Fake updates: Chrome and Safari users warned of malware threat
Safari and Chrome should only be updated directly from the browsers themselves (photo: Getty Images)
At the beginning of 2023, a new malicious software called Atomic MacOS Stealer (AMOS) emerged, targeting users of Apple devices. Cybercriminals use the latest version of this malware to introduce fake updates for Safari and Chrome browsers designed for the macOS operating system, reports 9to5Mac.
AMOS is a powerful malware that, once installed on the victim's computer, can extract passwords from iCloud keys, credit card data, information about cryptocurrency wallets, files, and other confidential information.
In March and April, the first threats related to AMOS were detected. Security researchers from Malwarebytes found that in September, Mac users fell victim to AMOS installations through fake advertisements on the Google search engine.
Now, according to Malwarebytes, forged updates for Safari and Chrome browsers are used to introduce AMOS to Mac computers, and this new method is called ClearFake. Cybercriminals use compromised websites to deliver counterfeit Safari and Chrome updates.
This is a fake page with an offer to update Google Chrome. In fact, you are downloading a virus (Photo: Malwarebytes Labs)
Safari users might also deal with this problem (photo: Malwarebytes Labs)
How to protect yourself from AMOS
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Do not download software from unreliable or unknown sources - update Safari directly from your Mac in system settings or Chrome directly from Google or within Chrome.
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Be cautious if a program asks you to bypass macOS GateKeeper protection.
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If you want to download a program outside the Apple Mac App Store, check when the website was created.
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Also, learn how to change the default search engine on iPhone.
