Skip to main content

Hackers are targeting Microsoft Teams on Mac

Fake Microsoft Teams site to download malware.
Malwarebytes

Apple users may tend to think that their Macs are less likely to become victims of viruses and malware. However, threats such as MacStealer and other Mac malware that steal credit card information prove otherwise.

A new weakness is highlighted in a new report from Malwarebytes, which mentions a new Microsoft Teams malvertising campaign targeting Mac users.

Recommended Videos

Hackers are trying to lure unsuspecting Mac users to a fake Microsoft Teams site to “download the app,” taking advantage of the app’s popularity. But what they get is Atomic Stealer malware that steals passwords from Apple keychains and web browsers.

Mac users end up at these fake sites by clicking on a phony ad (that appears at the top of the search result) from a compromised Google ad account in Hong Kong. The fake page shows you the Apple logo, a short summary of how the app works, and a button that says “Download Teams.”

Malicious ad example for Microsoft Teams.
Malwarebytes

This isn’t the first time fake ads have been used to steal Mac data. Just last month, in the Poseidon campaign, hackers used fake ads for the Arc browser, offering users a malicious DMG installer. Both malvertising campaigns use parallel code-based and delivery techniques. Malwarebytes comments that it is the first time it has seen it used by Atomic Stealer, and it uses advanced filtering techniques.

Mac users will see a red flag in the installation process since the malicious file encourages users to right-click for installation. The right-click process bypasses Apple’s built-in protection system for unsigned installers. Once you type your credentials, your Mac is compromised as the malware takes your sensitive data and sends it back to the hacker.

If you think your Mac has malware, you can follow these steps to check it for viruses and malware. However, you can prevent malware from getting in by not clicking on any of the ads at the top of the list in your Google Search results. Being careful about what links you can click on can also help.

Judy Sanhz
Judy Sanhz is a Digital Trends computing writer covering all computing news. Loves all operating systems and devices.
Microsoft already has its legal crosshairs set on DeepSeek
DeepSeek AI running on an iPhone.

The home page chat interface of DeepSeek AI. Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends

Microsoft, a primary investor in OpenAI, is now exploring whether the Chinese company DeepSeek used nefarious methods to train its reasoning models. According to Bloomberg Law the company now believes DeepSeek violated its terms of service by using its application programming interface (API) to train its recently announced R1 model.

Read more
Microsoft is making a major change to using your iPhone in Windows
The Dell XPS 13 on a table with the Start Menu open.

In a recent Windows Insider Blog post, Microsoft announced it's adding the option for iPhone users to access their phones from the Start menu. Thanks to a special widget next to the Start menu, when you connect your phone, you can see data such as notifications, battery indicators, recent contacts, connection status, and more.

To enjoy this feature, you must use the recent Windows 11 preview build from the Dev and Beta channels, and you must be a Windows Insider. You must also update the Phone Link app to version 1.24121.30.0 or higher, have a Microsoft account, and have a PC that supports Bluetooth LE. Microsoft said it does not support PCs running Pro Education or Education SKUs. Even if this doesn't affect you, the update is rolling out in phases, so reaching your PC might take some time if you don't already have it.

Read more
Microsoft confirms audio bug hitting multiple versions of Windows
Ifi Go Bar DAC/amp dongle for headphones.

Microsoft has confirmed that a recent bug that has been affecting several Windows OS versions will be addressed with a fix; however, users can tackle the issue with a manual stopgap.

The bug is affecting the audio systems of Windows 11 and Windows 10 versions that have installed the January 2025 security update, rendering sounds on PCs non-functional. The malfunction is especially likely to happen if you have an audio DAC (digital-to-analog converter) connected to your computer via USB.

Read more