The amount of online threats that can maliciously harm Macs is considerably less than Windows-powered machines, but that does not mean such elements do not exist. In fact, one cybersecurity firm by the name of Guardz managed to discover a new malware on the Dark Web by just asking ChatGPT about it.
Russian hackers are selling a Hidden Virtual Network Computer that can gain access to Macs; have deposited $100,000, proving the tool works
A Hidden Virtual Network Computer, or HVNC, can gain access to Macs that are being used in small to medium-sized businesses, with the malware able to steal crucial information such as login credentials. Guardz was able to learn about the existence of this malware through ChatGPT after the company asked OpenAI’s chatbot about other macOS threats on the Dark Web. Guardz’s team has also learned that the tool is being sold by Russian hackers, and to prove that it works as intended, they have deposited $100,000 in an escrow account.
For the lifetime price of $60,000, people will nefarious intentions will be provided with the malware that can run without needing authorization from the user and was tested on several macOS versions to ensure compatibility. An HVNC is also extremely sophisticated, as it is able to create a new user session on a different owner’s Mac, and that session will be completely invisible to them.
Furthermore, this program can run in stealth mode, meaning that the tools used to protect Macs from malware will not be able to detect it. To add to that, restarting your Mac will be ineffective in removing this malware, though a complete wipeout of the Mac can get rid of it, but it means that you risk losing your important data, so this is not an ideal solution either.
Guardz states in its blog post that while Macs have been historically targeted less by cybercriminals, likely due to their increased security, more and more malware is being developed for macOS. Cybercriminals can adopt an ‘Attack-as-a-Service’ business model to infiltrate Macs, leaving businesses vulnerable, along with the risk of stolen data.
One way to protect yourself is to update your Mac to the latest version while also developing habits such as not opening emails from untrustworthy sources or installing apps outside of Apple’s Mac App Store.
Refference- https://wccftech.com
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