According to a report from Kaspersky Labs, the Lazarus Group has successfully created a malware that can infect both Windows and Apple computers. The malware was detected on the Mac of an unnamed crypto exchange earlier this week. It is the first time the North Korean hacking group has managed to pull off such a stunt, indicating that it’s becoming more skilled in its craft.
The group is best known for its WannaCry malware that infected thousands of computers around the globe – including NHS computers. It created a stir when it demanded the ransom be paid in BTC otherwise all data on the machine would be encrypted forever.
Fake Apps Used
The group managed to get the malware onto the Mac via fake applications. In order to bypass security measures, the fake app used falsified security credentials and was from a fake developer. This highlights the importance of proper care when downloading applications, especially from third party websites. Never download and install any app when you have an inkling of doubt that it could be questionable. If at all possible, only use apps that come directly from the Apple App Store in order to prevent this style of attack.
Lazarus Group Targeting South Korea
In what seems to be an endless game of rhetoric between the two halves of the Korean peninsula, the Lazarus Group has traditionally stuck to targeting South Korean crypto exchanges. However, this marks the first time that an exchange from outside of South Korea has been targeted by the group. It has been responsible – or at least blamed – for the attack on Bithumb back in June where $30 million was stolen. The group has also been blamed for a whole host of other attacks on South Korean crypto exchanges.
Always Keep Yourself Safe
Crypto exchanges aren’t the only ones that are being targeted by hackers. In China, over 1 million computers were infected with malware, which secretly mined more than $2 million in various cryptos. In addition to this style of attack, hackers are also targeting home routers and installing crypto mining malware there. This forces any device connected to the router to give up CPU power to mine cryptos. Keeping yourself safe – even if you aren’t a big crypto trader – should always be your number one priority. Our back to basics guide on how to protect yourself from cryptojacking will have you covered for the most part.
Hackers are always on the lookout for an easy payday, and crypto exchanges often prove to be an easy target. All it takes is one human error and the entire system is compromised, while the rewards hackers can get their hands on can be tremendous. Always keep yourself safe, never open a file or download an app that when can’t verify the original source behind it.
