Apple release Flashback removal tool for Mac users who don’t have Java installed

Following Thursday’s release of a Java update which removes the most common variants of the Flashback trojan, Apple has released a Flashback malware removal tool for systems running OS X Lion that don’t have Java installed.

Release notes:

About Flashback malware removal tool

This Flashback malware removal tool that[sic] will remove the most common variants of the Flashback malware.

If the Flashback malware is found, a dialog will be presented notifying the user that malware was removed.

In some cases, the Flashback malware removal tool may need to restart your computer in order to completely remove the Flashback malware.

This update is recommended for all OS X Lion users without Java installed.

While the latest Flashback malware exploits a vulnerability in older versions of Java, earlier variants may have found their way onto systems by other methods, such as by tricking users into installing fake versions of Adobe’s Flash.

As OS X Lion doesn’t include Java by default, Apple’s removal tool has seemingly been created for Macs that have been infected by the malware but don’t have Java installed, and therefore couldn’t benefit from Thursday’s Java update.

[Via Mac Rumors]