Beware Of Zeus

Beware Of The Zeus Trojan Virus

Zeus, one of the most notorious and wide spread information stealing Trojans in existence is primarily targeting at financial data theft and its effectiveness has led to losses of millions worldwide.

Also known as Zbot, the spectrum of those impacted by its infections ranges from individuals who have had their banking details compromised, to large public order departments of prominent governments.

Lately, CyberSecurity Malaysia has issued guidelines and advisory to ensure continued safe use of Maybank2u and CIMB Clicks which had been under cyber-attacks using Zeus Malware to infect computers and trick users to impart their mobile phone numbers. Then the attacker uses Whatsapp, Twitter and SMS; to send download links embedded with the Trojan Malware to the mobile phone.

Since we are currently under the malware attack, we need to apply vigilance when dealing with our financial transactions online. Here is some information about the malware.

How It Works

The Zeus Trojan steals personal data such as email passwords and financial information such as online banking passwords. Hackers use the Zeus Trojan to steal information and send such information to remote servers. These cybercriminals also use the information to log into online banking accounts and make unauthorized money transfers through a complex and stealthy network of money mules.

The Zeus Trojan may be spread through drive-by downloads or via phishing messages sent through emails or social networks like Facebook. Even just the simple clicking of a corrupt email link can install this Trojan instantly in any PC or mobile phone.

How It Infects

There are many ways your computer or smartphone could get infected with Zeus Trojan. Zeus Trojan can come bundled with shareware or other downloadable software. It can also trick you by displaying deceptive pop-up ads that may appear as regular Windows notifications with links which look like buttons reading Yes and No.

No matter which “button” you click on, a download starts, installing Zeus Trojan into your system. Zeus Trojan then installs onto your device through a Trojan and may infect your system without your knowledge or consent.

Invisible Symptoms

Zeus Trojan may attempt to change your device’s desktop, hijack your browser, monitor your Internet browsing activities, change system files; and all this can be done without your knowledge or permission. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to remove all traces of Zeus Trojan from your gadget.

Detecting Zeus Trojan

Zeus Trojan is difficult to detect and remove. Zeus Trojan is not likely to be removed through a convenient “uninstall” feature. Zeus Trojan, as well as other spyware, can re-install itself even after it appears to have been removed.

You also run the risk of damaging your computer or smartphone since you’re required to find and delete sensitive files in your system such as DLL files and registry keys.

Run a Zeus Trojan scan/check to successfully detect all Zeus Trojan files with the SpyHunter Spyware Detection Tool.

Removing Zeus Trojan

The phishing program is constantly evolving and becoming advanced to avoid detection. Protect your PC, smartphones, personal data and online financial information from the Zeus Trojan by using anti-malware software or a legitimate computer security product that has specific abilities at detecting Trojan infections.

Preventive Measures

Smartphone users are advised to be cautious when an attachment or links from unknown numbers are sent to them. Do not click on it or the Zeus Trojan will seize financial data. At the moment, the only way to minimise these risks is to install a good anti-virus software.