Checklist 445: Ransomware Revisited and a Bigger Bug Bounty

Asahi confirms ransomware hit; global attacks surge 50%; Apple raises bug bounties to $5M to boost white-hat defenses.

Use Apple Intelligence for AI privacy

Generative AI tools raise serious privacy concerns, but Apple’s new Apple Intelligence promises a safer alternative. By processing tasks locally or through secure Private Cloud Compute, it delivers powerful AI features without exposing your personal data.

Checklist 444: Spoofing the FBI and Doctors without Manners

FBI warns of spoofed IC3.gov sites as scammers mimic law enforcement; Doctors Imaging Group delays breach notice, offers victims nothing.

​​Using Passkeys to Improve Account Security

Discover the benefits of using passkeys to improve account security and enjoy a seamless login experience on your devices.

Checklist 443: Why Anti-Phishing Training Isn’t Working

Ransomware costs hit taxpayers, phishing training fails, and Apple rushes fixes for bugs & FontParser flaw. Stay patched, stay sharp.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025

October brings Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025! Join us for Mac tips and learn about local events to safeguard your privacy all month long.

ChillyHell

also known as HEUR:Trojan-Dropper.OSX.Agent.u

• • Type:
  • Hybrid Threat
• • Platform:
  • Mac OS 9
• • Last updated:
  • 09/30/25 11:22 pm
• • Threat Level:
  • Medium

Description

ChillyHell is malicious software that infects macOS by disguising itself as a legitimate program. Once installed, it can download more malware and open a backdoor, allowing attackers to remotely control the computer, steal information, and more.

ChillyHell Threat Removal

MacScan can detect and remove ChillyHell Hybrid Threat from your system, as well as provide protection against other security and privacy threats. A 30-day trial is available to scan your system for this threat.

Download MacScan

Checklist 442: Ransomware Rodeo

Ransomware stalls cars, planes & cities, but Sophos says costs, payments, & recovery times improve—even as human toll worsens.

Checklist 441: Privacy and Security in macOS Tahoe 26

Apple’s OS 26 rollout brings privacy upgrades, dev tools, and dozens of security fixes—protecting users, kids, and older devices alike.

macOS Tahoe 26 Security and Privacy Guide

macOS 26 has arrived, and at SecureMac, our focus is your security and privacy. Explore new security features from Safari to Phone.

Checklist 440: Latest iPhones Target Serious Spyware

Apple warns French citizens of spyware threats as iPhone 17 debuts with built-in anti-spyware Memory Integrity Enforcement.

Staying Safe Together

On this day of reflection, we’re reminded of the importance of community, awareness, and responsibility. Each of us plays a role in keeping our spaces safe.

Checklist 439: NV Update and Multi-Extortion Attacks

Nevada’s ransomware woes reveal poor comms as experts warn of rising multi-extortion attacks from single to quadruple threat.

Checklist 438: Nevada Does a Great St. Paul Impression

Nevada hit by a ransomware attack, crippling state services from DMV to Medicaid, with officials warning recovery may take time.

Checklist 437: Wrong Numbers from AI

AI scams and Apple security: Google AI dupes users with fake numbers, while Apple rushes critical security and os fixes.

Checklist 436: Operation Secure St. Paul

Saint Paul battles Interlock ransomware with password resets, system rebuilds, and federal guidance after massive citywide disruption.

Checklist 435: Preying on St. Paul and Wi-Fi Indicators

Saint Paul battles a cyberattack and phishing fallout as iOS 26 debuts clearer Wi-Fi security icons to help users avoid risky public networks.

Checklist 434: OS Updates and City Under Cyberattack

St. Paul hit by cyberattack; iOS 26 filters spark political backlash as Apple rolls out major security updates across all platforms.

Checklist 433: Passwords, 2FA, and Smishing

iOS 26 fights smishing with smarter message filtering as KNP’s collapse shows why MFA and strong passwords are essential for cybersecurity.

Checklist 432: Healthcare Files and Healthcare Phishing

FBI warns of phishing scams using real health data from major breaches at McLaren, Episource & more. Watch for fake insurer messages.