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Hackers Infect Apple Mac Users With Ransomware Demanding Money To Get Data Back

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- Hackers held Apple Macintosh users' data for ransom this weekend. Tech experts say it's the first attack on Mac users of its kind.

Mac OS X users who downloaded Transmission version 2.90 Friday were infected with malicious software that encrypted their data and demanded hundreds of dollars to get it back.

Transmission is a popular open source program used to transfer data.

Tech experts at Palo Alto Networks Inc. dubbed the ransomware, "KeRanger." Once infected, KeRanger stays quiet for 3 days and then connects to a server that starts encrypting the victim's data. KeRanger then demands a ransom of 1 bitcoin equivalent to about $400.

Ransomware typically targets MS Windows operating systems whose users have been extorted for millions of dollars. Palo Alto said this was the first functioning ransomware to hit Apple's Mac computers.

The attack was reported to Apple and Gatekeeper will now block the malicious installers. Anyone who tries to open a known infected version will receive a popup dialog warning "Transmission.app will damage your computer. You should move it to the Trash."

Apple dialogue popup, transmission, ransomware warning
Apple warns user not to open the infected installer (CBS)

Transmission has removed the malicious from its website and issued a warning on its homepage telling OS X users to upgrade and version 2.92 to make sure KeRanger is removed from their computer.

There's no word as to how many users were affected but ransomware cyber attacks are becoming more and more commonplace. PC World advises computer users to back up their data on external hard drives. Once attacked, they discourage users from paying the ransom because there is no guarantee attackers will keep their word and return the data once they get the money.


CBSSF.com writer, producer Jan Mabry is also executive producer and host of The Bronze Report. She lives in Northern California. Follow her on Twitter @janmabr.

 

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