Apple macOS users targeted with more cyberattacks via dodgy ads and websites

Passwords
Image Credit: Shutterstock (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Hackers are targeting Apple macOS users with a range of different infostealers in an attempt to grab sensitive data and, possibly, money, experts have warned.

A new report from cybersecurity researchers at Jamf Threat Labs found hackers were using multiple different approaches to try and drop the malware

In one campaign, they created a fake download website and fake ads for a browser called Arc and pushed them through search engines. 

Targeting macOS crypto fans

"Interestingly, the malicious website cannot be accessed directly, as it returns an error," security researchers said. "It can only be accessed through a generated sponsored link, presumably to evade detection." 

Those that end up on the site and download the program will get Atomic Stealer, a known infostealer that was initially focused on grabbing cryptocurrency wallet-related information. Since its inception, Atomic Stealer, also known as AMOS, grew to target different operating systems, and grab more information, including stored passwords and sensitive files.

In September 2023, security researchers from Malwarebytes reported on hackers tricking people with promises of software cracks, loaders, and key generators to get them to download AMOS.

A separate campaign has seen hackers offering a fake free group meeting software which, in reality, downloads a different infostealer based on Realst. In this campaign, the victims are approached either to participate in a podcast, or in a job interview, and are invited to download the video conferencing tool. 

"These attacks are often focused on those in the crypto industry as such efforts can lead to large payouts for attackers," the researchers said. "Those in the industry should be hyper-aware that it's often easy to find public information that they are asset holders or can easily be tied to a company that puts them in this industry."

More from TechRadar Pro

TOPICS

Sead is a seasoned freelance journalist based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. He writes about IT (cloud, IoT, 5G, VPN) and cybersecurity (ransomware, data breaches, laws and regulations). In his career, spanning more than a decade, he’s written for numerous media outlets, including Al Jazeera Balkans. He’s also held several modules on content writing for Represent Communications.

Read more
Pirate skull cyber attack digital technology flag cyber on on computer CPU in background. Darknet and cybercrime banner cyberattack and espionage concept illustration.
Mac users targeted with new malware, so be on your guard
A person in a wheelchair working at a computer.
Why betting on Mac security could put your organization at risk
A concept image of someone typing on a computer. A red flashing danger sign is above the keyboard and nymbers and symbols also in glowing red surround it.
These fake macOS updates are actually just looking to spread malware
Ransomware
Microsoft spies a new and worrying macOS malware strain
Illustration of a laptop with a magnifying glass exposing a beetle on-screen
This devious macOS malware is evading capture by using Apple's own encryption
Ransomware
Microsoft uncovers sleuthy new XCSSET MacOS malware campaign
Latest in Security
Hacker silhouette working on a laptop with North Korean flag on the background
North Korea unveils new military unit targeting AI attacks
An image of network security icons for a network encircling a digital blue earth.
US government warns agencies to make sure their backups are safe from NAKIVO security issue
Laptop computer displaying logo of WordPress, a free and open-source content management system (CMS)
This top WordPress plugin could be hiding a worrying security flaw, so be on your guard
Computer Hacked, System Error, Virus, Cyber attack, Malware Concept. Danger Symbol
Veeam urges users to patch security issues which could allow backup hacks
UK Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer
The UK releases timeline for migration to post-quantum cryptography
Representational image depecting cybersecurity protection
Cisco smart licensing system sees critical security flaws exploited
Latest in News
L-mount alliance
Sirui joins L-Mount Alliance to deliver its superb budget lenses for Leica, DJI, Sigma and Panasonic cameras
Security padlock and circuit board to protect data
Trust in digital services around the world sees a massive drop as security worries continue
Samuel and Romy standing very close together in A24's Babygirl movie
Everything new on Max in April 2025, including A24's Babygirl and The Last of Us season 2
An AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT made by Sapphire on a table with its retail packaging
AMD’s secret weapon against Nvidia seems to be stock – way more RX 9070 GPUs are rumored to be hitting shelves than RTX 5000 models
Hacker silhouette working on a laptop with North Korean flag on the background
North Korea unveils new military unit targeting AI attacks
Seth Milchick and Kier Eagan's animatronic speaking in Severance season 2 episode 10
Apple TV+ announces Severance has been renewed for season 3 after that devastating finale