There are more and more viruses for Mac and ChatGPT is to blame

“I bought a Mac because it has fewer viruses.“While this is still – somewhat – a real thing, it can’t be said that MacOS is having its best moment in terms of computer security. Latest report from Moon Castle threats and malware puts Apple computers in the crosshairs and, in particular, interests hackers infiltrating your operating system.

The study focused on 2024, and while Apple’s results aren’t all that bad, they reflect bullish index in attacks on computers running MacOS. Going back to the sentence at the beginning, it is a fact: Apple computers have always been quiet about malware and viruses.

Part of the blame lies with its operating system, but also with its lower market share compared to Windows. Attackers should not have developed very expensive viruses to try to penetrate a small part of the market. But, of course, in recent years the situation has changed. Macs are becoming more affordable and they’re in more homes, so there’s an increase in malware.

Hackers use ChatGPT to develop malware

Apple computers are seeing a significant uptick in cyberattacks, Moonlock said. because of AI and ChatGPT. Apparently, many of hackers who weren’t particularly interested in MacOS some time ago are now developing tools that generate scenarios and easily bypass Gatekeeper protection.

In fact, evidence has been found on some deep web forums that ChatGPT helping users disguise malware in real software installation packages. AI does not create a virus, but is able to guide the attacker step by step to tell about it. how to disguise it and succeed in breaking security systems, which is an important milestone that significantly contributes to the proliferation of tools that are of great concern to MacOS security.

And in case you’re wondering, we already told you that it’s not enough to go to Chatgpt.com, ask it to create a virus and tell you how to install it on your computer. Attackers, in addition to extensive knowledge in the field of computer security, They usually mask the requests they make to the AI. and use some of the code you provide to them for their own malicious purposes.

For the sake of world harmony, it is not as simple as writing fast in the chatbot and follow a few steps.

Mac is still safe, the problem is the users

However, the published report also highlights that a significant portion of these instruments They are unable to break the barriers imposed by Apple. Almost all popular attacks of 2024 occur after user error, which could be accepting an installation from an unsafe source or downloading system updates with disguised malware.

These are complex tools that can compromise Mac security only because they remain available to only a few at the moment. In fact, Moonlock claims that although they are available in the market, they cost around $3000 per month which, furthermore, does not guarantee that you will overcome any barrier.

Therefore, although Mac viruses are becoming increasingly popularmost require the door to be opened from the inside. If you only install apps from the official Apple store, update your computer, and don’t download files from suspicious links, chances are none of the new tools built with ChatGPT will end up on your device.