Technology
Stealthy backdoor Mac malware that can wipe out your files
MacOS is generally perceived to be more effective at keeping malware out compared to PCs and other operating systems. However, that’s not the reality; MacOS is just as vulnerable to malware threats as any other operating system, and this misconception can lead you to not be as vigilant regarding malware threats.
As evidence, there’s a new one you need to be aware of called SpectralBlur, which is a sophisticated backdoor malware threat targeting Macs that’s capable of wiping out your files without you even knowing how and when it got there in the first place.
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Woman typing on a Mac (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What is SpectralBlur?
SpectralBlur is a backdoor malware that was created by Lazarus, a hacking group from North Korea. Lazarus has been behind several hacks, including KandyKorn, which targeted blockchain engineers in cryptocurrency.
For quite some time, SpectralBlur went undetected because antivirus software on Mac wasn’t able to pick up on it. It wasn’t until August 2023 that it was uploaded to VirusTotal — a virus detection software — published this new malware threat, and it gathered attention in the cybersecurity community. It’s even being called “The First Malware of 2024” and was dissected originally by Greg Lesnewich.
MacBook, iPad and iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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What is SpectralBlur capable of?
Because SpectralBlur is a backdoor malware, it means that instead of having to go through normal authentication procedures — where most malware would get detected — the malware gets into your system in several ways. It could be vulnerabilities in your system, a phishing attack, malicious links/downloads or other tactics.
Objective-See’s security researcher Patrick Wardle also analyzed SpectralBlur and came to similar conclusions as Lesnewich. Once it’s installed, the hacker can grant themselves remote access to your macOS. This gives the hacker the ability to access files and databases on your server. With this access, they can remotely tell it to do whatever they want, for however long they go unnoticed.
From uploading files from your computer into their server, downloading files from the hacker’s server to yours, or deleting files on your computer, they can steal your sensitive information, documents, images, etc., and use them for all sorts of purposes. They can also deploy additional malware (again, without you necessarily realizing it).
Woman on a Mac computer (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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How does SpectralBlur get onto my system and how does it work?
Once SpectralBlur gets initial access, it uses a pseudo-terminal to execute shell commands, which essentially means it can run any command on the macOS system as if the attacker were physically using the computer. It does this via a remote command-and-control (C&C) server, using RC4-encrypted socket communication.
Because this communication is encrypted, it makes it difficult for security systems to detect and analyze the malware’s network activity. This encryption helps it stay hidden by masking the data being sent and received as harmless to your system. Of course, that’s not the case; it’s potentially wreaking havoc without you knowing.
Why does North Korea want access to my computer?
Good question. This isn’t something we’ll cover in depth here, but essentially the idea is because North Korea has so many sanctions on it, hackers are motivated to execute their hacks by money and information. When they can steal funds in cryptocurrency, they can use that money to fund the regime.
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How did SpectralBlur go undetected for so long?
There are a few ways that SpectralBlur goes undetected, especially once it’s gotten access to your system:
To start, it utilizes Mac’s sleep and hibernate commands, which allow it to lay dormant within a system. This capability not only helps it avoid suspicions but also makes it difficult for users and antivirus programs to recognize it’s there. It’s also able to avoid detection by wiping your files and overwriting them with zeros. This method ensures that once it has accessed or created files, they can be completely erased without a trace. So, not only is it deleting your files, it’s getting away with it.
Last but not least, SpectralBlur can update its configuration as it goes. In layman’s terms, it’s quite agile and quick on its feet. By being able to adjust its tactics on the fly, SpectralBlur can stay hidden.
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How can I catch it?
Because SpectralBlur is so sneaky and smart, you might be wondering how Mac users recognize that SpectralBlur is on their system. After all, it evaded virus detectors and cybersecurity experts for quite some time, so the average person shouldn’t be expected to figure it out.
Ultimately, there are a few ways to know if SpectralBlur — or other backdoor malware — may be on your computer:
Unusual system behavior: If you notice your system is acting slower than usual, apps crashing frequently, your system’s settings have changed without you doing it yourself, or just the feeling that something isn’t right, there could be malware on your computer.
Increased CPU or network usage: An unexplained increase in CPU or network usage can also be a red flag. SpectralBlur might be using resources for malicious activities, which means more work on your system than usual.
Suspicious files or applications: Those of you who regularly check your system might find unfamiliar files or applications. While SpectralBlur tries to clean up after itself, certain actions or additional malware installations might leave some traces (albeit not on purpose).
Identity theft: Unfortunately, some users might only realize they’ve been a victim of SpectralBlur or a similar malware attack when their data has been breached. Hopefully, though, it won’t get to this point.
How to protect your macOS from SpectralBlur malware
SpectralBlur is an advanced piece of malware, but there are ways you can protect yourself.
1) To begin with, be sure to update your operating system regularly. Check to see whether or not you’re running the latest version of macOS. If you aren’t, do an update.
2) Install a reliable antivirus software for an additional layer of protection. The absolute best way to protect yourself from having your data breached is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. Having good antivirus software actively running on your devices will alert you of any malware in your system, warn you against clicking on any malicious links in phishing emails, and ultimately protect you from being hacked. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.
3) Always be cautious when opening email attachments or downloading files, especially from untrusted sources.
4) Use identity theft protection. Identity Theft protection companies can monitor personal information like your home title, Social Security Number, phone number and email address and alert you if it is being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. Read more of my review of the best identity theft protection services here.
5) Although having malware in your system is a cause for concern for bigger things like identity theft, one of the most upsetting results of a SpectralBlur infection for most users is the fact it can delete files on your macOS. No one wants to wake up one morning to find out that their docs, photos, notes, videos and whatever else you have saved to your computer are gone.
Despite the fact you can’t prevent this 100%, you can make sure to hold on to your files. Do this by initiating regular backups of important data. In the event of a malware infection, having up-to-date backups can save all of your important data.
Man on a Mac computer (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Kurt’s key takeaways
The whole reason that backdoor malware like SpectralBlur is so damaging is that it can exist on your system for a long time without getting noticed, deleting all your files and data in the process. Unfortunately, by the time it is detected, it may be too late. So, please do yourself a favor and protect your Mac as best as possible using the security tips we mention, like installing antivirus protection and backing up your information.
Have you — or has anyone you know — detected SpectralBlur or other backdoor malware on their macOS? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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As if there weren’t already enough devices listening in on everything being said in your home, Prego, the pasta and pizza sauce brand, is releasing a device designed to record everything said around the dinner table for posterity. The Connection Keeper, which looks like an oversized pasta jar lid, was created in collaboration with StoryCorps, the nonprofit organization focused on preserving the stories of Americans in a collection housed at the Library of Congress’ American Folklife Center. There’s no AI, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth, but you can optionally upload recordings to StoryCorps’ website to make them easier to share with family.
Prego says the goal of the device is to encourage families to make memories through conversation during dinner instead of staring at their phones — but only for a small number of families. The company is only planning to make less than 100 of them. The Connection Keeper will be available for purchase online starting on April 27th for $20 as part of a bundle that includes the device, a jar of Prego sauce, spaghetti noodles, and a deck of cards featuring conversation prompts and ideas.
Using the device is as easy as plopping the Connection Keeper down in the middle of everyone at the table and pressing one button to start recording. Using a pair of microphones, it captures CD-quality audio to a 16GB microSD card for up to eight hours when fully charged.
When dinner’s over, the recordings can be transferred to a computer over USB-C and then uploaded to a dedicated microsite created by StoryCorps where they’re preserved and accessible only by the uploader, unless they choose to share them with other StoryCorps users or the general public. You even have the option to archive them within the Library of Congress, which makes them public automatically, so hopefully your family talks about more than just stealing brainrots.
The recordings can be accessed on a smartphone through the StoryCorps app, but Prego intentionally left phones out of the rest of the process to discourage their use at the table. It’s also why the Connection Keeper lacks a screen. The goal was to minimize interactions with the device so family members instead focused on talking with each other.
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BMW Group has spent years testing automation, but this latest move feels different. Instead of robotic arms locked in cages, the company is now using humanoid robots that move through factories more like people. After a successful pilot in Spartanburg, South Carolina, BMW is bringing that same idea into its Leipzig, Germany, factory, where it is testing robots in real production environments. This time, it is partnering with Hexagon Robotics to introduce a new generation of AI-powered machines. Unlike many robot demos you see online, this one is already being tested inside a real production environment.
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BMW’s new AI-driven robots are now operating inside active factories, marking a shift from traditional automation to flexible, human-like systems. (Christof Rührmair/picture alliance via Getty Images)
How BMW’s humanoid robot pilot built over 30,000 vehicles
BMW’s earlier pilot used Figure 02 humanoid robots for a very specific task. They handled the precise positioning of sheet metal for welding on the BMW X3 production line. That task may seem small, but it plays a key role in keeping production moving smoothly. Precision work like this can easily slow things down or create bottlenecks. According to BMW, those robots helped contribute to building more than 30,000 vehicles. Because of that success, the company now feels confident about expanding the concept. Instead of limiting testing to one plant, BMW is moving forward with its iFACTORY initiative in Leipzig, where EV production is already a major focus.
BMW’s new AI humanoid robots for EV factories
The new robots, called AEON, come from Hexagon Robotics. They are designed to work inside active factory environments without constant human direction. They rely on AI-based motion control, which helps them move through complex spaces. At the same time, built-in sensors allow them to understand their surroundings in real time. Because of that, they can adjust their actions on the fly instead of following fixed instructions. Hexagon refers to this as “Physical AI.” In simple terms, the robot can make decisions based on what it sees around it. As a result, the robot does not stop when something unexpected happens. Instead, it adapts and keeps working. That marks a clear shift from traditional factory automation.
Why BMW is investing in humanoid robots now
BMW executives have made it clear that this is not about replacing people overnight. Instead, the goal is to test what actually works in real production environments. Michael Nikolaides, who oversees BMW’s production network, says these pilot programs help the company refine how AI-powered robots learn on the job. He goes on to point to a broader vision, saying: “Digitalization improves the competitiveness of our production, here in Europe and worldwide. The symbiosis of engineering expertise and artificial intelligence opens up entirely new possibilities in production.” There is also a practical reason for the humanoid design. Factories are already built for human workers. Because of that, a robot that can use the same spaces and tools is much easier to integrate than one that requires a complete redesign.
HUMANOID ROBOTS HIT MASS PRODUCTION IN CHINA
After a successful U.S. pilot, BMW is deploying humanoid robots in Leipzig to improve efficiency and adaptability in electric vehicle manufacturing. (Christof Rührmair/picture alliance via Getty Images)
How humanoid robots could transform factory work
For years, humanoid robots felt more like something you saw in those social media demo videos than something you would trust on a real factory floor. Yes, they looked impressive, but they struggled in real environments. That is starting to change. Factories are still unpredictable. Parts do not always arrive in the exact same position. Workers move around constantly, and tools and materials shift throughout the day. Because of this, traditional robots often struggle since they rely on tightly controlled conditions. AI-powered humanoid robots can handle that kind of variability. They move around people and equipment without stopping. They adjust when parts are slightly off, and they work in spaces built for human workers. That level of flexibility is what sets this new wave of AI-powered robotics apart from earlier forms of automation.
What this means to you
Even if you never step inside a factory, this shift still matters. For one, it could change how cars are built, whether they are electric or gas. When production speeds up, costs can come down over time, which could affect what you pay for your next vehicle. At the same time, factory jobs are likely to change. Some repetitive or physically demanding work may move to robots. In many cases, that means people shift into roles focused on oversight, maintenance or more skilled tasks. Step back for a second, and you can see this is a sign of where AI is headed next. It is no longer limited to apps on your phone or software on your computer. Now, it is starting to show up in the physical world in ways you can actually see and interact with.
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BMW is expanding its humanoid robot program into a German EV factory, testing AI-powered machines designed to work alongside humans in real production environments. (Christof Rührmair/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Kurt’s key takeaways
BMW is not the only company testing humanoid robots, but it is one of the first to bring them into real production environments. That is a big shift from the testing phase most of us are used to seeing. The fact that these robots are already helping build tens of thousands of vehicles shows that this is moving beyond early trials. It is starting to become part of how factories actually run. Where this goes next is still an open question. If the technology keeps improving, you could see more of these robots show up in factories and warehouses over time.
So here is the bigger question. How do you feel about humanoid robots working alongside people in factories? Would you trust them to help build the car you drive? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Today’s launch of AST SpaceMobile’s BlueBird 7 satellite aboard Blue Origin’s reusable New Glenn rocket was a partial success. The New Glenn touched down on its landing pad without incident, making it the second launch and landing for the first stage booster, and officially giving Jeff Bezos a reusable launch vehicle. Unfortunately for AST SpaceMobile, the mission was less successful. Its cell-tower-in-space was delivered to a lower orbit than expected by the second stage of the launch vehicle, rendering it functionally useless.
While the satellite separated from the launch vehicle and powered on, the altitude is too low to sustain operations with its on-board thruster technology and will de-orbited.
Bezos, for his part, posted a video of the landing on X without comment.
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