Indians Among Those Most Affected by macOS Malware Shlayer
Jan. 27, 2020A smart malware distribution system, Shlayer spreads via a partner network, entertainment websites and even Wikipedia, demonstrating that even users that only visit legal sites still need additional protection online.
Top countries where users have been affected by the threat include the US (31 per cent), India (18.9 per cent), Germany (14 per cent), France (10 per cent) and the UK (10 per cent), according to the report.
“The macOS platform is a good source of revenue for cybercriminals, who are constantly looking for new ways to deceive users, and actively use social engineering techniques to spread their malware. This case demonstrates that such threats can be found even on legitimate sites,”said Anton Ivanov, Kaspersky Security Analyst.
“Luckily for macOS users, the most widespread threats that target macOS currently revolve around feeding illicit advertising rather than something more dangerous, such as stealing financial data,”Ivanov said.
The malware specialises in installation of adware – programmes that terrorise users by feeding illicit ads, intercepting and gathering users’ browser queries, and modifying search results to distribute even more advertising messages.
The infection process often consists of two phases – first the user installs Shlayer, then the malware installs a selected type of adware. Device infection, however, starts with an unwitting user downloading the malicious programme.
In order to achieve installations, the threat actor behind Shlayer sets up a malware distribution system with a number of channels leading users to download the malware.
“A good web security solution can protect users from threats such as these, making the experience of searching the web safe and pleasant,”said Ivanov.
