Apple’s Mac Now Suffers from Atomic Stealer Malware Because of Google Search Ads

The Mac is now suffering from a notorious malware that was also considered a dangerous threat before, with the Atomic Stealer (Atomic macOS Stealer or AMOS) resurfacing again this time around. However, this is because of malicious Google Search ads that have paved the way to bring the AMOS back into the Mac and plague Apple computer users.

Apple Mac Suffers from Atomic Stealer Malware

A recent release from Malwarebytes's researchers has shared the new threat that is looming among Mac users today, and this is the Atomic macOS Stealer malware that is awaiting victims via Google's Search ads. The researchers claimed this was a "malvertising campaign," where ads are used to reel users in, with threat actors using this as their entry point.

While this is not the Atomic Stealer for OSX, what the threat actors brought is its new version that is still capable and dangerous, one that can steal iCloud Keychain passwords, credit card information, crypto wallets, and more.

The good thing is, that there is a workaround in this problem as it would not have its chance to infect a computer without a user's prompt. 9to5 Mac suggests that users do not download software from untrusted sources, as well as being vigilant in granting access to bypass the macOS GakeKeeper safeguards.

Google Search Ads bring the AMOS

Malwarebytes believes that the threat actors have been using compromised ad accounts via Google to bypass the internet company's ad quality checks to bring their malware to users. Here, they buy the ads that direct the public to phishing sites which may then compromise their Mac computers, as well as the new version of AMOS.

Mac Malware, Breaches

Security researchers have always been active in finding the next breach that would be dangerous for the public to encounter, especially as the tech world is plagued with the likes of gangs and threat actors who are relentless in their work. The LockBit Gang is one of the most notorious hacking groups of this generation and earlier this year, they have yet another ransomware waiting to infect Mac computers.

This is also a problem for those who are looking to pirate and install bootleg copies of various Mac apps, including the Final Cut Pro, a known Apple application for video editing. In a discovery by the Jamf Threat Labs, these Final Cut Pro copies are teeming with Mac crypto mining malware that is waiting for its victims to download and install, then secretly embedding itself in the computer.

Apple has been working with researchers and other security experts to catch these threats that secretly or forcibly bring themselves to the macOS, to infect the Macs in the world. Still, malware and the like are coming from left and right, with the Atomic macOS Stealer yet again surfacing and bringing its malware for users, now using Google's Search ads as their gateway to the devices.