Kaspersky discovers iPod proof-of-concept virus

Music lovers might want to cover their ears for this one: Kaspersky Lab announced today that it has discovered the first virus affecting iPod.

While the proof-of-concept discovery carries no payload and cannot spread – thus posing no real threat – researchers said the virus is proof that specific platforms, such as the ubiquitous digital music player, can be infected with malware.

For the virus – dubbed Podloso – to exist, users must have installed Linux on their iPod to replace the native operating system, according to a Kaspersky alert. iPod Linux is an open-source platform and software distribution that has been adapted to run on the music device. It features an operating system kernel and a fully functioning file system.

If the file containing the virus is installed and launched, it scans the iPod’s hard drive and infects all ELF (executable and linking) format files. An attempt to open one of these files reveals a screen message stating: "You are infected with Oslo the first iPodLinux Virus."