Apple’s new MacBook Pro M4 faces first security risks before release

Following the release of a video by a Russian YouTuber that appears to show a preview model of the yet-to-be-released MacBook Pro M4, Apple users are being warned that a security threat has emerged surrounding the leak. Here’s what we know so far, and to be honest, it doesn’t look that scary after all.

Kaspersky security researchers issue warning about MacBook Pro M4

Almost everything you want to know about the upcoming MacBook Pro with Apple’s latest M4 chip is already available online. From the leaked release date to an alleged video of the laptop unboxing itself by a Russian YouTuber. When it comes to technical specifications, release dates and costs, you’ve come to the wrong place. However, if you want to know about an emerging security threat surrounding the pre-launch hysteria, and I don’t think that’s too much of an exaggeration considering the Russian video racked up half a million views in just a few days, then listen too high.

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Researchers, ironically from Russian company Kaspersky, have confirmed that the furore surrounding the leaked review video has led to what they describe as “an increase in fraud activity,” with scammers exploiting the hype by running fake pre-sales and product testing programs for unreleased products offer laptop.” The ultimate goal, as with most scams of this type, is to steal credentials and money. But how worried should you be?

Apple MacBook Pro M4 email scam

According to an email sent to me by Kaspersky researchers, one such worrying phishing campaign involves receiving an email offering the target the opportunity to test an unreleased version of the MacBook Pro. Let’s face it: one would hope that someone could see through the fake legitimacy of such an obvious scam. Even if one were tempted to click on the link in the email, it would lead to a cloned Apple marketplace offering the M4 MacBook Pro, a device that will likely cost upwards of $1,500, for just , er, $13 in exchange for testing and user feedback.

I would never indulge in victim shaming, but if someone fills out the required form, gives out all possible contact information, and then enters their credit card information to pay the processing fee and the $13 purchase price, then that’s enough, he said.

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However, a second scam uncovered by Kaspersky researchers may be more credible. The victim is redirected to a fake Apple website where they have to complete a survey. Upon completion, they are informed that they have won a prize: you guessed it, a MacBook Pro M4. Of course, they also have to cover the shipping costs because, um, Apple wouldn’t have the resources for that, right?

“The recently released video with an unreleased laptop created false expectations,” said Dmitry Galov, head of the Russia Research Center at Kaspersky’s Global Research and Analysis Team. “The device could also be available to ordinary users.”

That’s true, but if common sense prevails and anyone interested in the MacBook Pro M4 just waits a few more weeks until its November launch, there’s no real reason to worry here. Unless, as Galov suggests, the scammers start pushing more realistic phishing campaigns as the release date gets closer. “Always check information on official websites and avoid third-party sources when making purchases,” advises Galov.

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