In recent years, Mac users have increasingly become targets for cybercriminals. The perception that MacOS is inherently secure has led to a false sense of security among users, making them prime targets for sophisticated malware attacks. One such threat is the Cthulhu Stealer malware, part of a growing trend of info stealers targeting macOS devices.

Understanding Cthulhu Stealer

Cthulhu Stealer is malware that sneaks into macOS systems to steal sensitive info. It’s part of a growing threat group called infostealers. These threats have become more common in 2023. Other threats include MacStealer, Pureland, Atomic Stealer, and RealStealer.

These threats often pretend to be real apps or files. They might be disguised as business documents or software updates. When a user opens these files, the malware starts its harmful work.

Cthulhu Stealer is a malware-as-a-service (MaaS) for macOS users. This means cybercriminals can rent it for a monthly fee. This makes it easy for anyone to use without needing tech skills. Cthulhu Stealer was available for $500 a month, showing how easy it is for attackers to use.

Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) Model

The MaaS model is popular among cybercriminals because it’s easy to use. It lets attackers focus on spreading malware and getting data without knowing how it works. This model also helps malware developers keep their products up-to-date and appealing.

Cthulhu Stealer pretends to be an app like CleanMyMac, Grand Theft Auto IV, and Adobe GenP. It asks for sensitive information like passwords and MetaMask credentials and sends it to a server controlled by the attackers. Malware can steal many data types, including cryptocurrency wallets and browser cookies.

How Threat Actors Target Mac Users

Cybercriminals use different ways to get malware to Mac users:

1. Social Engineering: They might pretend to be potential clients or partners. They send emails with fake attachments that look like business documents. This trick works well on business users who don’t suspect anything.

2. Malvertising: Fake ads can lead users to dangerous websites. These ads often pop up on real websites, making users download malware.

3. Free Content Lures: Many download free software or media, not knowing it might be malware. Fake apps or media can hide malware.

4. Cryptocurrency Targeting: Some malware targets cryptocurrency users, trying to steal wallet information and other financial details.

Reasons for Targeting Mac Users

There are several reasons why Mac users are targeted:

1. Security Perception: Many Mac users believe MacOS is more secure than competing operating systems like Windows. Apple’s marketing partly influences this belief and that there have historically been fewer virus instances on MacOS than on other platforms. Because of this, Mac users can be less security-aware, which makes them appealing targets for fraudsters.

2. Expanding Market Share: MacOS has been gaining ground on the latter despite being less popular than Windows. This expansion allows threat actors to take advantage of a less crowded industry. The number of potential victims increases with Mac users, making it profitable for hackers to create and distribute malware tailored to the operating system.

3. Vulnerabilities: Compared to the previous year, there was a notable increase in the number of macOS vulnerabilities exploited in 2023—more than 30% more. This increase implies that, even though the number of vulnerabilities has decreased, attackers are still discovering and taking advantage of more macOS flaws. This pattern suggests that macOS has become more appealing as a target for malicious activity.

4. Lucrative Targets: Professionals and business people are frequent Mac users whose devices may contain significant data. This includes wallets for cryptocurrencies, bank information, and sensitive company information—all fascinating to hackers. Since info stealers like Cthulhu Stealer are built to retrieve this information, they are a well-liked option for targeting Mac users.

5. Lack of Competition: There is a lot of malware on the Windows market, which makes it difficult for new threat actors to get traction. On the other hand, there is less competition in the macOS market, which presents a chance for cybercriminals to take advantage of this and create a presence in a rapidly expanding sector.

6. Complex Attack Vectors: Malicious actors utilize sophisticated methods to infect Mac users with malware. These include free content lures, which take advantage of people’s demand for free software and media downloads, and malvertising tactics, which utilize deceptive adverts to send visitors to harmful websites. These techniques successfully elude established security protocols and deceive people into downloading malicious software.

Protecting Against Mac Malware

Mac users need a robust security plan to protect them from threats like Cthulhu Stealer. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Enable the Firewall: Turn on your Mac’s firewall to block unwanted access. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall and toggle it on. This keeps your device safe from malicious traffic.

2. Enable Security Features: Use macOS’s built-in security tools, such as Gatekeeper, XProtect, and FileVault. Also, consider getting a third-party antivirus for extra protection.

3. Manage App Permissions: Control which apps can access your data and system features. Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy to check and adjust app permissions. This helps stop malware from getting too much access.

4. Secure Your Network: Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet, especially on public Wi-Fi. This keeps your data safe from hackers.

5. Be Wary of Unsolicited Communications: Don’t open emails from unknown senders, especially those with attachments or links. Always check the sender’s identity before opening anything.

6. Avoid Free and Untrusted Downloads: Don’t download software from shady places. Always get apps from trusted sources like the Mac App Store.

7. Use Ad Blockers and Web Filters: These tools can block malvertising and other online dangers.

8. Regular Software Updates: Keep your operating system and apps updated to avoid known vulnerabilities.

9. Regularly Check for Unwanted Applications: Sometimes, malware comes with legitimate software. Check your apps often and remove any you don’t need or don’t recognize.

10. Disable Automatic File Opening: In Safari’s settings, turn off the option to automatically open “safe” files after downloading. This stops drive-by downloads from running without your permission.

Conclusion

As Mac users become more attractive to cybercriminals, it’s essential to understand and fight against malware like Cthulhu Stealer. You can protect your devices and personal info from these threats by staying informed and using strong security measures.

You may also find these articles interesting: Mac Malware and What Happens When You Connect to the Internet.

Ads aren’t just about selling the latest gadget or promoting a sale. Some of them have a darker purpose: malvertising. But what is malvertising, and why should you care?

What is Malvertising?

Malvertising, a combination of “malware” and “advertising,” refers to the practice of embedding malicious code within legitimate-looking ads. These ads are distributed across reputable ad networks and displayed on websites you might frequently visit. When a user clicks on the ad or, in some cases, even just loads the webpage displaying it, the malicious code activates, leading to potential harm.

Examples of Malvertising:

• Drive-by Downloads: Perhaps the most harmful. You visit a website, and the malvertisement automatically downloads malicious software onto your device without your knowledge.
• Scareware: Ads that deceive users by warning them about nonexistent threats on their device and urging them to download a “solution,” which is, in fact, malware.
• Phishing: Malvertisements that mimic genuine companies or services, attempting to trick you into providing personal information or login details.
• Cryptojacking Scripts: Ads that utilize your device’s resources to mine cryptocurrency without your knowledge.

Why is Malvertising Dangerous?

Malvertising poses a significant threat because it can bypass traditional security measures. Since these malicious ads are hosted on legitimate and trusted websites via ad networks, they can often evade standard web filters and blacklists. Plus, since users trust the websites they visit, they’re more likely to interact with these ads without suspicion.

Protecting Yourself from Malvertising:

• Ad-blockers: Using ad-blockers can prevent many malvertisements from appearing.
• Regularly Update Software: Ensure your browser, plugins, and operating system are up to date, as many malvertisements exploit known vulnerabilities.
• Use Antivirus Software: Good antivirus software can detect and block many malicious downloads.
• Be careful about clicking on ads, especially if they look too good to be true.
• Keep your software updated, including your web browser, operating system, and antivirus software.
• Be careful about what information you enter into online forms.
• Stay Informed: Understanding the threat, as you’re doing now, is half the battle.

If you think you may have clicked on a malicious ad, you should immediately scan your computer for malware. You should also change your passwords for any online accounts that you may have accessed while you were infected with malware.

In summary, while the internet is an incredible resource, it has challenges. Malvertising is challenging, but you can browse safely and confidently with caution and the right tools.

Read more about malvertising at Hacker News and Malwarebytes. In our article, you learn how to detect malware on your machine.

What is Info Stealer Malware?

Info stealer malware is malicious software designed to extract sensitive and valuable information from infected systems. This data can include usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, personal identification numbers (PINs), and other types of private information.

Common targets for info stealers are:

• Web browsers (to capture browsing history and saved credentials)
• Email clients
• FTP clients
• Instant messaging apps
• Cryptocurrency wallets

How Does It Work?

• Delivery: Like other malware, info stealers can be delivered via malicious email attachments, fake software downloads, or compromised websites.
• Infiltration: Once executed, the malware often runs silently in the background without the user’s knowledge.
• Data Harvesting: The malware searches and extracts desired information from specific locations, like browser caches or saved password lists.
• Exfiltration: The collected data is then sent back to a server controlled by the attacker, often encrypted to evade detection.

How to Protect Yourself?

• Regular Updates: Ensure that all your software, especially your operating system and web browsers, are updated regularly. These updates often contain patches for known vulnerabilities.
• Install a Reputable Antivirus and Anti-malware: Invest in a good antivirus solution and schedule regular scans.
• Avoid Suspicious Downloads and Attachments: Be cautious of email attachments from unknown sources and avoid downloading software from unofficial or suspicious websites.
• Use a Firewall: Enable a firewall to monitor incoming and outgoing traffic and block unauthorized access.
• Be Wary of Phishing Attempts: Cybercriminals often use phishing emails to distribute info stealers. Recognize the signs of phishing emails, such as generic greetings, spelling mistakes, and questionable URLs.
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): By using MFA, even if your password is stolen, an attacker would need additional verification to access your account.
• Regular Backups: Always back up your essential data. In case of any malware infection, having a recent backup allows you to restore your system without paying ransom or losing data.
• Educate and Train: If you’re running an organization, invest in cybersecurity training for your employees.
• Use a Password Manager: To protect against some types of info stealers, a password manager can help. These tools generate and store complex passwords, making them harder to steal and crack.

In the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape, info stealer malware is a particularly insidious tool in the hacker’s arsenal. By staying informed and practicing good cybersecurity hygiene, you can significantly reduce the risks of this type of threat.

You should read this article from Malwarebytes on info stealers for more information. Also, our article on how to know if you’ve been infected by malware may help.

Today, the threats we face are not just physical but also virtual. One such threat, which has increased in recent years, is drive-by malware attack. But what is it, and how can you stay protected?

What is a Drive-By Malware Attack?

A drive-by malware attack is a method cybercriminals use to spread malware without the user’s knowledge. It typically occurs when a user visits a compromised website. Unlike phishing attacks, where victims are tricked into downloading malicious files, in drive-by scenarios, merely visiting a website can trigger an automatic malware download onto the user’s device.

These attacks often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software or browser plugins.

How Drive-By Malware Attacks Work:

1. Compromised Websites: Cybercriminals find and exploit vulnerabilities in websites to insert malicious code.
2. Browser Interaction: When an unsuspecting user visits this compromised site, the malicious code scans their device for software vulnerabilities.
3. Exploitation: If vulnerabilities are found, the site can then download and install malware onto the user’s device without their knowledge or consent.

Protection Against Drive-By Attacks:

1. Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system, browsers, and plugins. Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software.
2. Use a Reliable Antivirus: A good antivirus software can detect and block many malware threats, including those from drive-by attacks.
3. Enable Click-to-Play: This feature, available in many browsers, prevents plugins like Flash or Java from running automatically. Instead, they require manual approval, offering an extra layer of protection.
4. Regular Backups: Always back up your data. If malware compromises your system, you can restore it to a previous state.
5. Educate Yourself: Understand the signs of a compromised website. Be wary of sites with excessive pop-ups, unexpected redirects, or other unusual behavior.
6. Use a VPN: Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) encrypt your data, making it harder for cybercriminals to target you.

To summarize, drive-by malware attacks are silent threats that can compromise systems without active downloads or clicks from the user. However, by keeping software updated, using protective tools, and maintaining a vigilant online presence, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with these cyber-attacks. Remember, in cybersecurity, a proactive approach is always better than a reactive one.

You may find our article on detecting malware on your machine helpful as well as this one by Norton.

WordPress is a popular website content creator and platform. Still, it takes work to make it secure, partly by keeping it updated and applying security tools like Wordfence. If properly maintained, it can avoid becoming vulnerable to various threats. Here’s a list of dangers associated with outdated WordPress sites and WordPress security best practices to remediate them.

Dangers of Outdated WordPress Sites:

• Vulnerabilities in Core Software:
  • Outdated WordPress core files may contain known vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.
• Plugin & Theme Vulnerabilities:
  • Older plugins and themes can have unpatched vulnerabilities.
• Malware Infections:
  • Outdated sites can be more easily compromised, leading to malware infections that can deface your site, steal data, or distribute malware to visitors.
• DDoS Attacks:
  • Vulnerabilities can be exploited to turn your site into a bot in a Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack.
• SEO Spam:
  • Hackers can inject spammy content or links, harming your SEO ranking.
• Data Theft:
  • Personal data, user information, and other sensitive data can be accessed and stolen.
• Phishing:
  • Your site can be used to host phishing pages without your knowledge.
• Loss of Reputation:
  • If users or customers discover your site is compromised, it can severely damage your brand’s reputation.
• Financial Costs:
  • Cleaning a hacked website can be expensive, especially if you have to hire experts.
• Data Loss:
  • Critical data can be deleted or held for ransom.

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Strategies to Keep WordPress Sites Safe:

• Regular Updates:
  • Always update the WordPress core, plugins, and themes to the latest versions. This is a key WordPress security best practice.
• Use Trusted Plugins and Themes:
  • Only install plugins and themes from reputable sources. Check reviews, update frequency, and remove the ones that are end-of-life or no longer supported by the developer or publisher.
• Implement Strong Authentication:
  • Use strong, unique passwords and always enable MFA (multi-factor authentication or 2FA (two-factor authentication) for additional security.
• Daily Backups:
  • Use plugins or services that provide daily backups of your site. Ensure backups are stored off-site and are easily restorable.
• Security Plugins:
  • For additional protection, utilize security plugins like Wordfence, Sucuri Security, or iThemes Security, preferably the pro version that applies malware signatures and updates immediately versus once a month (i.e., Wordfence). This is a critical WordPress security best practice.
• Limit User Access:
  • Assign appropriate roles and permissions. Not everyone needs administrative access.
• Web Application Firewall (WAF):
  • Use a cloud-based WAF like Cloudflare or Sucuri to filter malicious traffic.
• Secure Hosting:
  • Choose a reputable web host that emphasizes security and provides isolated site environments.
• SSL Encryption:
  • Implement an SSL certificate to encrypt data between the server and browser.
• Regular Security Audits:
  • Conduct periodic security scans and assessments.
• Disable Directory Listing:
  • Prevent hackers from viewing the contents of directories.
• Implement Logging:
  • Keep an audit log of site activity to monitor suspicious behavior.
• Disable XML-RPC:
  • If not needed, disable XML-RPC to prevent DDoS attacks and unauthorized access.
• Implement CAPTCHAs:
  • Use CAPTCHAs to prevent bots from submitting forms or accessing login pages.
• Stay Informed:
  • Join WordPress forums, communities, or news portals to stay updated on the latest threats and security practices.

By adhering to these WordPress security best practices and maintaining a proactive approach to web and application security, you can significantly reduce the risk of your WordPress site being compromised.

You may also be interested in how to tell if you’re computer has been compromised and how to recover from a social media scam. Learn more about Wordfence for WordPress Security.

Malware Cannot Always Remain Hidden, Not Even In Memory.

In contrast to writing to disk, several sophisticated malware strains are built to run solely in system memory. This “in-memory” method is frequently employed to get around typical antivirus and antimalware programs that examine disk data. Malware isn’t necessarily invisible merely because it’s not present on the disk.

Since the virus must be executed to carry out its intended job, it will suck up system resources, leave a trail in system logs, or trigger observable network activity. These dangers can be discovered with the aid of instruments like memory forensics.

Symptoms of a Malware Infection

Even while malware frequently strives to remain undetectable, it frequently leaves some traces behind. The following are some warning indicators that your computer may be infected:

1. Sluggish Performance: Malware can occasionally be blamed for a sudden slowdown in your computer’s performance by utilizing system resources.
2. Unwanted Pop-ups and Advertising: If you see pop-ups and advertising that you didn’t previously see, especially those that urge you to click on dubious links or advertise antivirus software, it could be adware or another type of malware.
3. Unusual Network Activity: Data use spikes or mysterious network traffic may indicate that malware sends or receives data to or from your device.
4. Security software turned off: In an effort to defend themselves, certain malware can turn off your firewall or antivirus program.
5. Unusual Files and Apps: If you discover new files or applications that you didn’t install, this may be a symptom of an infection.
6. Frequent system crashes or the “blue screen of death” can be a sign, albeit they are not just caused by malware.

Getting Rid of a Malware Infection

Here’s what to do if you believe you have a malware infection:

1. Your machine should start up in Safe Mode. This will prevent most viruses from starting by starting your computer with a minimal set of drivers and services.

• Update and Scan: Run a comprehensive system scan and update your antivirus and antimalware software.
• Use Specialized Tools: Some malware is able to bypass traditional antivirus programs. Specialized malware eradication programs can be useful in these situations.
• Backup and Clean Install: You might need to perform a backup of your important information and a clean installation of your operating system if the infection is serious.
• Change Passwords: After eliminating spyware, particularly that intended to steal personal information, change all of your passwords.
• Stay Current: Update your operating system and software frequently. Numerous malware variants take advantage of well-known flaws in out-of-date software.

Malware is a serious threat, but the fact that it must be allowed to function (run) gives us a considerable edge in terms of identification and mitigation. Always be on guard, keep your software up-to-date, and be wary of what you download and open. Your safety online depends on it.

You may find our article on using Netstat to detect rogue connections interesting, read it HERE.
Additionally, here’s what Microsoft says on removing malware.

Netstat is a command-line utility available on Windows operating systems that allows you to display information about network connections, routing tables, interface statistics, masquerade connections, etc. You can use netstat -ano to see active network connections and their associated process IDs (PIDs), which can help you identify potential rogue connections to your machine.

Here’s a step-by-step tutorial on how to use netstat and the most common switches (-ano).

Step 1: Open Command Prompt

• Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type “cmd” and press Enter to open the Command Prompt.

Step 2: Run netstat -ano

In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

netstat -ano

This command will display a list of active network connections and associated PIDs.

Step 3: Analyze the Output

The output of netstat -ano will have several columns:

• Proto: Indicates the protocol used (e.g., TCP, UDP).
• Local Address: Shows the local IP address and port.
• Foreign Address: Displays the remote IP address and port.
• State: Shows the state of the connection (e.g., ESTABLISHED, TIME_WAIT).
• PID: Indicates the Process ID associated with the connection.

Here’s how to analyze the output:

• Look for any unfamiliar or suspicious IP addresses in the “Foreign Address” column. These could potentially be rogue connections.
• Check the “State” column to see if any connections are in unusual states (e.g., TIME_WAIT for a long time).
• Identify the PID associated with each connection in the “PID” column. You can cross-reference this PID with the Task Manager to determine which process is responsible for the connection.

Step 4: Investigate Suspicious Connections

If you find any connections that you suspect are rogue or unwanted, take the following actions:

1. Identify the Process: Use the PID from the “PID” column to locate the associated process in Task Manager. Right-click the Taskbar, select “Task Manager,” go to the “Details” tab, and find the process with the matching PID.
2. Research the Process: If the process is unfamiliar or suspicious, research it online to determine if it’s legitimate or potential malware. Be cautious before terminating any processes.
3. Terminate Suspicious Processes: If you’re certain that a process is malicious or unwanted, you can end the process in Task Manager by right-clicking the process and selecting “End Task.” However, exercise caution, as terminating critical system processes can cause system instability; know what you’re doing.
4. Firewall and Antivirus: Ensure that you have a firewall and antivirus software installed and updated. They can help detect and block unwanted network connections and malware.

For more switches and details, visit Microsoft’s documentation on Netstat here. You may also like our article on detecting malware on your machine.