This $49 malware could steal all your Mac data - Techradar

New Formbook malware strain is targeting Mac users in the US.

Security researchers from Check Point Research have observed a new strain of malware in the wild that has evolved to steal data from MacOS users.

This new strain is named “XLoader” and is derived from the infamous Formbook malware that has been active for over five years.

What makes XLoader particularly dangerous is the fact that a license for the malware can be purchased on the Dark Web for as little as $49.

Check Point Research tracked XLoader activity between December of last year and June of this year to discover that over half (53%) of victims infected with the malware reside in the United States.

As XLoader is spread using spam emails that contain malicious files, Check Point Research recommends that users avoid opening suspicious email attachments, visiting suspicious websites and using malware removal software to avoid having their Mac or PC infected.

Head of cyber research at Check Point Software, Yaniv Balmas explained why cybercriminals are increasingly targeting Mac users, saying:.

With the increasing popularity of MacOS platforms, it makes sense for cyber criminals to show more interest in this domain, and I personally anticipate seeing more cyber threats following the Formbook malware family.