Be cautious, hackers might have infected your Mac with malware through pirated software

It’s a well-known fact that downloading pirated software that you initially paid for comes with a number of significant risks, including malware that can compromise your device and data, and more. This is especially true for professional-level software like Final Cut Pro X, which costs Rs 29,900. People are often attracted to torrents that offer software like FCP for free, but this is where the problem begins.

Now, security researchers have discovered and reported a new malware that is being spread in exactly this way. But the most disturbing thing is that it was missed all along.

Jamf Threat Labs reports that it was looking for routine checks when it discovered the XMRig command-line cryptomining tool. But the problem isn’t the tool, and it’s often used for legitimate reasons; instead, the fact that it is open source and adaptable has made it a favorite among hackers. It found that this tool was disguised together with Final Cut Pro X and that the application contains a conversion not approved by Apple.

The report adds that this makes Macs vulnerable to threats like cryptojacking, and this is especially lucrative for hackers because Macs now ship with powerful M-series processors, giving these tools much-needed firepower to perform cryptomining.

The infected version of the software was found in a torrent of the Final Cut Pro version on the Pirate Bay website, and one uploader in particular – wtfisthat34698409672, who has been uploading cracked Mac software for years, is the one primarily responsible for the release. this malware in FCP and other popular software like LogicPro and others.

“Furthermore, we found that virtually every one of the dozens of downloads that began in 2019 was compromised with a malicious payload to mine cryptocurrency,” the researchers said.

In addition, it was found that the malware is quite smart in the sense that “If it finds Activity Monitor, it immediately terminates all its malicious processes.” It added: “If a victim notices that their CPU is running hotter than normal while unwittingly mining encryption for an attacker and opens Activity Monitor to confirm their suspicions, the malware will stop running and hide until the next victim launches the app.”

How to be safe?

If you’re looking to save money by opting for pirated software and downloading cracked versions, be aware that hackers may try to infect your Mac with malware. It’s important to invest in the software you need rather than relying on free downloads – this not only hurts the developers and yourself, but most importantly is illegal.

Also, this isn’t the first time malware has been found in pirated software – it’s been common since the advent of torrents. Your safest bet is to avoid all types of torrents. Make sure you buy your software from legitimate websites, preferably directly from its developer. And if you’ve used pirated software in the past, be sure to uninstall it. Plus, change your device and account passwords for added security and peace of mind.