U.S.-based online researcher Palo Alto Networks reports that new malware targeted at Apple's OS X and iOS devices is affecting thousands of users.

The new malware, named WireLucker, originated in the Chinese region and has been affecting users the most in China. This is a far cry from Apple's normal impenetrable platforms, known for having strong security standards.

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WireLucker is passed through third party applications infected with malware. Due to the jailbreak numbers being quite high in China, this has allowed the malware to infect over 350,000 devices, according to the security report.

There are over 400 apps infected with WireLucker, most of the apps are either abandoned by the original developers or purposefully made to scam users. One of the unique features of WireLucker is the ability to move from iOS to OS X through USB.

Normally, malware is incapable of passing through platforms, due to the different framework of the operating system making it incompatible. Once the malware has infected a system, it will take usernames, passwords, contacts, messages and even photos.

Although the end goal of WireLucker is unknown - it may be used to upload private photos or sell thousands of passwords - it is actively being worked on by the Chinese group.

This new malware comes just weeks after Apple's iCloud attack, by orchestrated Chinese hackers. It has made customers in China unsure about the cloud storage service and whether their private information will be safe on the service.

Apple has not commented on the WireLucker virus. Almost all of the malware reports come from China and originate on Chinese third party clients, but security experts believe this could spread to other countries if the creators attack other unsecure apps.

TagsWireLucker, Mac OS X, Malware