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 has also been seen, though not as commonly, popping-up fake alerts for rogue anti-spyware.

2. Win32.Trojan.Spy
Win32.Trojan.Spy is a generic family for Trojan spy malware, capable of spying on the victim's activities (logging keystrokes, recording web pages visited, etc) and reporting the results back to a main server.

3. Win32.Trojanspy.Banker
Win32.Trojanspy.banker is a type of password stealer that targets bank accounts. A banker Trojan like this could target a single bank or up to thousands, making behavior different among the varying types.

4. Win32.Backdoor.Agent
Win32.Backdoor.Agent opens up a backdoor on a compromised computer, allowing remote access and control of the victim's machine.

5. Win32.Rootkit.Agent
Win32.Rootkit.Agent is a generic family for rootkits. A rootkit is a program that fraudulently gains or maintains administrator level access that may also execute in a manner that prevents detection. They can be used to monitor traffic and keystrokes, create a backdoor into the system for the hacker's use, alter log files, attack other machines on the network, and alter existing system tools to avoid detection.

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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.