Fake ReCAPTCHA Attack Installs MacOS Malware On Thousands Of Devices - 1

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Fake ReCAPTCHA Attack Installs MacOS Malware On Thousands Of Devices

  • Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

A new malware campaign is targeting macOS users through fake reCAPTCHA popups, tricking them into installing powerful data-stealing software.

In a rush? Here are the quick facts:

  • MacReaper targets macOS users through over 2,800 compromised websites.
  • Victims are tricked via fake reCAPTCHA into running Terminal commands.
  • Attack installs AMOS malware to steal passwords, crypto, and files.

A large-scale macOS malware operation is targeting thousands of websites to spread dangerous malware to Apple users, as described in a research by Bad Byte .

The MacReaper malware scheme tricks users through deceptive security alerts, and uses blockchain functionality to steal passwords, together with credit card details, and cryptocurrency wallets.

When a macOS user visits one of the infected sites—such as a Brazilian news portal—they’re shown a fake reCAPTCHA window that asks them to click “I’m not a robot.” Once they do, a hidden script secretly copies a malicious command to the user’s clipboard.

The site then instructs the user to paste and run the command in Terminal. Doing so downloads and installs Atomic Stealer (AMOS), a piece of malware designed to extract a wide range of personal data.

AMOS allows attackers to gain control of passwords stored in macOS Keychain together with browser data from Chrome and Firefox as well as cryptocurrency wallets and system information and personal files. The attackers use Binance Smart Contracts, as part of blockchain technology, to hide their commands, making security tools ineffective at detecting or blocking the malware.

The scale of the attack is alarming. Bad Byte found more than 2800 compromised websites that belonged to different sectors including blogs, business sites, and news platforms. The researchers say that the majority of website owners remain unaware that their platforms serve as malware distribution channels.

To protect yourself, the researchers suggest avoiding executing Terminal commands from untrusted sources, particularly if prompted by a suspicious CAPTCHA .

This campaign highlights the growing sophistication of cyber threats against macOS users and serves as a stark reminder that Apple’s ecosystem is not immune to targeted attacks.

OpenAI Announces Final Company Structure Led By Nonprofit - 2

Photo by JJ Ying on Unsplash

OpenAI Announces Final Company Structure Led By Nonprofit

  • Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
  • Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

OpenAI announced a new corporate structure on Monday. The startup explained that its nonprofit entity will remain the controlling stakeholder, while the for-profit arm will transition into a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC).

In a rush? Here are the quick facts:

  • OpenAI announced its new structure: its non-profit arm will remain in control, and its for-profit part will transition to PBC.
  • The decision has been made after considering critics and experts’ opinions, and after Elon Musk drew attention to the for-profit transition.
  • Executives assured that OpenAI’s mission and core values will remain the same.

According to the announcement, the company’s mission will remain unchanged, and the decision was made in response to feedback from critics and experts.

4 facts about our structure: -OpenAI will continue to be controlled by the current nonprofit -Our existing for-profit will become a Public Benefit Corporation -Nonprofit will control & be a significant owner of the PBC -Nonprofit & PBC will continue to have the same mission — OpenAI (@OpenAI) May 5, 2025

“We made the decision for the nonprofit to retain control of OpenAI after hearing from civic leaders and engaging in constructive dialogue with the offices of the Attorney General of Delaware and the Attorney General of California,” said Bret Taylor, Chair of the OpenAI Board of Directors. “We thank both offices and we look forward to continuing these important conversations to make sure OpenAI can continue to effectively pursue its mission of ensuring AGI benefits all of humanity.”

OpenAI’s structural changes have drawn public attention in recent months—both for its plans to shift to a for-profit model and for Elon Musk’s lawsuits and attempted acquisition .

Sam Altman, OpenAI’s CEO, wrote a letter to employees and stakeholders that was included in OpenAI’s announcement.

“We are committed to this path of democratic AI. We want to put incredible tools in the hands of everyone,” states the letter. “We believe this is the best path forward—AGI should enable all of humanity to benefit each other. We realize some people have very different opinions.”

According to the New York Times , Elon Musk wasn’t the only one concerned about the direction OpenAI, considered the most influential AI company in the world, was taking. Multiple attorneys were monitoring the company’s changes, and the office of Rob Bonta, the California attorney general, said they were reviewing OpenAI’s for-profit plan.

Also, experts in academia were paying close attention. Geoffrey Hinton, a community expert who won a Nobel Prize in Physics last year for his AI research , expressed concerns over OpenAI’s direction in the past few months.

OpenAI made a recalculation to remain a hybrid company and—despite the alleged pressure from investors to convert to a traditional for-profit model—will maintain its core values. However, the specific details of the for-profit and nonprofit portions or the company’s current valuation have not been disclosed.

In March, OpenAI raised $40 billion , reaching a $300 billion valuation.