Later today, Apple is expected to announce its first Apple Silicon (ARM) powered MacBook. Unfortunately, some behind the scenes issues may already be complicating the launch, including one Apple partner being hit by a ransomware attack.

Compal, an Apple partner that helps assemble MacBooks, has apparently been hit with a ransomware attack this week. As reported by Bleeping Computer, the ones behind the attack are demanding 1,100 Bitcoin, which as 9to5Mac points out, would be worth $17 million USD at this point in time.

The specific attack here appears to be called ‘DoppelPaymer’, a ransomware operation that attacks enterprise targets by gaining access to administrative privileges and then spreading the malware to other PCs on the network.

Compal itself is trying to maintain a positive public outlook over this, claiming that this was an “abnormality in the office automation system”, rather than a more significant attack. Seemingly, everything will be back to normal at Compal soon enough. Whether or not this impacts Apple’s MacBook production queue at all remains to be seen. Apple will be announcing its first Apple Silicon powered Mac later today during a special event.

KitGuru Says: There seems to be some conflicting information here. Either way, this story will raise a few eyebrows during the first few weeks of MacBook availability once Apple launches new models. 

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