Ransomware is a type of malware that restricts access to the infected computer system in some way, and demands that the user pay a ransom to the malware operators to remove the restriction. (Photo : Twitter/Macworld)
Mac Ransomware was shut down immediately after being downloaded by around 6,500 Apple users on March 4, Friday. The malicious software can infect a computer and be used to encrypt anything on the device's memory. Reportedly, it can only be stopped when a ransom is given to the hackers who made the code.
The Mac Ransomware has infected an app under Transmission, a file sharing protocol for BitTorrent. The files of those infected computers have been locked up and owners were asked to pay a bitcoin or $400 to access their computers again.
However, Apple immediately removed the developer certificate of Transmission software and updated the Mac OS X built in XProtect, an anti-malware system.
Mac Ransomware infection was removed by launching the new BitTorrent version, which was released by Transmission over the weekend. Dubbed as KeRanger, the ransomware has been discovered by Palo Alto Network and was said to be the first completely functional ransomware for Mac computers, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Apple computers are not usually involved in hacking issues since only few malicious software are able to pass through its rather tightened security measures. The attack, however, may be due to the fact that Mac OS is known for its overall security, and Apple's smaller market share has made it less tempting to target. Based on Gartner's analysis report, Apple computers make up the 12. 8 percent of the U.S. market during the last quarter of 2015.
Meanwhile, there has been no reported case of actual MAC OS infections until Tuesday. This was because the Mac Ransomware will only be activated to start encrypting the computer files three days after actual infection.
According to Apple, the file sharing app Transmission was never available on their Mac Apple app store, which makes their users to less likely get infected.
Mac Ransomware underscores the issues concerning security, which may get from purchasing apps outside the control of Apple. As stated by Apple, all apps that are sold through the Apple app store are examined strictly for safety; hence, less vulnerable to malware and other risks, USA Today reported.
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