Generally, macOS is considered one of the safest OS but cybercriminals are skilled enough to find loopholes and security lapses in macOS as well. As per the latest research report from Kaspersky Lab, the most widespread macOS threat in the year 2019 was the Shlayer malware.
This notorious malware installs Any Search bar on the targeted Mac device via Adobe Flash updates to deploy adware so that illegal ads could be displayed. Apart from adware, the malware can intercept and collect browser data from the target device and alter search results to deliver a large number of ads.
Fake flash update window that drops Shlayer Malware (Image credit: Kaspersky)
See: New Mac Malware steals iPhone text messages from iTunes backups
Kaspersky’s research revealed that last year the share of Shlayer malware in overall attacks on macOS computers amounted to a whopping 29.28%, which is why it is ranked among the top ten macOS threats. The malware installs multiple adware including AdWare.OSX.Cimpli, AdWare.OSX.Bnodlero, AdWare.OSX.Pirrit, and AdWare.OSX.Geonei.
It is also identified that the infection algorithm of Shlayer malware hasn’t changed much despite that it has remained active throughout the year. This aspect makes it a relevant threat and macOS users need to be careful of Shlayer.
watch shlayer malware targeting devices
