Last Updated: November 08, 2023, 14:12 IST
United States of America (USA)
MacOS running machines face the threat of this malware
Malwares have been a major concern for Android and Windows users over the years but Mac users are equally at risk these days.
Malware is just not an Android or Windows problem, and a new variant of a popular malware is becoming a major threat for Mac users, as highlighted by security experts recently. The malware is a variant of RustBucket which is reportedly targeting macOS systems, which includes the entire MacBook and iMac lineup available in the market.
The threat was observed by Jamf Threat Labs back in April but the firm suggests the malware is evolving in its attacking manoeuvre and changed its targets based on these changes. The agency states RustBucket originates from North Korea via a group called BlueNoroff which is a syndicate of the famous Lazarus Group.
Is This Malware A Big Threat?
In simple words, yes. The recent concerns about RustBucket is the late-stage impact of the malware in macOS systems where it is able to access data on the machines and manage to bypass the network settings without raising any alarm. The other issue with this malware variant is that antivirus tools are not able to detect its presence during the scans, which means you won’t even come to know if your macOS machine is already affected by the malware or not.
So what happens when the malware infects your Mac? The security firm says it can communicate with the command and control server so that it can download and execute various payloads, which is never good news for any user, let alone if you have a Mac system.
The agency warns that getting this kind of access for any malware can lead to stealing your digital assets, which could even include cryptocurrencies if you have bought them using the machine. The popular means of pushing this malware is via phishing emails, malicious file downloads and more. The whole operation is conducted in stealth mode so you won’t even realise if the malware is doing the dirty work behind your backs.
How To Protect Your Mac From Malware
The agency has listed out some tips for Mac users so that the chances of a malware intruding their machine is slim.
– It says don’t open emails with attachments at least from unknown senders. In most cases we have seen malware pushed through these files, making them extremely risky.
– Always have the latest macOS version running on your machine so that the security mechanism is in place to tackle any foreign intrusion and protect the device.
– The firm suggests that people install antivirus or anti-malware software, even on your Mac which acts as a second layer of protection.
