{"id":122647,"date":"2021-06-04T06:19:06","date_gmt":"2021-06-04T13:19:06","guid":{"rendered":"\/blogs\/?p=122647"},"modified":"2024-06-04T13:10:13","modified_gmt":"2024-06-04T20:10:13","slug":"apple-users-this-macos-malware-could-be-spying-on-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/internet-security\/apple-users-this-macos-malware-could-be-spying-on-you\/","title":{"rendered":"Apple Users: This macOS Malware Could Be Spying on You"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In 2018,\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.computerworld.com\/article\/3262974\/macs-now-account-for-10-of-active-personal-computers.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Macs accounted\u00a0for 10%<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0of all active personal computers. Since then,\u00a0popularity has skyrocketed. In the first quarter of\u00a02021,\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imore.com\/mac-grew-115-first-quarter-2021%22%20HYPERLINK%20%22https:\/\/www.imore.com\/mac-grew-115-first-quarter-2021\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Macs experienced 115% growth when compared to Q1 2020<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, putting Apple in fourth place\u00a0in the\u00a0global PC market share. It is safe to say that Macs are well-loved and trusted devices by a significant portion of the population \u2014 but just how safe are they from a security perspective?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Many users have historically believed that Macs are untouchable by hackers, giving\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tomsguide.com\/news\/mac-vs-windows-security\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Apple devices a reputation<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0for\u00a0being more \u201csecure\u201d than other PCs. However, recent\u00a0attacks\u00a0show that this is not the case.\u00a0According to\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/2021\/05\/24\/malware-xcsset-macos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">TechCrunch<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, a new malware called XCSSET was\u00a0recently\u00a0found exploiting a vulnerability that allowed it\u00a0to\u00a0access parts of macOS, including the microphone, webcam, and screen recorder \u2014 all without consent from the user.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Let\u2019s dive deeper into how\u00a0XCSSET\u00a0works.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Manipulating Macs with Zero-Day Exploits<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Researchers first discovered XCSSET in 2020. The malware targeted Apple developers and the projects they use to build and code apps. By targeting app development projects, hackers\u00a0infiltrated\u00a0apps early in\u00a0their production,\u00a0causing\u00a0developers to unknowingly distribute the malware to their users.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Once the malware is running on\u00a0a\u00a0user\u2019s device, it uses\u00a0multiple\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/consumer\/consumer-threat-reports\/quick-guide-zero-day-threats-affect\/?hilite=%27zero%27%2C%27day%27\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">zero-day attacks<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0to alter the machine and spy on the user. These attacks allow the hacker to:\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Steal cookies from the Safari browser to gain access to a user\u2019s online accounts.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Quietly install a development version of Safari that allows attackers to modify and snoop on virtually any website.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Secretly take screenshots of the victim\u2019s device.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">XCSSET\u2019s Significance for macOS Users<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">While\u00a0macOS is supposed to ask\u00a0users\u00a0for permission before\u00a0allowing\u00a0any app to record the screen, access the microphone or webcam, or open the user\u2019s storage, XCSSET can bypass all of these permissions.\u00a0This allows the malware to sneak\u00a0in under the radar\u00a0and\u00a0inject\u00a0malicious code into legitimate apps\u00a0that commonly ask for screen-sharing permissions such as Zoom, WhatsApp, and Slack.\u00a0By disguising itself among these legitimate apps, XCSSET inherits their permissions across the computer and avoids getting flagged by macOS\u2019s built-in security defenses. As a result, the bug could allow hackers to access the victim\u2019s microphone, webcam, or capture their keystrokes for login credentials or credit card information.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How to Stay Protected Against macOS Malware<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It is unclear how many devices were affected by XCSSET. Regardless, it is crucial for consumers to understand that Mac\u2019s historical security reputation\u00a0does\u00a0not replace\u00a0the need\u00a0for users to\u00a0take\u00a0online safety\u00a0precautions. The following tips can help macOS users protect themselves from malware:\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">1. Update your software.\u00a0 <\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Software developers are\u00a0continuously\u00a0working to identify and address security issues. Frequently updating\u00a0your\u00a0devices\u2019\u00a0operating systems,\u00a0browsers,\u00a0and apps\u00a0is the easiest way to\u00a0have the latest fixes and security protections.\u00a0For example,\u00a0Apple confirmed that it\u00a0addressed\u00a0the bug\u00a0exploited by XCSSET\u00a0in macOS 11.4, which was made available\u00a0on May\u00a024<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">th<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, 2021.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">2. Avoid suspicious emails or text messages from unknown senders. <\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hackers often use\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/consumer\/phishing-email-examples-how-to-recognize-a-phishing-email\/?hilite=%27phishing%27\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">phishing emails<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0or text messages as a means to distribute malware by disguising their malicious code in links and attachments.\u00a0Do not open suspicious or irrelevant\u00a0messages, as this can result in\u00a0malware\u00a0infection.\u00a0If the message claims to be from a business or someone you know, reach out to the source directly instead of responding to the message. This will allow you to confirm the sender\u2019s legitimacy.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">3. Use a comprehensive security solution.<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Use a solution like\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/en-us\/antivirus\/mcafee-total-protection.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">McAfee Total Protection<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, which can help protect devices against\u202fmalware, phishing attacks, and other threats. It\u00a0also\u00a0includes\u202f<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">McAfee\u00a0WebAdvisor<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\u2014\u00a0a tool to\u00a0help identify malicious websites.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Regardless of whether you are Team PC or Team Mac, it is important to realize that both platforms are susceptible to cyberthreats that are constantly changing. Doing your research on prevalent threats and software bugs puts you in a better position to protect your online safety.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stay\u00a0Updated<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To stay updated on all things\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/en-us\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">McAfee<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202fand on top of the latest consumer and mobile security threats, follow\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/McAfee_Home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">@McAfee_Home<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202fon Twitter, subscribe to our\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/consumer\/en-us\/landing-page\/direct\/dr\/social\/generic\/newsletter.html?csrc=social&amp;csrcl2=blog&amp;cctype=newsletter_signup&amp;ccstype=&amp;ccoe=direct&amp;ccoel2=dr&amp;pkg_id=521&amp;affid=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">newsletter<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, listen to our podcast\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/geo.itunes.apple.com\/podcast\/us\/id1257232208?mt=2&amp;at=1010lbVy&amp;ct=mcafeehackable_GaryBlog_EndBlurb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Hackable?<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, and \u2018Like\u2019 us on\u202f<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/McAfee\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In 2018,\u00a0Macs accounted\u00a0for 10%\u00a0of all active personal computers. Since then,\u00a0popularity has skyrocketed. In the first quarter of\u00a02021,\u00a0Macs experienced 115% growth&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1228,"featured_media":128950,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10667,10661],"tags":[7483,180,9910,9913],"coauthors":[7231],"class_list":["post-122647","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-security-news","category-internet-security","tag-mac-malware","tag-malware","tag-malware-on-mac","tag-malware-protection-for-mac"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Apple Users: This macOS Malware Could Be Spying on You | McAfee Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"In 2018,\u00a0Macs accounted\u00a0for 10%\u00a0of all active personal computers. 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