Ransom.OSX.KeRanger

Short bio

Ransom.OSX.KeRanger is Malwarebytes’ detection name for the first known ransomware for macOS systems.

Symptoms

After the encryption routine has finished users may see this ransom note.

Type and source of infection

Ransom.OSX.KeRanger is ransomware. Ransomware in general makes files on the victims system unusable until the ransom is paid. The ransomware was distributed as an altered copy of the Transmission app, a BitTorrent client. The copy of the app was infected to include Ransom.OSX.KeRanger.

Protection

Malwarebytes for Mac detects and removes Ransom.OSX.KeRanger

Remediation

Malwarebytes for Mac will detect and remove the components of this ransomware.

Download and install the latest version of Malwarebytes for Mac.

Click the “Scan Now” button to perform a system scan.

If threats are detected during the scan, a count of detected threats is displayed. More detailed threat information is displayed after the scan completes.

Click “Confirm” to move the detected threats to Quarantaine.

If a restart is required to complete remediation of threats detected during a scan, you will be notified. When a restart is required, please remember to save all work before clicking “Restart”.

Keep in mind, though, that any files that get encrypted before removal will be lost (unless they have been backed up and the backups are still intact).