Security researchers have detected new malicious software targeting macOS. Bitdefender, an antivirus company, has discovered malware disguised as an update for Visual Studio, whose macOS support will end in August. The malware has been active for three months, with a sample being noticed on November 22nd. Once installed, the malware creates backdoors that hackers can use to take control of a Mac computer and spy on it. They can also secretly download and upload files and execute commands.
Interestingly, this malicious program can target both Intel-based and Arm-based Mac computers. Bitdefender also noted that the malware was written in Rust, a newer programming language that makes it harder for security researchers to detect malicious code. However, the most intriguing discovery is that the malware communicated with servers previously associated with the ransomware campaigns of two groups: ALPHV/Blackcat and BlackBasta. Bitdefender emphasizes that while this is substantial evidence, it’s not enough to definitively attribute the malware to ransomware hackers.
This is not the first time researchers have observed ransomware hacking attempts targeting macOS. Last year, evidence emerged of the Lockbit group testing ransomware attacks on Mac computers.
To stay safe, it is best to avoid downloading any files from untrusted third-party websites or software piracy sites. According to Bitdefender’s report, the malicious software was distributed through several domains unrelated to Microsoft, such as “http://linksammosupply[.]com/VisualStudioUpdater”.
FAQ:
1. What malicious software has been detected for macOS?
– Security researchers have discovered malware disguised as an update for Visual Studio, whose macOS support will end.
2. How does this malware work?
– If a user installs this malware, it creates backdoors that hackers can use to take control of the Mac computer and spy on it. They can also secretly download and upload files and execute commands.
3. Is this malicious program only targeted towards Mac computers with Intel processors?
– No, the malware can target both Mac computers with Intel processors and Arm processors.
4. In which programming language was the malware written?
– The malware was written in Rust, a programming language that makes it harder for security researchers to detect malicious code.
5. What are the interesting discoveries related to this malware?
– Interesting discoveries include the fact that the malware communicated with servers previously associated with the ransomware campaigns of two groups: ALPHV/Blackcat and BlackBasta.
6. Are there other cases of ransomware attempts on macOS?
– Yes, evidence emerged last year that the Lockbit group was testing ransomware attacks on Mac computers.
7. How can one stay safe from such threats?
– It is best to avoid downloading files from untrusted third-party websites or software piracy sites.
Definitions:
– macOS: The Apple operating system used on Mac computers.
– Malware: Malicious software designed to cause harm or invade the user’s privacy.
– Visual Studio: Microsoft’s integrated development environment for creating software.
Related Links:
– Bitdefender – Official website of the Bitdefender antivirus company.
– macOS – Official website of the macOS operating system.
– Visual Studio – Official website of Visual Studio.
The source of the article is from the blog portaldoriograndense.com