Technology
Mac Users Beware – Apple Computers are on target by New Ransomware
A new ransomware is aiming at macOS users who download installations via torrent files for popular apps.
Dinesh Devadoss, a K7 Lab malware researcher, first spotted the attack. Findings indicate that since the beginning of June 2020 EvilQuest has been quite active. Malware laboratory companies, such as Malwarebytes, found pirated macOS software which is distributed mainly through torrent sites and forums.
Using the same BTC address
In every documented attack, EvilQuest calls on victims to pay a fee by the same Bitcoin ( BTC) Static address.
One of the first signs of an attack from EvilQuest is the freezing of MacOS Finder. When the file is encrypted, a text file with ransom instructions is generated.
Brett Callow, a threat analyst and malware expert in Emsisoft's malware lab, believes EvilQuest would be anything but an extremely small threat: Talking to Cointelegraph, Brett Callow.
"The fact that Macs have relatively low market share does not attract ransomware Groups and is unlikely to invest substantial resources to target Mac users.
Not a major threat
Findings also show that BTC is worth $50 for the attackers' average lump sum. Victims are normally given a 72-hour payment deadline.
Adds to Callow:
Having said that, a threat is a threat and it should be known by Mac users. Fortunately, as this ransom-ware seems to only be targeted through pirated software, simply by not using pirated software it is very easily avoided. It's true whether you're a Mac user or a Windows user: the main distribution method for ransomware for home users is pirated software and cracks.
Cointelegraph recently reported an increase in ransomware for home users rather than for businesses.
