In recent years, the artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed countless aspects of our lives and has also found different paths in the field of cybersecurityspecifically in the development of malware. These tools can analyze and exploit vulnerabilities in real time, in addition to customizing attacks according to the characteristics of their targets.
Signatures as big as Apple are targets of computer criminals and some experts warn that attacks with software malicious with the help of generative AI towards the company is increasing.
Malware for macOS is evolving thanks to generative AI
As Moonlock cybersecurity experts warn in their Threat Report 2024tools like ChatGPTallow cybercriminals to overcome previous technical barriers and create malware more easily. Several screenshots of forums in the dark web show how AI guides hackers step by step to create the software malicious.
From Techradar report that a notable example is the case of “barboris”a Russian hacker with no programming experience, who used generative AI to develop an “information thief.” This malware can access Keychain credentials and crypto wallet data, all through instructions in natural language.
The report highlights that the artificial intelligence has greatly reduced the barrier to entry to create malwarebecoming a key tool for cybercriminals. Additionally, the “malware as a service” (MaaS) model has made it cheaper and more popular to create software malicious, causing macOS be a more common target.
What to do to protect macOS
Experts recommend keep macOS up to datedownload applications only from official sources such as the Mac App Store and install recognized third-party security tools. The social engineering is still the most used method for attacks, so it is crucial avoid sharing confidential information needlessly.
Looking ahead to 2025, Moonlock expects a increase in attacks targeting macOS and Mykhailo Pazyniuk, researcher at malwarenotes that cybercriminals are focusing on exploiting users, the weakest link in attacks, rather than technical vulnerabilities in macOS.
