Threat Check

What types of threats have been plaguing computer users this past month? Take a look, below, at the top threats creating a buzz among Ad-Aware users in the Lavasoft Support Forums.

1. Virtumonde
Virtumonde, also known as Vundo, is a type of malware/adware that often requires special help, or tools, to remove. It hooks itself into the system and then displays pop-ups. It's also been seen, though not as commonly, popping-up fake alerts for rogue anti-spyware.

2. IeDefender
IeDefender is a rogue anti-spyware application that appeared a few weeks ago. It spreads by tricking the user into installing a Trojan on his/her system. This Trojan produces pop-up messages that tell the user that he/she is infected and must download anti-spyware software, specifically IeDefender. IeDefender will then scan the machine and detect the Trojan. The user is required to pay for a license in order for IeDefender to remove the malware.

3. Win32.TrojanDownloader.Zlob
Win32.TrojanDownloader.Zlob is the "original" fake codec malware. It disguises itself as a media codec that is needed to be installed for the user to view a certain movie (often pornographic content). Once installed, the user will get a barrage of pop-ups and security warnings consisting mainly of casino advertisements and rogue applications.

4. Win32.TrojanDownloader.NewMedia
Win23.TrojanDownlaoder.NewMedia is a copy of Zlob, and so has similar main functions, such as disguising itself as media codec. The focus is on getting the user to pay for rogue applications in order to remove the codec.

5. Online Games
Win32.TrojanPWS.Onlinegames is a family of threats consisting of password stealers that are aimed at stealing log-in information from online gamers. Online game accounts are then plundered and/or sold for a profit. Popularly targeted games include World of Warcraft and Legend of Mir. These two games even have their own families of threats: Win32.TrojanPWS.WOW and Win32.TrojanPWS.Lmir.

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Have a question about one of these threats? Need guidance on how to rid your computer of spyware and malware? Take advantage of free support from our worldwide volunteer security network at the Lavasoft Support Forums.