Malware is a malicious program designed to gain access to a computer system without the user’s permission. Malware includes various types of unwanted programs such as computer viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, spyware, etc.
Zeus’ malware:
Zeus’ malware is a type of Trojan malware that contains a malicious code package for Microsoft Windows. It is used by hackers to perform various types of malicious and criminal tasks and is also used to steal financial information from users’ systems. Zeus is spread through drive-by downloads and phishing schemes. It was first discovered in 2007 to steal information from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Even with the latest antivirus and other security suites, it is very difficult to identify Zeus malware in a system because it uses stealth technology to hide from detection.
Key Point:
- Hackers use phishing schemes such as emails, social media campaigns, etc. to spread Zeus malware.
- Another method used by hackers is drive-by downloads, where hackers can disrupt legitimate websites by injecting malicious Zeus malware code into them. After malware injection, the malware installs itself when a user visits a website or when a user downloads and installs a program.
- Zeus’ malware uses stealthy techniques to hide from antivirus detection.
- Zeus steals anything the hacker wants, such as financial information, documents, etc., from the computer of the target user.
- Zeus created a botnet, a network of compromised machines secretly controlled by a command-and-control server controlled by a hacker. Botnets allow hackers to launch large-scale attacks or steal large amounts of information.
Zeus’ malware is difficult to detect because it uses stealth technology to hide from antivirus and other security software. Much Antivirus software does not claim that they surely prevent infection like Zeus. Therefore, it is very important to choose the right antivirus program.
FBI Crackdown:
The US FBI announced in October 2010 that hackers were using Zeus malware to infect computers around the world. As mentioned above that Zeus is spread using phishing schemes or drive-by downloads. In 2010 hackers spread the Trojan virus through email, by which Trojan malware automatically get installed itself on the victimized computer and pull out useful information. Hackers then use this information for accessing the victim’s bank account. The FBI has arrested more than 100 people charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and money laundering.
Preventive Measure:
Below are some preventive Measures:
- Avoid Clicking on links given in the unknown emails. Also avoid unknown social media campaigns.
- Avoid downloading various types of unknown files, such as archive files (.zip, .rar), etc., because hackers hide malicious programs in these types of files.
- Use updated anti-spyware and firewall programs to help prevent unwanted access to your computer.
- Backup your files regularly to reduce data loss.
- Protect your device or computer from all known and unknown viruses, malware, etc. with a powerful updated security suite and antivirus software.
