According to web3 security firm SlowMist, Apple macOS users are at risk of new a crypto-stealing malware called Realst. The malware reportedly spreads through malicious websites promoting fraudulent blockchain-based games.
According to SlowMist, the malware can spread through games such as Brawl Earth, WildWorld, Dawnland, Destruction, Evolion, Pearl, Olymp of Reptiles, and SaintLegend. Moreover, each game has its own fraudulent website, Twitter (now X) account, and Discord server.
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According to an official tweet, the malware is targeting Apple macOS systems on a large scale, stealing victims’ crypto holdings.
According to SentinelOne threat researcher Phil Stokes, as soon as victims launch one of the games and provide the “installer” password, their data is compromised. This leads to the theft of their crypto holdings. As per the researcher, the malware is based on the “Rust” language. Furthermore, the illicit individuals seem to be monitoring the malware’s behavior on Apple’s upcoming macOS 14 Sonoma.
Apple users asked to remain cautious against the crypto thieves
Stokes has urged users to remain vigilant and cautious. According to Stokes, “Apple’s malware blocking service ‘XProtect’ does not appear to [currently] prevent execution of this malware.”
Furthermore, Stokes cautioned users to proceed with the utmost caution when they come across requests to download and operate blockchain games. Blockchain-based gaming has become very popular of late. Such games give users the ability to earn money in the form of crypto. Although there are several authentic and popular blockchain games, illicit players are always on the lookout for unsuspecting victims.
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Apple, on the other hand, has not given an update regarding the crypto-stealing malware. Moreover, this is not the first time malware has attacked Apple users. In May, Cyble Research and Intelligence Labs (CRIL) published a report highlighting that illicit players were selling hacking malware on Telegram, which were capable of attacking Apple macOS users.