---
title: New Mac Device Malware Is Bypassing Apple Security
description: New Mac Device Malware Is Bypassing Apple Security
---

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# New Mac Device Malware Is Bypassing Apple Security

New Mac Device Malware Is Bypassing Apple Security

![Randy Hall](https://blog.securafy.com/hubfs/Randy%20Hall%202.png) By Randy Hall Updated Jul 2024 2 min read Share [**](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https://blog.securafy.com/2021/08/12/new-mac-device-malware-is-bypassing-apple-security) [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://blog.securafy.com/2021/08/12/new-mac-device-malware-is-bypassing-apple-security&text=%3Cspan+id%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper_name%22+class%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper+hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field+hs_cos_wrapper_type_text%22+style%3D%22%22+data-hs-cos-general-type%3D%22meta_field%22+data-hs-cos-type%3D%22text%22+%3ENew+Mac+Device+Malware+Is+Bypassing+Apple+Security%3C%2Fspan%3E) [**](mailto:?subject=%3Cspan+id%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper_name%22+class%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper+hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field+hs_cos_wrapper_type_text%22+style%3D%22%22+data-hs-cos-general-type%3D%22meta_field%22+data-hs-cos-type%3D%22text%22+%3ENew+Mac+Device+Malware+Is+Bypassing+Apple+Security%3C%2Fspan%3E&body=https://blog.securafy.com/2021/08/12/new-mac-device-malware-is-bypassing-apple-security)

![](https://static.hsstatic.net/BlogImporterAssetsUI/ex/missing-image.png)Apple is generally very good about providing its users with a safe and secure computing environment. For many years the company was able to rightly claim that Microsoft had a far worse problem with malware than Apple did. That is still true but the gap has now virtually disappeared. As Apple products surged in popularity hackers took note and began finding ways around Apple's impressive security measures.

Researchers at Trend Micro have recently discovered a malware strain they've dubbed XCSSET which is especially good at bypassing Apple's security measures.

Most applications are run in an Apple Sandbox so that their ability to gain access to system information or compromise a component in some way is sorely limited. Hackers have discovered at least a partial workaround that gives them access to some of a user's sensitive data where certain apps are concerned.

XCSSET works by creating a simple text file on a victim's computer.

**This text file is keyed to certain apps, including:**

- Telegram
- Google Chrome
- Contacts
- Opera
- Skype
- WeChat
- Evernote
- And others

The text file is created in the sandbox and simply logs everything that happens in it. All a hacker needs to do to gain access to a user's Telegram account is to copy and paste the log file onto their own computer and all of the relevant login information is right there.

The same holds true for all of the software listed above. Note too that in the case of Google the log file will contain any passwords that Chrome saves inside the browser. If you use Chrome as your primary browser and log into your bank, make credit card payments, and the like, then all of those accounts would be at risk.

XCSSET is a genuine threat. Stay on your guard against it and make sure your employees are aware of the risks.

Tagged Under IT Operations[Cybersecurity](https://blog.securafy.com/tag/cybersecurity)Business Continuity

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![Randy Hall](https://blog.securafy.com/hubfs/Randy%20Hall%202.png)

About The Author

Randy Hall · CEO & Founder

Randy Hall is the CEO and Founder of Securafy, with decades of experience helping organizations make smarter, safer decisions about technology.

 A frequent speaker and instructor at national IT events, Randy has advised thousands of organizations, from startups and SMBs to large enterprises and U.S. government entities, on secure, practical technology adoption. He writes about the decisions business leaders are often expected to make without enough context, including cybersecurity, compliance, AI, cyber insurance, IT strategy, and business resilience.

 Outside the office, you’ll often find Randy on Lake Erie enjoying time on his 38-foot Chris-Craft.

**Writes about:** Cybersecurity strategy, compliance, AI security, business resilience, cyber insurance, SMB risk, IT leadership

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