A new security report has confirmed a surge in password theft attacks, fueled by the recent rise in Bitcoin prices. What is surprising is that Apple users are the primary targets of these crypto hackers.
The report, published by security vendor ESET, covers the period from June to November 2024 and reveals a 335% increase in social media scams, including AI deepfake and brand-impersonation phishing attacks. This trend is not unexpected, given the time of year.
However, the report also highlights a significant increase in targeted ransomware attacks by China-aligned, North Korea-aligned, and Iran-aligned threat groups. This is a concerning development, as these attacks can have severe consequences for businesses and individuals.
Another alarming finding is the 127% rise in password stealing ware on macOS, specifically targeting credentials related to cryptocurrency wallets. This increase can be attributed to the success of a malware family known as Atomic Stealer or AMOS, which has spawned numerous imitators.
With the value of cryptocurrencies reaching record highs, cybercriminals are increasingly targeting cryptocurrency wallet data. This trend is likely to continue as long as the value of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies remains high.
Jiří Kropáč, ESET director of threat detection, warns that the second half of 2024 has seen cybercriminals finding new ways to exploit security loopholes and expand their victim pool. This highlights the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between attackers and defenders.
The rise in password theft attacks targeting Apple users is a concerning development, as it shows that these users are not immune to cyber threats. It is essential for all users, regardless of their platform, to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their sensitive information.