2023-12-04 09:43:53
A new hacking campaign is spreading dangerous malware through supposedly free versions of popular apps. By attempting to install these, users will actually launch a Trojan which will turn their computer into a relay for other hackers.
The days when Mac users were relatively safe from malware seem to be over. While Atomic Stealer already caused some cold sweats last September, Kasperky researchers made a worrying new discovery. Since April, a new malware has been spreading massively on macOS, taking advantage of the greed of certain users.
Indeed, the latter is found within supposedly free versions of popular applications. This is the traditional sprinkler technique: by trying to download a pirated version of software, the victim finds himself hacked by a malicious individual. In total, 35 applications are infected and must be avoided at all costs.
These free apps on macOS actually hide dangerous malware
Among the latter, we find software for downloading, photo and video editing, data recovery, etc. Here is a non-exhaustive list of the most popular of them.
4K Video Downloader Pro
Aissessoft Mac Data Recovery
Aiseesoft Mac Video Converter Ultimate
AnyMP4 Android Data Recovery for Mac
Artstudio Pro
Downie 4
FonePaw Data Recovery
Sketch
SQLPro Studio
Wondershare UniConverter 13
On the same subject — Apple: the malware reporting tool on Mac is almost useless, significant security flaws in question
While genuine applications are usually distributed as a disk image, pirated versions are in PKG format. This is a first clue to the deception, as this format is capable of executing code on the user’s computer. Worse still, the malware requests administrator permissions in order to bypass security measures. Suspecting nothing and thinking of installing the desired application, the user accepts without realizing his mistake.
Once the malware is installed, the Mac then turns into a real relay for hackers around the world, who can use it to camouflage their illicit activities online. The hackers behind the attack, for their part, will be able to resell access to the infected Mac, thus generating a truly illegal network right under the victim’s nose.
Source : Kaspersky
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