Flashback Trojan: An Overview of This Nasty Virus

Apple-based devices are best opted by users for their unmatched security benefits and advanced technology set in its design and functioning. It was once believed that an Apple-based device user never had to bother about any security breach or privacy issues – yes, such was the reputation of the brand that everything was considered pristine in this space.

And then came the Flashback Trojan that managed to break through the security gates of Apple devices and thereby put across the unprecedented question – is anything in this space actually pristine and far away from the clutches of malware?

If you are unknown to the exploits of the Flashback Trojan, here’s all that you need to know…

• Flashback Trojan became the infamous virus to have attacked the Apple-based computers and other devices in 2011. The complete name for the virus is OSX/ Flashback.A.
• Till date, this Trojan has managed to infect not less than 650,000 Apple computers and the number is only swelling ever since. It is particularly active in the USA, Canada, the UK, and Australia.
• It disguises itself typically as a Flash Player package and prompts you into installing the same on your computer. Once you have run the file unsuspectingly, the virus will enter your computer or device and thereby start off its malicious activities.
• It then creates backdoor entry for its creators and gives them an easy access to reach your crucial system files and sensitive data that you have saved on your device including username, passwords and other financial details. 
• Apple had swiftly acted upon getting their consumers rid the Trojan from their computers. However, as per recent reports, the Trojan is still here functioning and infecting many more thousand computers with each passing day.
• In addition to this, the very nature of the virus make it even more perilous and tricky to identify – it is self-encrypted, it can create a botnet and allow other hackers to use it (and manipulate it) according to their own requirements, it uses un-patched Java weaknesses to set itself up on your computer.

If the above has scared the wits out of you and you are looking for ways to fight off this Trojan, here’s a little piece of advice. Don’t leave any Java program on your Apple-based device un-patched or vulnerable. Also, scan your computer regularly to find out if there has been anything amiss. And for more details, watch out this space so that you are aware of any fixes that the company has released to thwart off the Flashback Trojan and its potentials. 

FBI Offered $50,000 for a Most Wanted Malware Writer

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has spotted most wanted malware writer and offered huge rewards to extract information on cybercriminals. The news is confirmed as it was published on FBI website about all cybercriminals, telecom fraud, database hackers, and malware scam artists including this malware writer of ‘Lover Spy’ Carlos Enrique Perez-Melara. He is known to design this malware named ‘Lover Spy’ which is created to spy on suspecting husbands or wives who could be cheating on their partner. FBI has been after this malware writer for a long when a warrant was issued against him when this ‘Lover Spy’ Trojan which was developed “to catch a cheating lover" and was spread to target users via as an electronic greetings card.    

FBI has discovered that Carlos Enrique Perez-Melara has sold the virus to 1000 customers who have already distributed and infected about several thousands of users.  Though it is yet not known whether Perez-Melara is operating from the United States. Because FBI still had clues or leads since 2005 and the spyware has been considered as the complex program to be spotted eight years ago when detection and instances of such custom-written malware was sparse. For this reason, FBI has announced large prize money of $50,000 for anyone who could bring potential lead to find Carlos Enrique Perez-Melara of ‘Lover Spy’.

Similar to Carlos Enrique Perez-Melara, FBI has also offered the same $50,000 reward to extract information Andrey Nabilevich Taame, a Syrian national been accused of click fraud in 2007 and 2010, Noor Aziz Uddin and Farhan Ul Arshad, who are accused of an international fraud that deceived $50 million from victims.

However, the last reward of $100,000 has been announced for getting information on Russian Aleksey Belan who is involved in raiding customer databases of large U.S. e-commerce firms, detected in April 2013. 

What you know about Anti-Malware?

When was the last time you worked on your PC without any fear of falling a prey to the malware attack? Not soon we guess!

Well, malware is a hub of multiple kinds of malicious programs like spyware, viruses, and adware that gets installed in your PC without your knowledge and start damaging your files and data to kill your PC completely. There can be hardly anyone who has not encountered trouble because of malware and to know what exactly a malware is and how does it affect your PC, you can read the following information.

Malware

Malware is malicious software that disturbs computer operation by gathering some of its private data and gaining access to computer programs. Such type of software appears in different forms like code, scripts, active content, and other software that is installed in your computer without your knowledge or adequate consent. Also, the spiteful programs like viruses, worms, Trojan horses are only some of examples that group together as malware.

The only way you can fight malware in your computer is by installing an advanced and powerful anti-malware program. The anti-malware programs are designed to prevent, and clean malicious content from your computer and thus protecting it from all possible attacks. It is a comprehensive solution that maintains computer security and protects private data that might enter your PC through a network or a local device.

Here are some important features that make a good and reliable anti-malware program.

This is what makes anti-malware effective:

·         Check computer’s operating system for infections

·         Remove malware if found

·         Release report of any infection found or removed

·         Detection and cleaning capabilities

·         Regular safety scan

          ·         Tools to detect rootkits, worms, Trojans, etc. 

Anti-malware is a perfect solution for all type of malware activity on your PC. To make sure that your computer functions well even when there is any malware infected in your device, install an advanced anti-malware tool and make your system secured and protected. 

Securing your PC: A quick reminder

There is already a lot floating on the web telling you how important it is for you to keep your digital data safe; the first step is obviously securing your PC. We all know that we should practice safe PC habits and that we should be alert and cautious all the time when working on our PC s if we want to keep all threats and attacks at bay. However, it is more our seriousness or rather the lack of it that is to be blamed as compared to our ignorance.

Here are the quick steps that you can refer to as reminder of the online safety tips that you already know…

Install an antivirus program

If you already have one set up, but actually haven’t used in a long time, scan your PC now. If you aren't sure when you last updated it, visit the manufacturer’s website and do it at your earliest convenience. Once you have scanned your PC, if there are any issues prevailing, try fixing them as well. Henceforth, make it a point to scan your PC once a day or once in two days, depending on its usage and thereby keep your PC safe. If you have not started yet, install TechGenie Free Antivirus on your PC today. Here is a roundup of its salient features.

Create multiple user accounts

Use your administrator account sparingly. Use the different accounts while operating your PC so that the most important one remains safe anyways.

Create strong passwords

Passwords can give access to your PC or restrict an attempt. Therefore choose with care before you deploy one.

Regularly back up your PC

What else will you fall back upon in case of need? Like the saying goes “Prepare for the best, be ready for the worst”; stay prepared at all times.

Keep your internet sessions safe

Unless you secure your browser and your internet sessions, you aren’t 100% safe. Install TechGenie Free Antivirus and let it keep your PC and browser secured and proactively shield you of all unknown e-threats in real-time. 

Watch Out for These Notorious Internet Security Threats

Our Internet enabled devices play a big part of our life by making things possible and simpler. We heavily rely on Internet for paying bills, shopping, communications, market research to verifying information and many other things. But, there is also a flipside. Along with convenience and information, we expose our data and identity to a gang of cyber criminals and their baits to steal money and much more. Therefore, we must tread carefully to avoid potential Internet security threats and falling prey to online frauds.

Amongst all, following are the dangerous Internet security threats we are mostly prone to.

Phishing

Hackers adopt different methods to catch hold of you… and your accounts. One common method used is phishing wherein online fraudsters send email messages which mimic the look and feel of a legitimate brand. Such mails are designed to collect recipient’s personal information under the guise of a genuine company. They will ask for user identity, password, bank account details, card number and other required details to charge them with hefty bills and rob their money. 

Malware and Bots

One of the frustrating Internet security threats to cope up with is stubborn malware. Malware can be spyware, adware, keyloggers, Trojan horse and other malicious programs. These programs are designed to inject in a computer to enable hackers to trace what you are doing, sites you are viewing, access your password and other information to take control of victims’ computers. Usually, these files are sent through links posted on social networking sites, links contained in email, downloadable content e.g. screen saver or app, video codec and other free software.               

In addition to these, you need to also be careful with junk mail and spam, blended threat (usually combines a Trojan horse and a virus) rogue security software among others. Once you click and download any such Internet security threats on your PC, it is very difficult to remove and get rid of these security threats. At that, a good antivirus can scan, protect and clock these security threats. If you are looking for a good security software then get TechGenie Total Security or else download TechGenie Free Antivirus.