• Home
  • News
  • Fortune 500
  • Tech
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia
TechFortune 500

New Details Emerge About Scary Apple Mac Threat Fruitfly

By
Don Reisinger
Don Reisinger
By
Don Reisinger
Don Reisinger
July 24, 2017, 1:47 PM ET

Earlier this year, a dangerous malware named Fruitfly that targeted Mac computers was identified. Now months later, a security researcher has revealed additional details about the hack.

In January, security company Malwarebytes reported that a new Mac-focused malware remotely provides its creator with access to computer’s files, screens, and even the built-in webcam of targeted computers. Fruitfly gives hackers full access and control over the machines, leaving the unsuspecting victims powerless to stop it.

In January, Apple (AAPL) responded to the threat by patching the hole that allowed Fruitfly to attack users. However, Fruitfly variants have cropped up that could still target unprotected Macs.

Tech news site ZDNet recently spoke to a former NSA hacker and current chief security officer at security company Synack to learn more about the threat. Over the last several months, Wardle has analyzed Fruitfly, and, for the first time, shared his findings with ZDNet.

Get Data Sheet, Fortune’s technology newsletter

He said that Fruitfly isn’t “the most sophisticated Mac malware,” but that it can effectively target users’ machines. He noted that the malware tells hackers that targeted users are active on their machines, a warning that those hackers should wait or risk detection.

In examining the malware, Wardle said that he found a number of users whose computers were infected. He also learned their IP addresses and names.

According to ZDNet, Wardle said that he believes the malware was created by a single hacker who wants to “spy on people for perverse reasons.” He couldn’t estimate how many people were affected, but he noted that it took five years for the malware to be discovered. Worst of all, he told ZDNet, anyone could be affected.

“You have to realize that this kind of re-exposes the fact that you can be an ordinary person and still be victim of a really insidious attack,” he said. “This is just another illustration that Macs are just as vulnerable as any other computer.”

Apple did not immediately respond to a Fortune request for comment on the ZDNet report.

About the Author
By Don Reisinger
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • Future 50
  • World’s Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
Sections
  • Finance
  • Leadership
  • Success
  • Tech
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Environment
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Health
  • Retail
  • Lifestyle
  • Politics
  • Newsletters
  • Magazine
  • Features
  • Commentary
  • Mpw
  • CEO Initiative
  • Conferences
  • Personal Finance
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
About Us
  • About Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Diversity And Inclusion
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map

© 2025 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.