Technology
AI-powered deception: The sneaky macOS malware masquerading as your next video call
Artificial intelligence (AI) is making life easier not just for us but also for cybercriminals.
It is enabling them to create elaborate campaigns to deceive people, efforts that would otherwise take months. Security researchers have discovered a new info stealer malware that masquerades as video-calling software. Hackers have built a whole website and set up companies using AI to make the malware appear harmless.
They have even created social media accounts to add an extra layer of legitimacy. People are tricked into installing malicious video-calling software, and once they do, it steals their personal data and cryptocurrency.
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A man conducting a Google search on his laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What you need to know about the malware
Cado Security Labs has uncovered a new, sophisticated scam targeting people. The scam involves a crypto stealer called Realst, which has versions for both macOS and Windows and has been active for about four months.
The hackers behind this malware have gone all out, setting up fake company websites complete with AI-generated blogs, product content and social media accounts on platforms like Twitter and Medium. The company they’re pretending to be is called “Meetio,” though they’ve used different names in the past few months, including Clusee, Cuesee, Meeten and Meetone.
The scam works in a few different ways. Often, users are contacted on Telegram by someone pretending to be a friend or acquaintance. The scammers pitch a business opportunity and ask to schedule a call. In one case, the scammer even sent an investment presentation from the target’s own company, making the scam feel more real and personal. Other victims report being on Web3-related calls, downloading the software and having their cryptocurrency stolen.
Once the scammer makes contact, the target is usually directed to the Meeten website to download the malicious software. But even before the malware is installed, the website has JavaScript that can steal cryptocurrency stored in web browsers. It’s a multi-step scam that’s designed to trick you.
A woman working on several computers (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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How the malware works
Once victims are sent to the “Meeten” website, they’re given the option to download the software. The file they download contains a program called “fastquery,” though other versions of the malware come as a different file type (DMG) with a multi-architecture setup.
When the victim opens the program, two error messages pop up. The first one says, “Cannot connect to the server. Please reinstall or use a VPN,” and has a “continue” button. The malware also uses a macOS tool to ask the user for a password, a common trick in macOS malware.
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The malware then looks through various files on the victim’s computer to find sensitive information, such as passwords and account details. It creates a folder to store this stolen data, then compresses it into a zip file. This zip file, along with some system data, is sent to a remote server. The server receives information like the system’s build version, along with the stolen data.
Once the data is sent, the malware deletes any temporary files it created. The stealer is capable of grabbing sensitive information like Telegram credentials, banking card details and data from web browsers (like Google Chrome, Opera, Brave, Microsoft Edge, Arc, CocCoc and Vivaldi). It can steal things like saved passwords, cookies and browsing history.
A woman working on her laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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6 ways you can stay safe from sneaky macOS malware
1. Verify sources before downloading software: Always ensure that you are downloading software from legitimate, trusted sources. Be cautious of downloading anything from links sent via unsolicited messages or emails, especially if they involve urgent requests or business opportunities.
The best way to safeguard yourself against malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my top picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
2. Be cautious of unexpected contact: If you receive messages from unfamiliar contacts on platforms like Telegram or social media, especially those asking you to schedule calls or discuss business opportunities, verify the identity of the sender before taking any action. Cybercriminals often pose as friends or colleagues to gain trust.
3. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Use 2FA on your accounts, particularly for sensitive services like cryptocurrency wallets, banking and messaging apps. This adds an extra layer of protection in case your credentials are compromised.
4. Use strong and unique passwords: To protect your Mac from malware, it’s also crucial to use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts and devices. Avoid reusing passwords for different sites or services. A password manager can be incredibly helpful here. It generates and stores complex passwords for you, making them difficult for hackers to crack.
It also keeps track of all your passwords in one place and automatically fills them in when you log into accounts so you don’t have to remember them yourself. By reducing the number of passwords you need to recall, you’re less likely to reuse them, which lowers the risk of security breaches. Get more details about my best expert-reviewed Password Managers of 2024 here.
5. Keep your software updated: Ensure that both macOS and all installed applications are up to date. Apple frequently releases security patches and updates that address vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates for macOS and your apps to stay protected without having to manually check for updates. If you need more help, see my guide on keeping all your devices updated.
6. Invest in personal data removal services: Consider services that scrub your personal information from public databases. This reduces the chances of your data being exploited in phishing or other cyberattacks after a breach and cuts down on the chances that potential attackers will find you or contact you in the first place. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.
Kurt’s key takeaway
AI is enabling scammers to launch malicious campaigns at a scale we’ve never seen before, and it’s likely to get worse as AI models continue to improve. This makes it crucial to have tools that can detect AI-generated content, helping people better protect themselves against these scams. In the meantime, rely on your common sense, watch out for red flags and only install software from reputable platforms. For video calls, stick to well-known and trusted platforms like Zoom, FaceTime, Google Meet and Webex. If someone sends you a random video call link, politely ask them to schedule the call using one of these trusted platforms instead.
Should companies be doing more to help users detect and protect themselves from AI-powered scams? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
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OpenAI announced yet another reorganization Friday, consolidating certain areas and making company president Greg Brockman the official lead of all things product.
In a memo viewed by The Verge, Brockman wrote that since OpenAI’s product strategy for this year is to go all-in on AI agents, the company is combining its products to “invest in a single agentic platform and to merge ChatGPT and Codex into one unified agentic experience for all.”
To do this, the company is making a suite of org chart changes, although it’s still operating under some of the same ones from last month. That’s when AGI boss Fidji Simo went on medical leave and OpenAI announced that Brockman would be in charge of product strategy and CSO Jason Kwon, CFO Sarah Friar, and CRO Denise Dresser would take control of business operations.
It’s all part of OpenAI’s recent strategic shift to focus on key revenue drivers like coding and enterprise and stop pouring resources into “side quests” ahead of its potential IPO later this year and amid investor pressure to turn a profit.
In Simo’s continued absence, Brockman’s role leading product strategy is now official, as well as the company’s “scaling” arm. Under Brockman will be four different pillars. The first is core product and platform, led by Thibault Sottiaux, who has been OpenAI’s engineering lead for Codex, and the second is critical enterprise industries, led by ChatGPT head Nick Turley. Third is the consumer pillar, such as health, commerce, and personal finance, which will be led by Ashley Alexander, who has been its healthcare products VP. The fourth pillar — core infrastructure, ads, data science, and growth — will be led by Vijaye Raji, who has been OpenAI’s CTO of applications.
Brockman wrote in the memo that OpenAI’s goal is now to “bring agents to ChatGPT scale, in order to give individuals and organizations significantly more value and utility from our products.”
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You’re going about your day when your phone buzzes. A text hits your phone. It looks official. It sounds urgent. And suddenly, you are being told you owe money for a traffic violation. That is exactly what Todd from Texas experienced. He emailed us and said:
“I received this text message today. It was so baffling because I haven’t lived in California for nearly a decade. I didn’t click on anything or respond. How can I tell if this is for real or if this is a scam?”
If you’ve gotten a message like this, you are not alone. This type of scam is spreading fast, and it is designed to pressure you into acting before you think. Let’s break down what is really going on.
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FAKE AGENT PHONE SCAMS ARE SPREADING FAST ACROSS THE US
This message may look official, but several red flags show it is likely a scam designed to pressure you into paying quickly. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What the traffic ticket scam text looks like
At first, the message seems convincing. It claims to be a “final reminder” from the California DMV, and it warns of penalties like license suspension and added fees. It even includes a link that appears somewhat official. However, once you slow down and take a closer look, the red flags quickly start to pile up.
The biggest red flags in this message
Here are the key warning signs to watch for in messages like this.
9 WAYS SCAMMERS CAN USE YOUR PHONE NUMBER TO TRY TO TRICK YOU
1) The phone number makes no sense
The message comes from a number with a +63 country code. That is the Philippines, not California. Government agencies in the U.S. do not send official legal notices from international numbers. That alone is a major warning sign.
2) No name, just “Dear Driver”
Legitimate notices from a DMV or court almost always include your full name or at least some identifying information. “Dear Driver” is vague on purpose. It allows scammers to send the same message to thousands of people.
3) The link isn’t a real DMV website
The message includes this link:
ca.mnvtl.life/dmv
That isn’t a government domain. Official DMV websites in California use “.ca.gov” or similar trusted domains. Scammers often create lookalike links to trick you into clicking.
4) Urgency and threats
The message pushes you to act quickly with a deadline. It lists consequences like license suspension and extra charges. Scammers rely on fear. When you feel rushed, you are more likely to click without thinking.
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5) Asking you to reply to proceed
The text says to reply with “Y” to get instructions. That is another trap. Responding confirms your number is active, which can lead to more scam messages.
6) Generic language and odd phrasing
Parts of the message feel slightly off. The tone is formal but not quite right. That subtle awkwardness is common in scam messages sent to large groups of people.
7) Overloaded threats designed to scare you
The message piles on consequences like license suspension, added fees, court action and even credit damage. In this case, it even mentions a license suspension and a $160 late payment charge. That combination is meant to overwhelm you and push you to act fast. Real agencies usually provide clear, specific notices, not a long list of escalating threats in a single text.
INSIDE A SCAMMER’S DAY AND HOW THEY TARGET YOU
Scam texts like this often arrive out of nowhere and try to create urgency before you have time to question them. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What this means for you
Even if you have never driven in California, you could still receive this message. Scammers cast a wide net and hope someone takes the bait. If you click the link, you could be taken to a fake payment page. That page may ask for your credit card details, personal information or login credentials. In some cases, it can also install malware on your device or redirect you to credential-stealing pages. This isn’t about a ticket. It is about getting your data. State DMVs typically do not send final legal notices or payment demands by text message.
Why these scams keep working
These messages work because they tap into something most people fear. Legal trouble, fines and losing driving privileges. They also look just real enough to pass a quick glance. That is all scammers need. As more services move online, these scams will continue to evolve.
Unlike typical DMV scams, this message impersonates a court and escalates the threats to make the situation feel more serious (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Ways to stay safe from traffic ticket text scams
Start with a simple rule. Never trust a payment request that shows up out of nowhere. Here are practical steps you can take:
1) Do not click the link
If you are unsure, do not tap anything in the message. That includes links and reply options.
2) Use strong antivirus software
If you accidentally click a link, strong antivirus software can help detect malware and protect your data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
3) Verify directly with the DMV
Go to your state’s official DMV website by typing it yourself into your browser. Do not use the link in the text.
4) Check the sender carefully
Look at the phone number. International numbers or random strings are a clear warning sign.
5) Ignore generic greetings
Real notices will usually include your name or case details. Vague language is a red flag.
6) Consider a data removal service
Scammers often get your number from data broker sites. Removing your personal info from those databases with a data removal service can reduce these messages. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com
7) Block and report the number
On your phone, block the sender and report it as spam. This helps reduce future attempts.
8) Turn on spam filtering
Enable spam filtering on your phone or through your carrier to catch more of these messages before they reach you.
Kurt’s key takeaways
Todd did the right thing. He paused, questioned the message and did not click. That one decision likely saved him from handing over personal information. When it comes to messages like this, skepticism is your best defense. If something feels off, trust that instinct.
Should phone carriers and tech companies be doing more to block scams like this before you ever see them? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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- Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.
Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Honda revealed prototypes of two new hybrid models, an Accord sedan and the Acura RDX SUV, during its annual business briefing this week, built on a platform that it says will begin launching next year. The RDX was announced earlier this year as Honda’s first SUV to feature the next-gen version of its two-motor hybrid system.
In March, Honda announced it would take a writedown of up to 2.5 trillion yen ($15.7 billion) on its EV investments. Now Honda says its EV-related losses will be “resolved” by 2029, and that it will reevaluate its EV plans in 2030.
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