Slovakia-based cybersecurity vendor ESET warns of a dramatic increase in cryptocurrency-related cyberattacks targeting Apple users — with macOS password theft rising 127% as Bitcoin surges to all-time high levels exceeding US$107,000.
The threat report reveals that cryptostealer malware has proliferated across multiple platforms, with macOS experiencing the most significant surge. The Atomic Stealer (AMOS) malware family — which emerged in 2023 — has been particularly responsible for this trend, spawning numerous copycat variants.
Jiří Kropáč, ESET’s director of threat detection, noted that cryptocurrency wallet data has become a prime target as digital asset values climb.
The United States appears most affected, with Italy, China, Spain, and Japan following in attack frequency.
ESET’s telemetry data shows cryptostealer detections growing across platforms: 127% on macOS, 56% on Windows, and 20% on Android. The attacks coincide with Bitcoin’s record-breaking price surge and increasing cryptocurrency valuations.
These findings underline the critical importance of enhanced cybersecurity measures — particularly when managing digital asset wallets as they become increasingly valuable.
