

- Ransomware on apple computers for mac#
- Ransomware on apple computers software#
- Ransomware on apple computers mac#
- Ransomware on apple computers windows#
There is no doubt that the company is in desperate need of a public relations boost.On April 20th 2021, Apple held its latest Keynote event, unveiling a host of new gadgets for their eager fans. The tech giant is embroiled in a heated conflict with the United States government over whether the company should unlock smartphones of terrorists and others who are characterized as threats to national security. The security of Apple products is currently being questioned. Though Apple products have skyrocketed in popularity over the past few decades, the ransomware attack is the latest in a long string of security snafus for the popular computer and phone maker. The Ransomware Attack Represents More Bad News for Apple
Ransomware on apple computers software#
According to a statement posted on Transmission’s website, this new version of the software will automatically remove the virus from infected computers.

Transmission responded to the attack by eliminating the 2.90 version of the software from the company’s website.
Ransomware on apple computers mac#
One preventative method that it employed was revoking the digital certificate that made it possible for the malicious software to be installed on Mac computers in the first place. Apple representatives later revealed that the company worked as quickly as possible to prevent more infections. Clay states that the server security “…has since been increased”.
Ransomware on apple computers windows#
According to Symantec, one of the leading cyber security companies, nearly 9 million computers with Windows operating systems were attacked in 2014 alone.Ĭlay reports that the regular disk image was removed and a compromised one was put in its place. Ransomware infections on hardware running Microsoft’s Windows operating system number in the millions. It’s quite a moderate impact compared to ransomware attacks of the past. Later, John Clay, a spokesman for the open source Transmission tool, reported that the ransomware was downloaded around 6,500 times.

Palo Alto Networks posted a statement on its blog stating that it might be possible that hackers compromised Transmission’s website and replaced the files with new malicious versions.Ī developer who refused to identify himself reported that the ransomware has been downloaded in excess of 6,000 times before Apple personnel could contain the malicious software. Most point to the commonly used method of infiltrating legitimate applications to plant the ransomware.

Those who work in the cyber security industry have weighed in on the attack. Yet it is unclear as to how the malicious software was uploaded in the first place. According to Palo Alto Networks, the attack represents the first ever functional edition of ransomware that has been identified on Apple operating systems. The ransomware attack infected two unique versions of Transmission. This might not sound too harsh on the surface until you find out that a single Bitcoin costs more than $400. This program, called KeRanger, demands that its victims pay a Bitcoin to have their files returned. Ransomware is best described as a nasty software designed by malevolent hackers to hijack a computer and lock out the user until he pays the requested ransom. Though Apple officials did not make themselves available for immediate comment, company executives have reported that they have taken extensive attempts to safeguard users’ machines. Palo Alto Networks reported the problem to Apple right away in an effort to limit the hack’s damage. The malicious software was identified on March 4th. The ransomware attack on Apple computers was first spotted by Palo Alto Networks on OS X. After all, those Apple computers they purchased did not come cheap.
Ransomware on apple computers for mac#
The presence of ransomware is quite the shocking news for Mac users who had grown accustomed to superior performance and security compared to PC users. Transmission is a tool that allows Mac users to transfer data to one another by way of a BitTorrent file sharing network. Hackers who have yet to be identified infected multiple versions of Apple’s “Transmission” program. Though Apple is famous for its easy to use computers and extensive security, the company suffered a setback this past week with its first ever “ransomware” attack.
