Apple has updated to its Xprotect anti - virus tool that is part of macOS with a new roadblock against EvilQuest ( also known as ThiefQuest ) .
We discuss theThiefQuest / EvilQuest ransomware / malware in more detail here . It is malicious code that is spreading in pirate Mac software , most notably in an infected written matter of Little Snitch . The malware seems to be able to copy file to a central server before encrypting the Mac and demanding a ransom to return it to normal – although really paying the bitcoin requested would not mean that files were unencrypted .
Xprotect and MRT ( Malware Removal Tool ) are two security caution that feature in macOS that turn in the background to keep your Mac unassailable and virus free .
On 13 July Apple shipped a new variation of XProtect , now version 2126 . This version came just a week after reading in 2125 , which is strange for Xprotect . commonly update are released every other week , or least that has been the case through the retiring six months .
Apple does n’t make it easy to see what has change but Electric Lightnotesa raw introduction named MACOS.2070d41 among XProtect ’s Yara definitions as well as some modifications to MACOS.6cb9746 , which apparently observe ThiefQuest / EvilQuest and preclude installation .
Xprotect and MRT will be mechanically download if you have the “ Install system information files and surety updates ” option activated in the organization setting on your Mac . If that is the case your Mac will sporadically hold in the Apple server for new version and put in them in the scope .
How to check if Xprotect is up to date
you could check whether the security department updates have already been installed by following these steps :
You should see XProtectPlistConfigData edition 2126 .
We have some usefultips for keeping your Mac unattackable here . Plus , if you want to make certain you are all covered , check out ourtest of the best Mac antivirus tools here .
Part of this article appear onMacwelt .
