A recent article on Wired.com, titled "New Malware Re-Writes Online Bank Statements to Cover Fraud" brings focus to new malicious software (malware) that does more than just steal bank information.
Today's malware is becoming more crafty and deadly - and in today's connected world, even easier to get infected. Just recently the New York Times, news website was infected - any reader that came to the site would be prompted to install the malicious software (read more here)
Malware is not only an annoyance, but a security risk. When your infected, the malicous program(s) will steal information from your computer: email passwords, personal identity information and worst of all - banking details.
What is suprising is that, this special malware: URLZone would not only steal bank account details and transfer money to the author of the malware (which is bad enough) but also dynamically change your details. That means that when you view your bank account page on your infected computer - your balance would remain the same, when in reality a big chunk is gone.
What is more worrying for us as technicians, is the growing trend of new malware - to hide it's presence from you (computer user) and from regular antivirus software by telling you nothing is wrong. A lot of malware, try to appear as good guys by installing as "fake" antivirus software with names like "PC Antivirus 2009" (read more here) and even have fake reviews to appear legitimate.
They do this because the longer you keep the malware on the computer, the more information they can collect and the more money the bad guys can make.
If you have the slightest feeling that you may be infected, act now!
Scan your computer using an online antivirus scan from Kapersky or TrendMicro.
We also recommend free antivirus, for protection all the time: AntiVir or avast! Home Edition
If you need professional service, to clean up a current infection, Contact us today! We'll be happy to help :)
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