EvilQuest
Intelligence Profile
According to PcRisk, EvilQuest (also known as ThiefQuest) is like many other malicious programs of this type - it encrypts files and creates a ransom message. In most cases, this type of malware modifies the names of encrypted files by appending certain extensions, however, this ransomware leaves them unchanged.
It drops the "READ_ME_NOW.txt" in each folder that contains encrypted data and displays another ransom message in a pop-up window. Additionally, this malware is capable of detecting if certain files are stored on the computer, operates as a keylogger, and receives commands from a Command & Control server.
Threat Analysis
EvilQuest is a high-sophistication threat actor of undetermined national origin, engaged in cyber operations with a primary motivation of financial.
Financially motivated threat actors like EvilQuest prioritize monetary gain through methods such as ransomware deployment, banking trojans, cryptocurrency theft, BEC scams, or credential harvesting for resale on underground markets.
With high sophistication, EvilQuest is capable of targeted intrusions using adapted commodity tools alongside custom implants, maintaining operational security and evading standard detection mechanisms.