Attention all Mac users! Brace yourselves for a potential cyber attack from one of the most notorious ransomware gangs out there. According to a recent tweet by the MalwareHunterTeam, Lockbit ransomware has been detected targeting macOS devices for the first time. While the gang has reportedly had this capability since last fall, this is the first public notice of its use against Apple computers.
“This is the first time one of the major ransomware players has taken aim at Apple’s OS,” warns security analyst Brett Callow. LockBit, known for its “ransomware-as-a-service” operation, has historically focused on Windows, Linux, and virtual host machines, as those are the operating systems most commonly used by businesses. However, with the expansion of Lockbit’s targets, Mac users should be on high alert.
"locker_Apple_M1_64": 3e4bbd21756ae30c24ff7d6942656be024139f8180b7bddd4e5c62a9dfbd8c79
As much as I can tell, this is the first Apple's Mac devices targeting build of LockBit ransomware sample seen…
Also is this a first for the "big name" gangs?
?@patrickwardle
cc @cyb3rops pic.twitter.com/SMuN3Rmodl— MalwareHunterTeam (@malwrhunterteam) April 15, 2023
As of late 2022, LockBit has infected at least 1,000 victims, including a Holiday Inn hotel in Turkey, and has claimed tens of millions of dollars from its partners’ victims. This ransomware variant is considered one of the most active and destructive in the world, according to an indictment unsealed by the US Department of Justice. With the potential threat of LockBit ransomware looming over Mac users, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect your devices and sensitive data.
