A security researcher named Patrick Wardle has discovered a ‘new’ version of an existing malware for Mac pcs called Fruitfly.

This different version penetrates the operating system of Macs from private users and enables the hacker to spy on the owners by using services such as taking over the webcam, taking screenshots and hijacking their mouse or keyboard. As of yet it is still unknown as to how the Fruitfly malware gains access to the computers of its victims. So far about 400 users that Wardle knows of have been infected and most of these users are Americans. Curiously, a lot of the victims seem to be located in the state of Ohio. Wardle got this detailed list of hacked victims by registering the domain with which the malware tried to facilitate contact with after hacking into a Mac.

The original version of Fruitfly was already reported In January of this year. That version, however, targeted computers from research companies instead of the computers of private Mac users. Wardle suggests this could be a solo undertaking considering the information available about the attack. Unfortunately this does not diminish the level of danger emanating from the malware, because most anti-virus programs seem to be unaware of its presence. More data about the Fruitfly malware will be made available by Patrick Wardle at the upcoming Black Hat conference in Las Vegas.