Apple Mac users had became the victims of ransom-ware attack which was discovered on Saturday. Moreover, it has been downloaded about 6000 times before the threat was spotted says developer whose product was infected with this malicious software.

OS X Ransom-ware Found in BitTorrent App

Hackers infected the Mac Computers using “KeRanger” ransomware via a tainted copy of Transmission, which is a noted program used for transferring data through the BitTorrent peer-to-peer file sharing network, states Reuters.

Last Month, Security Researchers found a Malware in Android called Xbot which targets banking details and demands ransom. Similarly, same case happened with Mac users.

Also Read: New Android Trojan Steals Your Banking Details and Encrypts Files for Ransom

Ransom-ware usually contains a malicious software, which once installed limits the access to the computer and then demands money in order to get rid of the limitation.

The KeRanger malware locks the data on Mac Computers and restricts the users from accessing it. It was downloaded more than 6500 times before it was spotted by Apple and developers said John Clay, a representative for the open-source Transmission project.

However, Mac has witnessed lesser ransom-ware attacks when compared to Microsoft Corp’s (MSFT.O) Windows operating system. Security Firm, Symantec Corp (SYMC.O) witnessed about 8.8 Million attacks in the year 2014 alone.

Security Experts claim that more attacks could take place on Macs because the KeRanger hackers and other hacking groups are looking for alternative ways to infect Macs.

Security Firm, Symantec which is selling Anti-Virus for Macs, urged that Mac users should not be complacent. It also provided some tips in order to protect the Mac from ransom-wares.

Apple’s Spokesperson said that it will take immediate action in order to stop the malicious software by cancelling a digital certificate which allowed the malicious software to install on Macs.

Also, Transmissions countered by removing the malicious 2.90 version of its software from tis website [www.transmissionbt.com]. It released version 2.92 on Sunday, its website claims that it automatically removes the ransom-ware from infected macs.

Inputs from Reuters

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