Dangerous ransomware targets Apple Mac users

Apple has shut down what was the first ever, fully functional ransomware targeting Mac computers. This type of cyber threat involves malware that encrypts the data on your personal computer so you can no longer access it. Afterwards, the hackers request that you pay them in bitcoins if you want to retrieve your precious files.

A security firm, discovered the particular ransomware, KeRanger, was targeting Mac users on Friday and explained how it was infecting systems in a blog post on Sunday.

A piece of “BitTorrent” software known as “Transmission” was infected with the ransomware, so that when Mac users were downloading the latest version of the product, the ransomware was installed on their computer.

KeRanger was able to bypass Apple’s security checks when it signed in as a valid Mac app development system, which tricked the OS X operating system into thinking it was a legitimate piece of software. Once the ransomware was installed on a Mac, it waited three days before carrying out the attack.

They also noted that Apple has now revoked the abused certificate that was used in the attack and updated its built-in anti-malware system XProtect with a new signature to protect customers.

Technically the KeRanger ransomware was not the first that has been aimed at Mac users. The security firm said that another malware application known as FileCoder has been previously discovered. However, FileCoder was incomplete at the time it was found.

While Apple has addressed the immediate threats posed by KeRanger, there is still some concern that the malware is still under development. It is even suggested that the attackers may be trying to develop backdoor functionality!

The Computer Guyz is a reliable, affordable IT company with a wide variety of IT services on offer. From tech support and repairs to graphic design and website hosting - TCG has it all!