback, that breaks the copy protection in applications distributed through the Mac App Store.
A spokesman for the group who goes by the name "Dissident" told the BBC that Hackulous will wait until the Mac App Store is well stocked with apps before it releases Kickback on the Internet. "We're not going to release Kickback until well after the store's been established. We don't want to devalue applications and frustrate developers," Dissident said, according to the BBC.
Software pirates have also reportedly found that paid apps downloaded from the Mac App Store can, in some cases, run free of charge simply by copying and pasting in the receipt number from a free app.
Apple has not responded to the claims.
The company opened the Mac App Store Thursday, with an eye to recreating the successful iPhone app distribution model on the Mac. The store is now available to shoppers in the U.S. and 89 other countries. There's apps—both paid and free—in a number of categories, including games, education, graphics & design, lifestyle, productivity, and utilities.
"With more than 1,000 apps, the Mac App Store is off to a great start," said Apple CEO Steve Jobs, in a statement. "We think users are going to love this innovative new way to discover and buy their favorite apps," said Jobs.
To download the Mac App Store client software, users need ensure they're running Mac OS X (Snow Leopard) v10.6.6. As with the iPhone store, developers who sell their apps through the Mac App Store will get to keep 70% of the profits. They also do not have to pay any hosting, marketing, or credit card processing fees.
Still think Apple cannot be hacked? It hasn't even been a friggin day.
A spokesman for the group who goes by the name "Dissident" told the BBC that Hackulous will wait until the Mac App Store is well stocked with apps before it releases Kickback on the Internet. "We're not going to release Kickback until well after the store's been established. We don't want to devalue applications and frustrate developers," Dissident said, according to the BBC.
Software pirates have also reportedly found that paid apps downloaded from the Mac App Store can, in some cases, run free of charge simply by copying and pasting in the receipt number from a free app.
Apple has not responded to the claims.
The company opened the Mac App Store Thursday, with an eye to recreating the successful iPhone app distribution model on the Mac. The store is now available to shoppers in the U.S. and 89 other countries. There's apps—both paid and free—in a number of categories, including games, education, graphics & design, lifestyle, productivity, and utilities.
"With more than 1,000 apps, the Mac App Store is off to a great start," said Apple CEO Steve Jobs, in a statement. "We think users are going to love this innovative new way to discover and buy their favorite apps," said Jobs.
To download the Mac App Store client software, users need ensure they're running Mac OS X (Snow Leopard) v10.6.6. As with the iPhone store, developers who sell their apps through the Mac App Store will get to keep 70% of the profits. They also do not have to pay any hosting, marketing, or credit card processing fees.
Still think Apple cannot be hacked? It hasn't even been a friggin day.
The "receipt" exploit was simply an oversight by some developers not verifying the identity of the user using the means provided. Only some apps were susceptible. Updated versions of the affected apps will take care of this. It was not a flaw on Apple's part.
ReplyDeleteRegarding Hackulous Kickback-- No doubt this is the beginning of an ongoing battle between crackers (who enjoy a challenge) and Apple. But for most people it is of no concern. Mac App Store pricing tends to be reasonable, and the ability to install purchased apps on an unlimited number of computers means that the urge to pirate will be fairly low.
Finally, there is a big difference (from an end-user standpoint) between being able to pirate software, and having one's computer corrupted by malware. Macs still enjoy relative safety. There is nothing about this posting that makes me less inclined to use a Mac.
As a hater, you will have to do better than this.
But doesn't Apple inspect and approve everything they deliver to the end user? Crackers do enjoy a challenge but Apple overall is hardly a challenge. I don't think this guys article would make you less inclined to use a Mac, just more aware that they are just as vulnerable (if not more so) than other platforms.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't be surprised if Apple has an App Store revision ready to roll out by the time Hackulous releases Kickback.
ReplyDeleteI won't "be aware" that Macs themselves are more vulnerable until Macs actually do have more problems with malware than other platforms. In the mean time keep the FUD coming. I'm sure it gives the other haters a warm fuzzy feeling and helps them overcome their Apple envy.
So, basically, you wouldn't protect a Mac until it was already attacked? Look, if I had a computer that was proven time and again to be the lest secure system I don't care how small of a target it was, I would protect it plain and simple. Also it's not exactly "FUD" because there is no "uncertainty", the entire world knows they are vulnerable. Finally, Mac haters are far from envious. I know many years ago Macs were known as a better choice for video and graphical editing but that is a thing of the past. We haters just don't want to spend more to get less.
ReplyDeleteAnd yet STILL no drive-by vulnerabilities like in some other OSes. You'd think SOMEONE would make one just to shut up Mac users and there still isn't a single one that doesn't require physical access or an admin password.
ReplyDeleteActually, they do already exist. Look at MacOS/Hellraiser.A.
ReplyDeletehttp://bit.ly/duU9tb
That's just one. There are many more that attack the MacOS alone and are difficult to detect and remove.
Is this the worst Apple FUD you you can come up with?
ReplyDeleteLame.
All you guys are just angry that you can't afford Apple products, so stop hating a great company that changed the world and do something stop playing COD all day long and complaing about Apple and how superior Microsoft is. Your Friend,
ReplyDeleteP.S. Blow me!
First of all, I did not come up with this, if you read the top of the post it was from Information week.
ReplyDeleteSecond, I'm not angry I cannot afford Apple products, I'm glad that I know that I will save money and get a better product. I have never played COD but it looks like a pretty cool game. Also cigarettes changed the world and people love them but they're expensive and not good for you either.
P.S. Thanks for the traffic and suck PWN2OWN!