Each year, Moonlock Lab, MacPaw’s cybersecurity research division, gives us an up-to-date look at the latest threats facing the macOS ecosystem. This Tuesday, The company presented its 2024 Threat Report, in which it revealed some alarming trends: How AI like ChatGPT is being used to write malicious scripts, the rise of “Malware as a Service” (MaaS), and other relevant statistics from their research.

This just makes us understand one thing: Long gone are the days when Macs couldn’t transmit viruses. so you always need to be more than ready.

• You might also be interested in reading: Dangerous Windows malware reaches Macs for the first time

AI is being misused and Macs are at risk

for a long timeThere is speculation about whether AI tools could be used for shady purposes by malicious actors.. Now, unfortunately it looks like we already have clear evidence that this is happening.

Moonlock Lab found screenshots on darknet forums showing how this is done. Cybercriminals use tools like ChatGPT to guide them in developing complex malware. An example of this is a user known as “barboris” who shared how he managed to create a data skimmer for macOS without any prior programming knowledge.

With just a few instructions, attackers can create scripts and apply advanced techniques; This is something that previously required extensive technical expertise. Now the barrier to entry is lower than ever, and AI has become a tool for cybercriminals looking to attack macOS.

This worries us for several reasons. Previously, creating malware required significant technical knowledge; Today, anyone with internet access can try to do this.

Malware affecting Macs was created thanks to artificial intelligence

MaaS, Publicly Accessible Malware

The report also states that in 2024, There is growing interest on the darknet about how to bypass macOS defenses and use Malware as a Service (MaaS). Essentially, MaaS allows those with limited technical knowledge to pay to use off-the-shelf tools to perform attacks.

In this model, organized groups like AMOS act as malware providers. Developers create malware and then “affiliates” (usually criminals with little technical knowledge) pay to access it and redirect their attacks. These affiliates may pay a one-time fee or pay a recurring subscription to license the malware, making it more accessible to a larger number of people.

According to Moonlock, The proliferation of MaaS has significantly lowered the barrier to entry for becoming a cybercriminal. Thanks to the rise of providers like RansomHub that offer this type of service, what used to cost tens of thousands of dollars can now be had for around $1,500 a month.

• You might also be interested in reading: Be careful if you have a Mac: new malware can take screenshots of your desktop

If you have researched cyber security issues, You probably already know how important it is to protect your equipment.. The top tips remain the same: Keep your software updated, download apps only from trusted sites, and use an additional security solution if possible. A good option is MacPaw’s CleanMyMac, which real-time malware detection.

The myth that “Macs can’t get viruses” is a thing of the past. Maintaining your equipment with basic practices can make a difference and save you from many problems in the future.

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