A virus that originally emerged in April is flaring back up as a hybrid version of its previous self and other nasty malware. The "Ramnit" worm is digging its way through the web again chewing up Windows executable and HTML files and harvesting browser cookies, storing FTP credentials and other sensitive information.
Recently researchers from Seculert discovered a command-and-control server for the worm stole 45,000 Facebook users’ login and password information, mostly from France and the United Kingdom. Now the attacks have turned financial.
Aviv Raff, CTO and cofounder of Seculert blogged, "We see a growing trend of malware writers embedding social networks in the malware instead of sending the malware itself via email spam. This is the same for Ramnit."
Hackers behind the malware are capitalizing on the fact that many people use the same password on multiple sites. By piecing together logins, passwords and other packets of information the worm is able to “bypass two-factor authentication and transaction signing systems, gain remote access to financial institutions, compromise online banking sessions and penetrate several corporate networks," according to Seculert.
It is estimated that 800,000 computers were infected with Ramnit from September until the end of December. By gaining account access the worm posts infected links to Facebook that quickly spread through the user’s friend’s list. It also attempts to access other social media accounts like Twitter, Gmail and Outlook.
It is especially important for job seekers who use these social media tools to be diligent in securing their information. No company will want to hire you if you attach a virus with your resume. Perform frequent scans, update your account information and alternate your passwords instead of taking the easy way out and using one for everything.
What antivirus software do you use make sure your information is secure?
By Heather Fairchild - Heather is a multimedia developer with experience in web, film, photography and animation as well as traditional fine arts like painting and sculpting. In addition to writing for Nexxt, she is co-founder of a design and promotion company. Heather’s spare time consists of making puppets, teaching Sunday School, building Legos and doing science experiments with her children.
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