Phishing Attacks Now Targeting Mac Users: How to Stay Protected
A sophisticated phishing campaign that once plagued Windows users has now pivoted to target Mac and Safari users—taking advantage of a new attack surface as browser defenses improve on other platforms. In a new report released by cybersecurity firm LayerX Labs, experts detail how scammers are evolving their tactics to continue harvesting credentials, this time with a focus on Apple ID accounts and macOS users.
From Windows to macOS: A Tactical Shift
The phishing scam first gained traction by using fake security warning pages that claimed a Windows computer had been compromised. Victims were prompted to enter their login credentials, while malicious code froze the page to simulate a system lockout—convincing many that the threat was real. These pages were cleverly hosted on Microsoft’s Windows.net platform, giving the scam an air of legitimacy and helping it bypass traditional security filters.
That campaign worked well—until it didn’t. As Microsoft, Google, and Mozilla rolled out enhanced anti-scareware protections in their respective browsers (Edge, Chrome, and Firefox), the campaign’s effectiveness plummeted by 90%, according to LayerX.
But instead of retreating, the cybercriminals shifted focus to the Mac ecosystem. Just two weeks after Microsoft’s update, the same threat actors began targeting Mac users, particularly those using Safari, which currently lacks the enhanced protections adopted by competing browsers.
How the Mac Campaign Works
Though the general framework of the phishing attack remains the same, there are subtle but critical differences:
- Targeted visuals: The scam pages have been redesigned to mirror Apple’s native interface, making them more convincing to Mac users.
- Revised code: The underlying code has been reengineered to trigger behavior in Safari and macOS environments.
- Trusted infrastructure: Just like the original campaign, these phishing pages are still hosted on Windows.net, a legitimate Microsoft-owned platform. This tactic helps the pages bypass many security tools.
- Redirect chains: Users are lured in via compromised domain parking pages—placeholder domains that redirect visitors through a series of websites before landing on the phishing page.
What’s at Risk?
The attack doesn’t aim to compromise the device directly, but rather to harvest Apple ID credentials. This kind of access gives attackers a treasure trove of data: iCloud files, photos, device backups, and personal information. Once attackers get their hands on one valid password, they often attempt credential stuffing—using the same credentials to access other accounts and services.
A real-world example cited by LayerX involved an employee at a corporate client who was using macOS and Safari. Although the company had a Secure Web Gateway (SWG) in place, the phishing page still made it through. Fortunately, LayerX’s AI detection system flagged and blocked the threat before any damage was done.
Why Safari Users Are More Vulnerable
According to Eyal Arazi, Head of Product Marketing at LayerX, Firefox and Chrome already have systems in place to detect these types of phishing pages—even on macOS. But Safari, Apple’s default and most-used Mac browser, currently lags behind in this area, making its users more susceptible to these newly tailored attacks.
Expert Warning: “Macs Are Not Immune”
“Phishing attacks are evolving,” said Darren Guccione, CEO and co-founder of Keeper Security. “Despite the reputation of macOS as being less susceptible to malware, Mac users are just as vulnerable to modern phishing techniques.”
Guccione emphasized that cybercriminals are opportunistic, always seeking the path of least resistance. When one attack vector gets blocked, they pivot swiftly to another. This latest campaign shows how attackers are now leveraging trusted infrastructure and professional-looking designs to trick even savvy users.
How to Protect Yourself
Experts agree that relying on default browser protections alone is no longer sufficient. Here’s how both individuals and organizations can bolster their defenses:
- Use password managers: These tools can alert you if you’re about to enter credentials into a suspicious or unfamiliar site.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): Even if your credentials are stolen, MFA can act as a second barrier.
- Stay educated: Ongoing security awareness training is crucial. Knowing how to spot red flags—such as urgent language, suspicious pop-ups, and unfamiliar URLs—can prevent disaster.
- Avoid clicking links in pop-ups: If you see a security warning, navigate directly to your system or browser settings instead of clicking embedded links.
- Keep software and browsers updated: As vendors roll out new protections, updates can close vulnerabilities before they’re exploited.
As phishing tactics evolve and criminals grow more cunning, the battle for online security shows no signs of slowing down. The latest campaign targeting Mac users is a stark reminder: cybersecurity is not just a Windows problem anymore—and it’s everyone’s responsibility to stay one step ahead.