New malware found on 30,000 Macs has security pros stumped

[DrQ]

New malware found on 30,000 Macs has security pros stumped
With no payload, analysts are struggling to learn what this mature malware does.

New malware found on 30,000 Macs has security pros stumped

With no payload, analysts are struggling to learn what this mature malware does.

arstechnica.com

 

[Iggyearl]

I'm starting to realize what a dinosaur I am. Way above my pay grade.

 

[DaveNV]

I have a new M1 Mac, so this came as a surprise. I was already following the recommended scanning software, and it didn't find anything. So it could mean (operative word "could") I'm okay - for now. Not a comforting feeling. but I'll take it, for now.

Dave

 

[Glynda]

Just took my new MacBook Pro out of the box and plugged it in to charge. Haven't even opened it and now I'm afraid to!!!

 

[DaveNV]

Just took my new MacBook Pro out of the box and plugged it in to charge. Haven't even opened it and now I'm afraid to!!!

You'll be fine. After your computer is all set up, go to Malwarebytes.com and get their scanning software. You can try the free version, and upgrade later if you want. It works great.

Dave

 

[Glynda]

You'll be fine. After your computer is all set up, go to Malwarebytes.com and get their scanning software. You can try the free version, and upgrade later if you want. It works great.

Should I install and run Malwarebytes on my current MacBook Air before transferring to the new?

 

[DaveNV]

It wouldn’t hurt. It’s free.

Dave

 

[Glynda]

It wouldn’t hurt. It’s free.

Dave

Done. Said no issues. Is it worth subscribing to Malwarebytes? I've never had such on a Mac laptop before. But times may be changing. Thanks so much!

 

[DaveNV]

Done. Said no issues. Is it worth subscribing to Malwarebytes? I've never had such on a Mac laptop before. But times may be changing.

I've never felt the need to pay for it, as long as you tell it to update its virus checking definitions regularly. (Go to the Settings gear icon, and check the box that says to automatically update.) I have the icon on my desktop, and let it run regularly.

Dave

 

[Glynda]

I've never felt the need to pay for it, as long as you tell it to update its virus checking definitions regularly. (Go to the Settings gear icon, and check the box that says to automatically update.) I have the icon on my desktop, and let it run regularly.

Dave

Thanks. I have never had to set up a new device outside of the Apple Store without their help. During COVID the store is not doing that. I did a back up on Old Mac Book Air and checked that it had no software updates needed. Turned on new MacBook Pro, followed prompts, chose country and language and WiFi setup, followed another prompt to then update and install new software, chose Migration Assistant, went with the boxes pre/ checked, and now, 6 hours later, it’s still transferring and has said “ 28 minutes remaining at 8 MB/s” for the last 2 1/2 hours. I don’t mind the wait so much as I’m worried that I have done something wrong and have ruined my new computer! ARGH!

 

[DaveNV]

You’re good. It takes a long time, and will say the same time remaining for a long time. Then it’ll suddenly be done.

Dave

 

[Glynda]

You’re good. It takes a long time, and will say the same time remaining for a long time. Then it’ll suddenly be done.

Dave

Thanks! Hope so. Now jumping all over the place from 3 hrs plus to 7 minutes with MBs from 5 to 42.

 

[geist1223]

I have a new M1 Mac, so this came as a surprise. I was already following the recommended scanning software, and it didn't find anything. So it could mean (operative word "could") I'm okay - for now. Not a comforting feeling. but I'll take it, for now.

Dave

Just do not hook it up to the Internet. It will probably download with an autoexecute.

 

[pedro47]

Is this malware found on older Macs computers?

 

[DaveNV]

Is this malware found on older Macs computers?

I believe it only affects the new M1 chip Macs. Apple has now denied the security certificate for the company that is sending out this malware. When it tries to install itself on your machine, you'll get a warning about the software being unauthorized. Keep an eye out for it, and don't let it get onto your machine.

Dave

 

[pedro47]

I believe it only affects the new M1 chip Macs. Apple has now denied the security certificate for the company that is sending out this malware. When it tries to install itself on your machine, you'll get a warning about the software being unauthorized. Keep an eye out for it, and don't let it get onto your machine.

Dave

Thank you.