Unsuspecting Safari users who landed on the imposter FBI webpage became unable to navigate elsewhere, even after force-quitting the browser.

Pop-up alerts purporting to be the authority demanded money in exchange for “unlocking” the user’s browser.Īpple remained relatively untouched by this amateur ransomware attempt until Apple users began reporting a similar issue in Safari. Windows users have long suffered from FBI scams in their web browsers. Unlike PC ransomware attacks, none of these attacks have resulted in a significant outbreak. Mac Ransomware Examplesīelow are some known examples of Mac ransomware. Hackers usually demand ransom payments in cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin, usually ranging from a few hundred to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Ransomware attacks cause downtime, data leaks, intellectual property theft, and data breaches. Ransomware spreads through phishing emails, malvertising, visiting infected websites, or exploited vulnerabilities. Ransomware is a type of malicious software, or malware, designed to deny access to a computer system or data until a ransom is paid. This post explores how ransomware affects Macs and other Apple devices, and how you can stay protected.

While rare, security researchers have noted examples of Mac-compatible ransomware variants.

The distinct absence of Apple computers in the long list of victims has many Mac users wondering if ransomware attacks are a cyber threat they need to worry about.Ĭan ransomware affect Macs? Short answer: Yes. Many of the most prolific ransomware attacks to hit the news, such as Wannacry and Petya in 2017, affected PC users only.

Ransomware on apple devices