Security News > 2020 > July > ThiefQuest Mac Malware Includes Ransomware, Data Theft Capabilities
Researchers have discovered a new Mac malware that encrypts files on compromised systems like a piece of ransomware, but also allows its operators to steal data and take full control of an infected device.
Initially named EvilQuest, the malware was later renamed ThiefQuest to avoid confusion as EvilQuest is the name of a video game.
Once the malware has been deployed, it starts encrypting certain types of files found on the system, including archives, images, audio and video files, documents, spreadsheets, presentations, databases and web files.
A summary of the ransom note is also displayed in a modal window and its content is read out using the speech feature in macOS. In addition to the ransomware capability, Wardle says, ThiefQuest can search for and exfiltrate files that could contain valuable information, such as cryptocurrency wallet data, and it can initiate a keylogger.
An analysis conducted by Bleeping Computer suggests that ThiefQuest could actually be a wiper disguised as a ransomware as it may be impossible for users to recover their files even if they pay the ransom.