Subj : LockBit ransomware is targeting Macs for the first time
To   : All
From : TechnologyDaily
Date : Mon Apr 17 2023 14:15:04

LockBit ransomware is targeting Macs for the first time

Date:
Mon, 17 Apr 2023 13:01:18 +0000

Description:
Until now, the Apple ecosystem was thought to be immune to ransomware threats 
such as LockBit.

FULL STORY
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One of the most infamous ransomware strains, LockBit, has reportedly been 
spotted infecting Apple Mac devices for the first time, ever. 

Cybersecurity researchers from the MalwareHunterTeam tweeted about finding 
locker_Apple_M1_64 - the first Apple's Mac devices targeting build of LockBit 
ransomware sample seen. Whats more, the researchers believe this might be the 
first time a big name gang targeted a Mac. 

While targeting M1-powered devices might make headlines, 9To5Mac also says 
that a LockBit ransomware build is also showing up for PowerPC Macs, as well. 
Popular ransomware service 

LockBit is currently one of the most widely-used ransomware variants around 
today. Its creators are offering the locker as a service 
(Ransomware-as-a-Service, or RaaS), allowing different hacking groups to use 
the tool for a fee. 

Among its more recent victims is the space exploration company, SpaceX. In 
mid-March, hackers said to have breached one of the companys suppliers, and 
through them, obtained SpaceXs sensitive data, including thousands of 
drawings certified by SpaceX engineers. 

On one occasion, one of LockBits affiliates also targeted SickKids, the 
Hospital for Sick Children. SickKids is a major pediatric teaching hospital 
located on University Avenue in Toronto, Canada, and Affiliated with the 
Faculty of Medicine of the University of Toronto. The group was later 
excommunicated by LockBits creators, who also issued an apology and released 
a free decryptor. Read more 

> Port of Lisbon hit by ransomware attack 


 > Data breached at LA Housing Authority after ransomware attack 


 > These are the best malware removal tools at the moment 

The group was first discovered roughly three years ago, and is believed to be 
operating either out of the United States, or out of China. Most members of 
the groups are speaking Russian, however. 

So far, ransomware attacks were contained to mostly Windows devices, with an 
occasional expedition into Linux. The Apple ecosystem was mostly perceived as 
safe from ransomware, until now. Whether or not this LockBit variant 
motivates more threat actors to start targeting Mac endpoints , remains to be 
seen. Here's our rundown of the best firewalls



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Link to news story:
https://www.techradar.com/news/lockbit-ransomware-is-targeting-macs-for-the-fi
rst-time


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