AMOS: How this malware steals data from your macOS computers

The Apple macOS operating system for MacBooks and iMacs is known the world over not just for its extremely fluid and clean user interface, but also the fact that it is one of the most secure operating systems there is. However, while it is secure to threats including malware and trojans, it is not entirely impervious to them either. One such threat that has been affecting it lately, happens to be one called Atomic macOS stealer, or AMOS for short. Here’s all you need to know.

What AMOS is and how it works

AMOS is a malware which, once it enters your macOS system, can compromise and steal your iCloud Keychain passwords, credit card information from your browsers, your cookies, and even your crypto wallets, such as Atomic, Binance, Exodus, and more.

The malware was initially detected sometime early this year. However over the months, it has been evolving, and can now enter your macOS systems via fake Chrome and Safari browser updates, through compromised websites. This new approach is referred to as “ClearFake.” While the fact that the websites are fake may be easy to spot for seasoned macOS users, new users may not pick up on it all the same.

Once one downloads the updates, a DMG file opens up, and instructs users to key in their administrative passwords, for the update to run. Once this is done, the malware installs itself onto one’s system and steals data from it.

ALSO READ: SpyNote: How this trojan can wreak havoc on your Android devices

Also, though AMOS targets macOS systems, a similar approach has also been known to be used for Windows and Linux-based systems in the past. Therefore, it is equally important to keep an eye out for similar kinds of malware on them as well.

How to protect your macOS system against AMOS

Luckily, dangerous as AMOS may be, it is extremely easy to prevent the same from entering your MacBooks and iMacs, with these quick –

1. Never download software from unknown sources – always update your Safari app directly from the system settings in your Mac or the app store. The same also goes for Google Chrome, should you happen to prefer using the latter.

2. Any apps or updates downloaded from malicious websites will likely ask you to allow them to bypass your macOS system’s firewall systems. Never allow them to do so.

3. Avoid storing sensitive information on your system in general, as far as is possible. Examples of this could include passwords, credit card information, your demographic data, and more.

4. Look out for websites that are badly designed and have typos. This is a clear sign that they are likely fake.

AMOS, while a very real threat, is entirely avoidable as well. All one has to do is keep an eye out for it, and ensure they never take any steps which could potentially compromise their systems’ security.