Ransomware is malicious software that allows a hacker to access an individual or company’s computers, encrypt sensitive data and then demand some form of payment to decrypt it. Doing so essentially lets hackers hold user data or a system hostage.

A small number of Mac users could be getting ransom notes to unlock their computers in what is believed to be the first such attack on Apple Inc. products, typically seen as less likely to be hit by hackers and virus creators.
About 6,500 users of Transmission software could potentially be affected; while small, the attack is one of first of its type on Apple machines

“I think Apple users will become more targeted in the future because up until now there were very few successful malware attempts,” he said. Now, though, “there’s blood in the water and sharks will come.”

i never thought this would happen

see full details here: http://facttellers.com/apples-mac-os-targeted-by-ransomware/

Simple solution: Speed up the time to make updates. Case resolved.

First time? Seriously?

Many people thought macs weren't vulnerable to viruses, not knowing that before, not many people used a mac. It was geeks that used a mac. and therefore many viruses were made for pc's. But now many people use a mac.

charix:
Simple solution: Speed up the time to make updates. Case resolved.

It goes beyond OS update. The mode of operation of a ransomware seems legit since file encryption is basic to the system operations. In this case, it is done without the approval of the device user.

To use the analogy of a house you own. The house is built with a door so you could lock the door to prevent unsolicited access by unwanted users. Imagine, someone approaches your house when you doze off on you doorstep and locks you out with a padlock that is encoded with number combination .

persius555:
It goes beyond OS update.

It doesn't. Microsoft issues regular updates every 10th of the month which include malware, adware and any-ware checks. They make sure to stay up to date by employing hackers who routinely hack their OS and applications. From forums I've stumbled across its common knowledge Apple hardly update their OS or create patches.

The mode of operation of a ransomware seems legit since file encryption is basic to the system operations. In this case, it is done without the approval of the device user.

Same way most viruses work. Same Modus Operandi, different name.

To use the analogy of a house you own. The house is built with a door so you could lock the door to prevent unsolicited access by unwanted users. Imagine, someone approaches your house when you doze off on you doorstep and locks you out with a padlock that is encoded with number combination .

Probably a 2015 means of attack. Before this article I never heard of something employing this method.

charix:

It doesn't. Microsoft issues regular updates every 10th of the month which include malware, adware and any-ware checks. They make sure to stay up to date by employing hackers who routinely hack their OS and applications. From forums I've stumbled across its common knowledge Apple hardly update their OS or create patches.


Same way most viruses work. Same Modus Operandi, different name.


Probably a 2015 means of attack. Before this article I never heard of something employing this method.

Your best against a ransomware is to regularly backup sensitive datas. Is there any OS update or patch that has not been compromised? You as an administrator do not want to listen to microsoft developers lecturing you on why you should backup your files despite assuring you of its OS update. 4096 bit RSA encryption keys is not an admin's nightmare, its the worst nightmare.

http://www.cnet.com/news/pay-up-or-else-ransomware-is-the-hot-hacking-trend-of-2016/