#MacOS #Akamai #Centralbank

MacOS too not safe



A recent report from Check Point Research says that a malware strain has evolved to steal the information of MacOS users. For as low as $49 on the Darknet, hackers can buy licenses for the new malware, enabling capabilities to harvest log-in credentials, collect screenshots, log keystrokes, and execute malicious files. It has Named “XLoader”, the new strain is a derivative of the famous “Formbook” malware family, which mainly targeted Windows users, but disappeared from being on sale in 2018. Formbook rebranded to XLoader in 2020. Over the past six months, Check Point Research studied XLoader’s activities, learning that XLoader is prolific, targeting not just Windows, but surprisingly, Mac users as well. Hackers can buy XLoader licenses on the Darknet for as low as $49.



Checkpoint Research tracked Xloader activity between December 1, 2020 and June 1, 2021. It saw XLoader requests from as many as 69 countries. Over half (53%) of the victims reside in the United States. XLoader is usually spread by spoofed emails that lure their victims into downloading and opening a malicious file, usually Microsoft Office documents. Since this malware is stealth in nature, it is likely difficult for a “non-technical” eye to recognize whether they have been infected. They usually fall into the category of ‘spyware’, not causing too much damage. Secondly, there is a common incorrect belief with MacOS users that Apple platforms are more secure than other more widely used platforms. While there might be a gap between Windows and MacOS malware, the gap is slowly closing over time. The truth is that MacOS malware is becoming bigger and more dangerous. The recent findings are a perfect example and confirm this growing trend. With the increasing popularity of MacOS platforms, it makes sense for cyber criminals to show more interest in this domain, and we can anticipate seeing more cyber threats .