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New ransomware program for macOS dubbed ‘Patcher’ discovered

A new file-encrypting ransomware program for macOS is being distributed through BitTorrent websites, and users who fall victim to it won’t be able to recover their files, even if they pay, reports Macworld.

Written in Apple’s Swift programming language and dubbed “Patcher,” OSX/Filecoder.E masquerades as a cracking tool for commercial software like Adobe Premiere Pro CC and Microsoft Office for Mac and is being distributed as a BitTorrent download, the article adds. 

The application is generally poorly coded, ESET researchers said in a blog post. The window has a transparent background, which can be quite distracting or confusing, and it’s impossible to reopen the window if it is closed.

Dennis Sellers
the authorDennis Sellers
Dennis Sellers is the editor/publisher of Apple World Today. He’s been an “Apple journalist” since 1995 (starting with the first big Apple news site, MacCentral). He loves to read, run, play sports, and watch movies.