Computer experts worldwide witness the ongoing evolution of new types of Trojans that cause millions of dollars of damage to both institutions and corporate entities. To a larger extent, the use of specialized virus generator utilities has caused a peak of infections in several geographic regions.
The Popular Virus Generators At Work
Computer viruses are one of the primary reasons for security incidents. To a large extent infections are caused by multiple factors, however, the security experts suggest that the most frequent (and dangerous) ones include the lack of proper software solutions and user interaction.
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Most computer viruses can be prevented without the use of anti-virus software if the users know how to protect themselves and can recognize the signs of possible virus infections.
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More and more virus attacks happen through spam email messages and malicious ads. Infected software installers are growing in popularity as more and more people browser unofficial download portals and various BitTorrent trackers.
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Computer hackers constantly use various exploit kits which can target outdated software. Running the latest versions of the most commonly used applications and games can prevent some types of virus attacks.
One of the most dangerous types of threats is the Trojans. They are distinct from other types of viruses as they frequently include a backdoor feature. This makes it possible for the hackers to gain control over the infected host or actively spy them. As a result of an infection, the hackers can also cause additional damage by installing other viruses such as ransomware, institute sabotage or spy on the user at all times. Many modern Trojans feature advanced stealth protection technology which prevents them from being discovered by most anti-virus solutions.
- Also, check: Ethical Hacking Process : Phase by Phase
As the hacker underground markets continue to flourish and grow, specialist virus generator tools have appeared. They use a modular framework and allow its users to customize their own versions of the main code base. In some of the cases, the newly created strains have been made in such a way that they are practically indistinguishable unless a thorough security analysis is made.
An example of one such tool is the Fat Rat Malware utility (read more here). It is based on the popular Metasploit framework and allows a very large degree of customization. Other related virus creation kits include features such as:
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A monitoring module which allows the hackers to control all active connections and execute remote commands at will.
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The hackers can take screenshots of the infected computers and spy on the user’s activity. Most Trojan also includes backdoors which also allow the criminal users to extract files from the infected machines, including any stored passwords or other account credentials.
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Trojans can also install and operate additional viruses on the affected machines.
When combined with a powerful Phishing platform such as FiercePhish (click here to learn more) the results can be even more devastating. These types of the package can create customized attack campaigns which have a much-improved infection ratio. The contemporary virus strains that can bypass the numerous security mechanisms used by the operating systems such as the User User Account Control (UAC) prompt.
Computer users should use a quality anti-virus and/or anti-spyware solution to guarantee that they are protected at all times from such security threats. These software products provide constant protection and can remove any active infections on compromised hosts with a few mouse clicks.
Martin Beltov graduated with a degree in Publishing from Sofia University. As a cyber security enthusiast, he enjoys writing about the latest threats and mechanisms of intrusion. He mainly contributes to the Best Security Search website.
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