Artificial intelligence can also be used for malicious purposes. Now they are creating malware for Mac without having any computer knowledge.
Every year, Moonlock Lab, MacPaw's cybersecurity research division, gives us an updated overview of the latest threats facing the macOS ecosystem. This Tuesday, The company presented its 2024 threat report, in which it reveals worrying trends: How artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT, is used to write malicious scripts, the rise of Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS), and other relevant statistics derived from their research.
This only makes us understand one thing: The days when Macs couldn't get viruses are long gone. so you always have to be more than ready.
AI is being misused and Macs are at risk
For a long time,There has been speculation about whether artificial intelligence tools could be used for dark purposes by malicious actors.. Today it seems that we already have clear evidence that, unfortunately, this is what is happening.
Moonlock Lab found screenshots on darknet forums that show how Cybercriminals use tools like ChatGPT to guide them in developing complex malware.. One example is a user known as “barboris,” who explained how he managed to create a data stealer for macOS, without having any prior programming knowledge.
With just a few instructions, attackers can generate scripts and implement advanced techniques, which previously required deep technical expertise. Now the barrier to entry is lower than ever and AI has become a tool for cybercriminals to launch attacks on macOS.
This worries us for several reasons. Previously, significant technical knowledge was required to create malware.; Today, anyone with access to the Internet can try to do this.
Thanks to artificial intelligence, malware has been created that affects Macs
MaaS, malware accessible to everyone
The report also highlights that in 2024, The darknet is generating increased interest in how to bypass macOS defenses and use Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS).. Basically, MaaS allows those with limited technical knowledge to pay to use off-the-shelf tools to carry out attacks.
In this model, organized groups like AMOS act as malware suppliers. Developers create malware, then “affiliates” (usually criminals with little technical knowledge) pay for access. and direct their attacks. These affiliates can pay a one-time fee or recurring subscription to license the malware, making it much more accessible to more people.
According to Moonlock, The proliferation of MaaS has significantly lowered the barriers to entry for becoming a cybercriminal.. What once cost tens of thousands of dollars can now be had for around $1,500 per month, thanks to the rise of providers like RansomHub that offer this type of service.
If you have researched topics related to cybersecurity, You probably already know how important it is to protect your equipment.. The best advice remains the same: keep your software up to date, download apps only from trusted sites, and use an additional security solution if possible. A good option is MacPaw's CleanMyMac, which offers real-time malware detection.
The myth that “Macs don’t get viruses” is a thing of the past. Protecting your equipment with basic practices can make a difference and save you from many problems in the future.
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