How to Protect Your Mac and Digital Wallets from Atomic macOS Stealer
Although macOS is generally considered to be more secure than Windows, it does not guarantee complete protection against malware. More so, we have the increasing number of malware that targets Macs. Atomic macOS Stealer, also known as AMOS, is probably the latest on the list.
In this guide, we have explained the basics you should know about Atomic macOS Stealer and how to protect your Mac and digital wallets from this threat.
Atomic macOS Stealer: A Recent Threat
Although we have encountered Mac-targeted malware in the past, Atomic macOS Stealer is a recent addition to the list. What’s more, this new malware is known for its ability to penetrate some of the most secure components of macOS. Therefore, you should be aware of how Atomic macOS Stealer works, given its ability to dig deep into your Mac and steal information.
For context, the world first learned about this malware on April 26, 2023, when cybersecurity companyCyble Researchencountered a threat actor selling access to a malware titled Atomic macOS Stealer. Upon researching, the company learned that the malware is capable of affecting different aspects of macOS, including system settings, browsers, and even crypto wallets. It also came with several features that made it for the attacker to handle the stolen information.
How Does It Work?
Like many other information-stealing malware, Atomic macOS Stealer also tricks the user intoinstalling something using a DMG file. Once the application has been installed (often under false pretenses), the malware will execute a few actions.
Once the user has provided the system password, the malware will have privileged access to not only the system but also many third-party applications.
What Does It Infect?
According to the Telegram for the AMOS malware, the successful installation of the DMG file will provide the hacker with access to the following things.
As you’re able to see, Atomic macOS Stealer can infect almost anything on your Mac. What’s more, its ability to penetrate eventhe safest crypto walletsis quite alarming. Therefore, if your Mac is infected, you are likely to lose all your crypto assets. It’s also worth noting that the attacker can access all of this information from a web panel. The Brute MetaMask system makes it possible to access private keys.
In short, getting your Mac infected with the Atomic macOS Stealer malware can be catastrophic.
How to Stay Away From Atomic macOS Stealer
Although Atomic macOS Stealer is one of the more advanced threats, following basic security etiquette can help you avoid it. In particular, you can use the following tips to verify you do not infect your Mac with AMOS.
Installing Apps From Only Trusted Sources
As we mentioned earlier, the Atomic macOS Stealer malware requires the user to install a DMG file on their Mac. To avoid infecting your Mac with this malware, you should install apps only from trusted sources. Ideally, you should stick to installing apps from the Mac App Store.
But not all software is available in the Mac App Store. When you have to download an app from a developer website instead, you should check two things. First, ensure that youdo not download any spywareor adware; you can do this with the help of reviews. Second, if macOS cannot verify the developer, you must be more cautious. You should not just “open it anyway.”
Using an Anti-Malware Suite
At times, you may not be able to strictly adhere to the entire security protocol. For example, if your work involves software testing, you may need to install apps from various sources. Additionally, human error may lead to malware like AMOS infecting your Mac. You want to have a protection system that can detect malware before it can harm your system or data.
Install an anti-malware suite for Mac that includesreal-time protection. This allows you to stay ahead of various types of malware, even if you do not perform manual scans. Real-time anti-malware tools continuously scan your Mac for anomalies and problematic apps. Most importantly, they can quarantine problematic apps and notify you promptly.
Conveniently, you can choose between paid andfree antivirus apps for Mac.
Enabling 2FA
Enabling two-factor authentication is a backup solution rather than a preemptive protection method. Malware threats such as AMOS work by stealing your username and password from the password manager, which, in this case, is the Apple Keychain. By turning on two-factor authentication, you can prevent the threat actor from accessing your accounts, even if they have your credentials.
you’re able to go a step further by enablingenabling multi-factor authentication. But there are limitations. For example, not all web services offer two-factor authentication. Additionally, enabling two-factor authentication for all services can be inconvenient. Last but not least, some attackers usevulnerabilities in even multi-factor authenticationto gain access to information.
Nevertheless, it is better to go through this inconvenience if you are more likely to encounter threats like AMOS and infect your Mac.
Keep Up With Updates
Lastly, it is a good idea to keep your Mac up to date. For instance,macOS Sonomacomes with advanced security features, including the enhanced Lockdown Mode to protect your Mac from spyware. It’s a good idea to install such updates as soon as they are released.
Staying Away from Malware
Some simple habits can help keep your Mac (or any device) safe from threats like Atomic macOS Stealer.
It is also important to determine whether your device is already infected. Fortunately, there are some warning signs of malware that you can look out for on your device.
Worried your device is infected by malware? Or want to recognize the symptoms of an attack? Here are some red flags you need to know about.
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