Macs and Apple products in general, have traditionally been less susceptible to security risks than are Windows-based computers. While this has been a common selling point for Macs worldwide over the years, it has also created a false sense of security for Apple users who believe that their devices are immune to security concerns.
A new threat has emerged that directly targets the brand’s popular line of laptop computers. It’s not the first time that an Apple-specific threat has popped up as in recent years, but this latest form of mysterious malware takes a direct aim at the latest MacBook lineup. If you own a MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or Mac Mini, or plan on getting a new one anytime soon, you’ll want to keep an eye on this ongoing development.
What is Malware?
First, a quick refresher on malware and how it can affect you before we dig into the latest Mac-specific attack. Chances are that you have heard the term before, but for anyone who hasn’t or those who don’t really understand it, it’s good to be informed.
Malware is any sort of malicious software. It can be placed onto all kinds of programmable devices or networks and can cause harm in several ways. Cybercriminals employ malware to steal personal information that can then be used to exploit or directly steal from the victim. Viruses, adware, ransomware, worms, trojans, and many other types of malicious coding fall under the realm of malware.
The information obtained through malware attacks enables threat actors to commit identity theft, credit card fraud, and network attacks – just to name a few. It’s an ongoing and evolving threat to individuals and businesses alike.
What’s Known About Recent Mac Malware
Within the last month, a new type of Mac malware has popped up. Malware specifically designed to infect macOS has been around for years, but this latest version is of note for a few peculiar reasons. Even though it had already infected tens of thousands of Macs across the world by the time it was discovered, it has yet to exhibit behaviors that are common with previous types of malware infecting macOS. It also targets the latest models of Macs specifically.
This means, that as of yet, it is not displaying the malicious behavior from where malware gets its name and reputation. And it also seems to be specific to the new line of Apple products with the much-anticipated M1 processors. These processors are a change from the Intel-based circuitry Apple has used for years and are being hyped for their ability to have security features built directly onto them. It’s a new form of tech with an updated set of threat protections that represents the latest in design and function.
Without going too far down the technical wormhole, the malware (dubbed Silver Sparrow by some security industry watchdogs) infects a Mac through the macOS Installer JavaScript API. This is a unique approach for malware infections and not a typical pattern commonly seen, if ever. It’s unknown how computers have become infected but compromised search results may be one possible source.
While no huge security threats have been seen due to Silver Sparrow infection as of yet, it poses an ongoing risk because of its compatibility with M1 processors which are poised to be the future of Mac computers. It also has a high infection rate and is sophisticated in nature – highlighting that its authors are on the cutting edge of malware development and intend to keep up with evolving security technologies.
Can This Malware be Prevented?
So far, Silver Sparrow seems to have affected only about 30,000 Macs around the world. Once this malware was discovered, Apple cancelled the developer certificates that the malware used, and this will stop new infections of this particular code. But it doesn’t mean that new versions won’t pop up in the near future to pose similar or worse threats.
The shift from Intel processors to M1 is new and even though the technology is promising, there are inherent security gaps that will exist within any virus detection software as it plays catch-up. The companies that provide this software need time to develop successful strategies and detection processes that don’t always happen overnight.
If you have a Mac with an M1 chip, what you can do right now is use a trusted anti-virus or anti-malware program to stay on top of any potential infections and risks. You can never entirely prevent malware, but your using such protective software will give you the best protection possible as security software and Apple’s built-in protections align to deal with new and evolving threats.
And, as always, if you think your personal information may have been compromised, you should take immediate action to resolve the issue. Having an identity theft restoration service in place is always recommended.
The mysterious malware directly targeting the M1 chips represents the latest in innovation by cybercriminals and hackers who are keeping up step for step with Apple. Even if the malware is not yet posing any serious concerns, the fact that it is tailor-made for the latest Mac security features means that it could be silently waiting for the opportunity to strike. It’s also a clear indicator that threat actors are constantly evolving and will continue to do so.
In an age where cyberthreats abound, risks and attacks are always possible even when using the latest technologies for security and protection. This latest instance of mystery malware should be of note for anyone who mistakenly believes that their devices are impervious infection. Don’t think that just because you have a Mac, you’re immune – it’s simply not the case.
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