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There's a new player in the Mac malware game, and it's gaining serious traction on darknet forums. Security researchers at Moonlock have identified an infostealer that's becoming increasingly popular among cybercriminals, joining the notorious AMOS malware as a major threat to macOS users.

Infostealers are designed to quietly extract sensitive information from your Mac including passwords, browser data, and even cryptocurrency wallet details. The scary part is how silently they operate, often going undetected until it's too late. While Apple's built-in security tools offer baseline protection, the rising sophistication of these threats means Mac users need to think beyond software alone.

Hardware Security Cuts Through the Noise

The best defense against credential theft isn't just another antivirus subscription. Hardware security keys provide physical authentication that malware simply can't replicate or steal remotely. Think of it as requiring both your house key and your actual presence to unlock your door, not just a password that can be copied.

The YubiKey 5C NFC works seamlessly with MacBooks and supports authentication across hundreds of services including iCloud, Google, Microsoft, password managers, and banking apps. It connects via USB-C and also supports NFC for use with your iPhone. This means even if malware captures your passwords, attackers still can't access your accounts without physical possession of your YubiKey.

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Lock Down What People Can See

Public Wi-Fi at coffee shops and airports creates another vulnerability. Shoulder surfers don't need malware when they can simply watch you type passwords or view confidential work documents. A magnetic privacy screen limits viewing angles to just 30 degrees, making your screen appear black to anyone sitting beside you.

The Kensington MP14 Magnetic Privacy Screen attaches magnetically to MacBook Pro 14-inch models from 2021 through 2024, including all M1 through M4 chips. It's reversible with matte and glossy sides, reduces blue light by 22 percent, and comes with a storage clip. Installation takes seconds and you can remove it just as quickly when you're back in a private workspace.

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Simple Steps Beat Complex Attacks

Modern Mac threats rely on users doing what feels natural like entering their password when prompted. Hardware authentication breaks that pattern by requiring something physical that malware running on your Mac can't touch or simulate. Combined with a privacy screen for protection against visual snooping, these tools create meaningful security layers without requiring technical expertise.

The rise of these new infostealers shows that Mac security threats aren't slowing down. Taking action now with physical security tools gives you protection that works regardless of which new malware variant appears next month. Your credentials stay safer, your screen stays private, and you keep control over your digital life.