New Mac Ransomware Distributed Via Torrent Asylum rwxr-xr-x 0 4:29 PM

Filename	New Mac Ransomware Distributed Via Torrent
Permission	rw-r--r--
Author	Asylum
Date and Time	4:29 PM
Label
Action

(pc-Google Images)

A new form of crypto-ransomware for macOS is being spread through BitTorrent, security researchers have warned.

The malware known as Patcher, was found by security vendor ESET on BitTorrent peer-to-peer distribution sites.

ESET in its blog details the ransomware termed OSX/Filecoder.E, which is written in Apple's Swift programming language and distributed via BitTorrent sites. It masquerades as a cracking tool for commercial softwares like Adobe Premiere Pro CC and Microsoft Office for Mac.

Once activated by a user, the malware not only encrypts files in the /Users directory, but also scrambles data on all mounted and network storage it finds in the /Volumes directory.

The ransomware then asks victims for a payment of 0.25 Bitcoin (A$367) for a decryption key. However, Patcher is badly coded and lacks the ability to communicate with a command and control server.

The key that was generated to encrypt the files on users' computers cannot be sent to the ransomware authors, and they in turn cannot send a decryption key to victims. In other words, paying the ransom will not unlock the files.

via E Hacking News - Latest Hacker News and IT Security News New Mac Ransomware Distributed Via Torrent http://ift.tt/2mIdgZZ