Guardz CIR leveraged AI to discover dangerous Mac malware on the Dark Web, posing a potential threat to users’ privacy and security. HVNC malware found on the Russian cybercrime forum “Exploit” offers full control over victims’ Mac systems for $60,000. Cyber surveillance is crucial. Collaboration between Guardz CIR and ChatGPT shows the importance of AI in modern cybersecurity research, helping to identify hidden threats.
Guardz Cyber Intelligence Research (CIR), a leading cybersecurity company, recently used the power of AI to discover new security threats for Mac. Following their successful discovery of ShadowVault, the team turned to ChatGPT, a language model of AI, to scan the Dark Web for additional potential threats that await Mac users.
In a blog post, the Guardz CIR team described their decision to use AI, as well as their phishing protection service, to consult on potential Mac security threats on the Dark Web. ChatGPT’s initial response indicated that there was a chance to find other macOS cybersecurity threats on these hidden online forums. Motivated by this insight, investigators embarked on a deep dive into the cybercrime underworld to authenticate and further explore the clue.
Hidden Virtual Network Computing (HVNC) Malware Detection
Guardz CIR’s tenacious efforts paid off when they stumbled upon a malicious utility being sold on a Russian cybercrime forum called “Exploit”. Menacing dent software like Hidden Virtual Network Computing (HVNC) targets legitimate HVNC applications intended for remote computer control. This specific malware, however, takes advantage of HVNC functionalities to gain unauthorized access and full control over an unsuspecting victim’s Mac system, all without the user’s knowledge.
A Price Tag for Total Control
Sellers of the HVNC malware were selling their illicit wares for a staggering “$ 60,000-lifetime price.” The offer came with an additional “malicious capabilities” package that could be purchased for an additional $20,000. According to Guardz, this dangerous malware has been available for sale since April 2023.
Although the discovery of the HVNC malware has set off alarm bells within the cybersecurity community, no instances of its actual use have been reported. Guardz has not clarified if they tried to acquire the malware for further analysis, or if they simply detected its presence on the darknet.
Impact of Mac Security Threats
If HVNC malware falls into the wrong hands, it could have disastrous consequences for Mac users around the world. With the ability to gain unrestricted access to victim machines and operate remotely without detection, cybercriminals could exploit sensitive data, compromise privacy, and carry out further attacks against unsuspecting targets.
As macOS gains popularity, it becomes an increasingly attractive target for cybercriminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities. Users and organizations should prioritize adopting security best practices, including regular updates, tron password management, and reliable antivirus software.
The Role of AI in Cybersecurity Research
The successful collaboration between Guardz CIR and ChatGPT exemplifies the growing importance of AI in cybersecurity research. Harnessing the power of AI to analyze vast amounts of data and identify potential threats is proving to be a valuable tool for modern cybersecurity professionals.
The latest discovery of HVNC malware from Guardz Cyber Intelligence Research highlights the pressing need for increased Mac security measures. With the increasing role of AI in threat detection and investigation, the future of cybersecurity looks bright in the face of these ever-evolving cyber threats.
By Audy Castaneda
