‘GTA 6 for macOS’ is actually a dangerous password-stealing malware in disguise

The most awaited video game in the past decade, GTA 6, has most of the world waiting for pretty much anything – a new trailer, a new leak, anything to do around the game. Unfortunately, this makes for a great recipe for attackers to target fans of the series. A newly reported malware has been doing just that.

As per a report by 9to5Mac, a new dangerous malware made for Apple’s macOS systems has been floating on the web. The malware is cleverly disguised as an early-access/pirated version of the upcoming game Grand Theft Auto 6, or simply GTA 6.

ALSO READ: GTA 6 first trailer released

However, instead of helping you pull heists with protagonists Jason and Lucia, the malware facilitates a heist on your saved passwords, among other important data.

How the malware works

The report suggests that the new malware is classified as PSW (Password-Stealing Ware) and is actually a trojan malware designed to collect saved passwords and credentials from target machines. The malware then sends this data back to the attacker using a remote connection.

The download even comes with an “installation guide” carefully crafted by the attackers to help the file bypass the macOS Gatekeeper software that saves users from downloading malicious files onto their laptops or desktops. Attackers guide unsuspicious users into right-clicking the DMG file and clicking on ‘Open’.

Once downloaded and run, the file uses a multi-faceted approach to extract data from the machine, along with phishing users into giving up their credentials, among other things. To access your iCloud keychain, the tool even displays a fake helper app that persuades users into opening up their keychain for access.

How to avoid the GTA 6 malware

Once your system is infected, you run the risk of being too late by the time you detect any malicious activity, and that is if you detect it in the first. With everything from your Instagram profile to your bank account being at risk, avoiding this malicious download is super important.

Fortunately, it’s also super easy – stay clear of pirated downloads, especially those offering games, movies, or software ahead of their official release. While bits and fragments of the game may have leaked online, giving us a hint of what to expect from GTA 6, a full version of the game is unlikely to be available anywhere before the scheduled release in 2025.

ALSO READ: 6 open world games to play while you wait for GTA 6 to launch

Also remember that GTA 6 has only been announced for consoles like the Sony PlayStation 5, and while PC users will likely get the game at some point in the future, macOS is unlikely to get native support. So yes, while waiting can be hard, not clicking on those attractive download buttons will prevent attackers from getting a ‘Mission Passed’ message halfway across the globe.