Mac Ransomware: Be Aware

The first known ransomware attack on Apple’s Mac computers was discovered, and contained, this past weekend. The ransomware was downloaded more than 6,000 times before the threat was caught and managed; this is a small number compared to other ransomware attacks, like those on computers running Microsoft’s Windows operating system. Ransomware is a type of malicious software restricting access to a computer system and demanding the user pay a ransom to the malware operators to remove the restriction. Hackers latest attack on Macs infected computers with the “KeRanger” ransomware through a popular program, Transmission, used for transferring data through a peer-to-peer file sharing network. Apple and developers were able to thwart the threat, but cyber security experts say they expect more attacks on Macs in the future. Symantec, a company selling anti-virus software for Macs, is also warning Mac users to “not be complacent”, as the threats can be very real if your computer gets infected. If you have any questions or concerns about protecting your Mac computers in regards to threats like ransomware, please contact the office.