Hackers have started attacking Apple devices with a virus called KeRanger which locks users out of their files until they pay one bitcoin, coming to about £280 ransom. They have been reported to have infected a number of Mac products. Ransomware has been targeted at Microsoft Windows users for a long time, making this the first time attack on Apple product users.
The Malware which remains dormant for a couple of days after infecting the computers eventually encrypts and makes the files inaccessible. Users downloaded the now Ransomware as they installed a the Popular Transmission software used to transfer data on BitTorrent.
As reported by SkyNews, Ryan Olson from Palo Alto Networks, which uncovered the threat, told the Reuters news agency: “This is the first one in the wild that is definitely functional, encrypts your files and seeks a ransom.”
Apple is also taking steps to prevent further attack and has revoked the digital certificate that allowed the malware to be installed on Macs. A couple of other solutions have also been raised to rid oneself of the KeRanger virus. It’s yet to be established whether the situation is under control.[related-posts]
