BlackBerry says it’s virtualised macOS for M1 on an x86 CPU

BlackBerry’s Cylance unit claims it has virtualised macOS Big Sur for Apple’s own Arm-powered M1 silicon on an Intel x86 processor. The explanation of how to get the job done is not for the faint-hearted. For starters you’ll need Big Sur installer package and a tool called OSX-KVM to retrieve it. However, BlackBerry warns the …

[amanfromMars 1]

However, in Otherworldly Underground Skunkworks is the EMPhasis Targeted Altogether Differently

Why bother? The post says security researchers need access as many platforms as possible so they can work in safety and protect emerging systems.

Others would suggest the bother is more to/just as much to save and protect legacy systems from emerging systems, for it is certainly the former that is at risk of annihilation from the latter.

[Anonymous Coward]

Who?

I didn't realise BlackBerry still existed.

[RobThBay]

Re: Who?

Yup, they're still here and doing some interesting stuff.

[AlanSh]

It's easier if

you just go and buy an M1 Mac - keep the installation kit handy for when you blow it up

[Anonymous Coward]

Re: It's easier if

Erm, no. Virtualising it allows you to hook into the OS in ways you otherwise wouldn't be able to, you can peek and poke with ease, snapshot the RAM, scan through it all, alter it etc,

[DS999]

Re: It's easier if

But why in the world would you virtualize it on x86 when native VMs exist for the M1?

This is like telling people "if you want to tow a trailer using a motorcycle, follow these complicated steps starting with swapping out the engine for a diesel from a pickup truck" instead of just, you know, getting a pickup truck.

[Chris J]

Re: It's easier if

I assume so you can you your existing vulnerabilty testing toolset?

[DoctorNine]

George Mallory's Acolyte

Well it's there. And it just pokes up so high. It's almost as if we are being asked to climb it.

[James 47]

IT angle

Suffice "IT" to say