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Showing posts with label Banshee Stealer. Show all posts
User Security
Banshee Stealer Infostealer macOS malware User Security

New Version of Banshee Malware Targets macOS Users

 

According to the latest study published this week, a new variant of the info-stealing malware known as "Banshee" has been targeting macOS users' passwords, cryptocurrency wallets, browser credentials, and other data for at least the past four months.

Check Point researchers discovered that the latest version targets anyone using a Mac and can be downloaded mostly through malicious GitHub uploads, but also through other websites (GitHub's policies prohibit malware, but this does not mean there is no malware on GitHub). 

This latest Banshee malware often disguises itself as the Telegram messaging app or the Google Chrome browser, two popular apps that other malware attackers use to trick users. This version first surfaced in September last year and attempts to evade detection by using Apple's proprietary string encryption algorithm, XProtect.

This malware targets your browsing activities in Chrome, Brave, Edge, or Vivaldi. It also attempts to steal your cryptocurrency if you have any crypto wallet browser extensions installed, and it may show macOS victims fake login pages in an attempt to steal their usernames and passwords, which it then uses to steal accounts and funds. It will target your Coinbase, Ronin, Slope, TONNE, MetaMask, and other cryptocurrency wallet extensions if you have them. 

The source code for Banshee was leaked online in November. This could have helped antivirus companies ensure their software catches the sneakier version in the months since. Prior versions of this malware were marketed as "stealer-as-a-service" malware on cybercriminal channels, including attacker-controlled Telegram channels, for $3,000 per "license.” 

To stay protected from info-stealer malware, it's a good idea to consider getting a crypto hardware wallet like one from Ledger or Trezor if you have over $1,000 in crypto. In general, it's also a good practice to avoid storing more than $1,000 in any browser extension-based crypto wallet (you can also store funds with an exchange like Coinbase, Robinhood, or Kraken). 

Additionally, passwords should never be kept in an unsecured digital document on your computer (no Google Docs). Instead, think about keeping your crypto seed phrases on paper in a closed box or safe at home.
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Software
Apple MacOS Banshee Stealer MaaS malware Software

New Variant of Banshee Stealer Targets macOS with Enhanced Evasion Tactics

 




Cybersecurity researchers have identified a dangerous new version of Banshee Stealer, a sophisticated malware specifically targeting macOS users. This updated strain is designed to bypass antivirus defenses and steal sensitive data from millions of macOS devices.

Originally detected in August 2024, Banshee Stealer was offered as malware-as-a-service (MaaS) to cybercriminals for $3,000 per month. Its capabilities included:
  • Data Theft: Stealing browser data, cryptocurrency wallet credentials, and specific file types.
The malware's source code was leaked in late 2024, briefly halting its spread. However, security experts have now discovered ongoing campaigns distributing an updated and more powerful version.

The latest version of Banshee Stealer, uncovered in September 2024, is being spread through:
  • Phishing Websites: Fake websites impersonating legitimate services to trick users into downloading the malware.
  • Fake GitHub Repositories: Malicious repositories posing as popular software like Google Chrome, Telegram, and TradingView.
Additionally, cybercriminals are simultaneously deploying another malware called Lumma Stealer to target Windows systems, signaling a broader, cross-platform attack strategy.

Key Enhancements in the Updated Version

The new variant of Banshee Stealer features several dangerous improvements:
  1. Advanced Encryption: Incorporates sophisticated encryption methods inspired by Apple's XProtect to evade detection by security tools.
  2. Expanded Targeting: Previously restricted from targeting Russian-language systems, this limitation has been removed, broadening the malware's victim pool.
  3. Social Engineering Tactics: The malware disguises itself as software updates or legitimate applications, increasing its chances of tricking users into installing it.

Related Threats on Other Platforms

Beyond Banshee Stealer, other malware families like Nova Stealer and Hexon Stealer are exploiting social engineering techniques on platforms such as Discord. Attackers lure users with fake promises of the latest video game versions, aiming to steal Discord credentials and access linked accounts for further exploitation.

To mitigate the risk of infection, users should adopt the following cybersecurity practices:
  • Download from Trusted Sources: Always install software from official and reputable platforms.
  • Exercise Caution with Links: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or accepting unsolicited invitations, particularly on social platforms like Discord.
  • Keep Security Software Updated: Regularly update antivirus and security tools to guard against the latest threats.
The resurgence of Banshee Stealer underscores the need for continuous vigilance in cybersecurity. Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their methods, blending technical exploits with social engineering to target both human and system vulnerabilities. Staying informed and cautious remains the most effective defense against such sophisticated attacks.
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