Security researchers discovered the very first M1 MacBook malware after a few months after it was launched. The current M1 MacBook is Apple’s latest Silicon device.
The new M1 MacBook malware can be a really serious matter since researchers and other experts haven’t understood how its system completely works and what are methods can be used to prevent such malicious content.
Patrick Wardle, an ex-NSA researcher, and longtime mac security expert was the first one to report the new M1 MacBook malware. He said that the malicious content called GoSearch22.app is an M1-native version of a longstanding Pirrit virus.
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Wardle said that they “confirmed that malicious adversaries are indeed crafting multi-architecture applications so that their code will natively run on M1 systems. The malicious GoSearch22 application may be the first example of such natively M1 compatible code.”
The security experts also explained that the new M1 MacBook malware can generate revenue by spamming users with pop-ups and advertisements. He explained that the new adware was also signed with an Apple developer ID, a paid account that allows people to Apple to keep track of all iOS and Mac developers.
Is M1 MacBook malware dangerous?
Wardle stated that a user can download the new M1 MacBook malware without triggering the Gatekeeper on macOS, thanks to a developer ID, which can prevent the Gatekeeper from notifying users when an application they are going to install or download is not safe.
This makes it easier for hackers to breach the device’s security systems and send out the latest M1 MacBook computer virus. As of the moment, security experts didn’t specify what are the actual effects of this new malicious content.
On the other hand, Apple has not yet released any statement regarding the newly found M1 MacBook computer virus. However, the tech giant manufacturer has revoked the GoSearch22 certificate.
Apple only introduced its M1 MacBoos in November. And now, security experts already found a computer virus that could affect the devices that are currently using Apple’s ARM-based chip such as Mac Mini, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air. This just shows that hackers are still evolving as they find new ways on how to breach, not just Apple’s security systems, but also other companies’ device security features.
Meanwhile, some security researchers stated that the new M1 MacBook computer virus is not too dangerous. But, this could still be a sign that new malware and other malicious content could soon arrive in Apple’s latest Silicon gadgets.
How to protect your device from malicious content?
Security experts and other analysts already provided some ways on how to protect your device from any computer virus. All you need to do is follow these steps, but they don’t guarantee 100% protection from any malicious content;
- Be careful about opening email attachments or images
- Keep your computer and software updated
- Don’t trust pop-up windows that ask you to download software
- Limit your file-sharing
- Use antivirus software
- Use a non-administrator account whenever possible
- Think twice before clicking links or downloading anything
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