Apple Computer has announced that some hard disk-based video-capable iPods offered for sale after September 12, 2006, carry the RavMonE Windows virus. Apple says the problem potentially impacts about one percent of the video iPods made available for purchase in that time, and that the company has received fewer than 25 reports of a problem. But they’re still embarrassed: “As you might imagine, we are upset at Windows for not being more hardy against such viruses, and even more upset with ourselves for not catching it.” Apple’s flash-based iPod nano and iPod shuffle models are not affected
The RavMon virus should be easily detected and removed by any up-to-date Windows antivirus program; Macintosh users don’t face any threat from the malware. Apple recommends users who purchased a video-capable iPod after September 12 connect the iPod to their system and run a virus check; if the virus is found, users should let the software quarantine or remove the virus, then use iTunes 7 to re-install the default software on their iPod. Apple also recommends users who find the virus check any other mass storage devices (USB flash drives, removable media, external hard disks, digital cameras, etc.) they might use with their computer.
