Malware infecting apps on Apple products in China

A new type of malware - or malicious software - is infecting iPhones and Mac computers mainly in China, according to research firm Palo Alto Networks.

The so-called WireLurker software lives in apps that are downloaded from third-party providers. Once it is inside an Apple device it can steal information and spread to other devices via USB cable.

Researchers say the motive behind the malware is not clear. Ryan Olson, an intelligence director at the firm, said there is no evidence that any sensitive information has been taken but that it ought to be possible to steal users' Apple IDs.

Once WireLurker gets on an iPhone, it can go on to infect existing apps on the device similar to traditional computer viruses.

Apple has not commented on the malware so far.