Communications of the ACM
Malware Now Targeting Apple's M1 Processor
Just as legitimate software developers have adjusted to Apple's ARM transition, so too have malware distributors.
Credit: Apple
Security researchers have identified malware customized to run on Apple's new M1 processors in the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and Mac Mini computers.
Mac security researcher Patrick Wardle reported a Safari adware extension originally authored to run on Intel x86 chips has been redeveloped to target M1s.
The GoSearch22 sample Wardle found masquerades as a legitimate Safari browser extension, then collects user data and posts illicit ads, including some linking to other malicious sites.
Researchers with security firm Red Canary said they also are probing a strain of native M1 malware distinct from Wardle's discovery, adding that there is often a lag in detection rates as antivirus and other monitoring tools gather digital signatures for new types of malware.
From Wired
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