Windows Virus on (a few) Video iPods

Apple posted a support document today indicating that a small number (less than 1%) of Video iPods available for purchase after September 12, 2006 shipped with the Windows RavMonE.exe virus.

This known virus affects only Windows computers, and up to date anti-virus software which is included with most Windows computers should detect and remove it. So far we have seen less than 25 reports concerning this problem.

Only the Video iPod is potentially affected. The iPod nano and iPod shuffle are virus free. Apple has reportedly corrected the issue and all currently shipping Video iPods are virus free.

The virus does not affect Mac OS X or the iPod itself. After Apple takes an ill-timed jab at Windows for not doing enough to prevent virus attacks, they provide instructions on how to remove the virus if you are affected. RavMonE is described as a Trojan which affects Windows and reduces system security, opens links and potentially allows others to access the affected computer.

Interestingly enough, just yesterday McDonalds (partnering with Coca-Cola) was found to have given away some trojan-horse laden MP3 players in Japan (no, they weren't iPods).