FBI ransomware hits Mac

A difficult-to-remove ransomware scam is now targeting Apple users.

The strain of Mac OS X ransomware -- which took a victim's computer hostage until a ransom was paid -- hijacked Apple Safari browsers and delivered a message claiming to come from the FBI.

The alert was typical of ransomware scams in its bid to intimidate victims with a legitimate-looking posts.

Malwarebytes senior security researcher Jerome Segura said the scam claimed a victim's "browser has been blocked" after reported copyright  violations, illegal access or in some instances due to malware infections.

The scam demand $300 from victims, a small fine compared to more sophisticated ransomware attacks that target organisations with demands of up $5000 to unlock critical data.

Victims should click on the Safari tab on the navigation bar and choose Reset Safari and ensure all boxes are checked.

They should not pay the ransom nor use Safari's force quit option which would restore the page.

The ransomware was foisted using black hat search engine optimisation against popular keywords including Taylor Swift.

The first Mac  OS X ransomware was found in 2010.

This article originally appeared at scmagazineus.com