Cyber-security experts warn against the new Terdot virus

2758561792

Cyber-security experts across the globe are warning that a sophisticated new virus designed to use social media to spy on and collect banking details is loose on the Internet. The virus is what is known as a ‘banker’ virus designed to steal sensitive financial information that can then be used to steal money from its victims.

The ‘Terdot’ virus is an evolution of the famous ‘Zeus’ or ‘Zbot’ virus – a Trojan horse malware package that runs on versions of Microsoft Windows. Using a range of sophisticated techniques including phishing and a MiTM or ‘man in the middle’ proxy, it can filter all a user’s web traffic, searching for private information. In another unexpected development, the virus can also update itself. This means that over time it can adapt to become more resistant to being detected or removed. Once installed, Terdot makes modifications to your PC settings, damaging files and even changing your browser settings.

Info security magazine reports that: ”…samples show the Trojan targeting users of various web services such as Yahoo Mail and Gmail.” It can be spread by booby-trapped emails with bogus attachments that automatically download the virus when clicked.

Its aim is to spy on and collect sensitive banking information and typically targets ”mobile service provider’s payroll, webmail and ecommerce sites” according to security expert John Leyden of the Register.

As always, being on guard against unusual emails and attachments as well as not surfing to suspicious websites is a great defense. Keeping your virus protection and Windows OS updated are also helpful in resisting getting bitten by the Terdot bug.


New call-to-action
Private Cloud for Law Firms 10 Questions

Subscribe!