It’s like a cyber catfishing scheme.
Just when you thought it was safe to use your laptop again, tech experts revealed a fake browser update that infects Apple computers with a type of malware that hijacks passwords and money.
Dubbed the “ClearFake” scam, the cyber Trojan horse has been targeting Windows systems since July, but recently began targeting Mac users as well, according to a recent report from Malwarebytes that confirmed its existence, Bleeping Computer reported.
“The #Clearfake campaign abusing the Binance blockchain is not limited to Windows #malware,” cyberthreat expert Ankit Anubhav warned in a Nov. 17 post.
This sinister cyber-phishing scheme works by bombarding phone and Macbook users with counterfeit Chrome updates that appear on compromised sites via Javascript injections.
When they click on the message, their system becomes infected with Atomic Stealer, a malware system that can steal passwords to important accounts, as well as photos, documents, and video files.
If that wasn’t sophisticated enough, this system has the ability to hack data from over 50 cryptocurrency extensions, in addition to keychain passwords.
The malware masquerades as an update to the Safari or Chrome browser. Malwarebytes
This illicitly obtained information can be used for a variety of nefarious purposes, from extortion to identity theft.
According to the aforementioned report, this malware is particularly insidious as it impersonates Safari and Chrome updates.
And although the existence of ClearFake has been known since April 2023, it supposedly goes unnoticed by 50% of the antivirus engines on the cybersecurity site VirusTotal.
To prevent the computer from contracting Atomic Stealer malware, experts say that Mac users should refrain from downloading browser updates from third-party sites and pop-ups.
Malware hijacks passwords and other important information and uses it to blackmail users. sitthiphong – stock.adobe.com
As they point out, Safari browser updates are only distributed through macOS software updates.
Tech experts also urge Apple fans to strengthen their security systems by downloading the latest antiviral software, but only from a trusted site, of course.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn