All those MAC users who are in an illusion that ransomware developers/hackers target only Windows PCs must immediately change their mindset after reading this blog post. As per a research conducted by Fortinet, two new variants of malware have emerged on the dark web which has been specifically created to target Apple computers.
One of the malware variants is a ransomware which encrypts the files on a victim computer until a ransom is paid. The second happens to be a spyware that snoops on the users do and scoops up valuable information and sends it to remote servers of malware developers.
As per the details available to our Cybersecurity Insiders. the two malware variants were discovered on a shopfront on the dark web in a joint research funded by Fortinet and AlienVault.
Experts say that these two cyber threats are sending jitters to Mac users as they are available to anyone as a service and that too for free of cost.
Fortinet said that the developers of this two malware where professional software engineers with vast experience in creating working codes. The professionals have also made their contact details available openly on the web and urged all those interested in contacting them directly in order to know the details related to malware set up.
Analysis of Fortinet reveals that the ransomware which is affecting Apple Macs looks much less sophisticated that the many malware variants seen targeting Windows computers. However, the decryption keys which are being offered by the developers in exchange for a ransom aren’t working at all in practical. This means the malware spreading guys are simply fooling around and making money.
Furthermore, Fortinet discovered in its research that the free Mac spy spyware which is being offered via the same site has the potential to keep a track of the keys being pressed by users, take screenshots and tap into a machine’s microphone.
AlienVault released a report on this issue which claims that Mac Spy has the ability to hide from all security program scans.
Meanwhile, McAfee which conducted a separate probe on the recently discovered Mac malware admits that the focus of ransomware developers has shifted from Windows to Apple’s Mac computers these days as the hackers have learnt that Mac PC users store more valuable info than Windows users which can prove as a treasure trove if/when exploited through proper channel.
McAfee report also says that they are about 450,000 malicious programs aimed at Macs on the dark web and over 23 million targeting Windows users. More details are awaited!
