Microsoft AntiSpyware and Bank Accounts Targeted By New Trojan
Microsoft is again the target of an Internet Trojan (or virus), this time the Trojan’s goal is to disable Microsoft’s AntiSpyware beta product. The Troj/BankAsh-A Trojan was discovered yesterday and is reportedly designed to steal passwords and online banking details. The Trojan runs a key logger on infected computers, which captures all kinds of personal information. BankAsh-A is distributed via spam email. Users banking with Barclays, Cahoot, Halifax, HSBC, Lloyds TSB, Nationwide, NatWest, Smile and others can be affected.
Apparently the Trojan’s secondary goal is to disable Microsoft AntiSpyware. Sophos reports that the Trojan also tries to disable Microsoft AntiSpyware, attempting to stop warning messages that would be displayed by the AntiSpyware software, then deleting all files within the program’s folder. Microsoft AntiSpyware, currently in Beta, is a new security technology which aims to protect Windows users from spyware and other unwanted software.
Neowin reports that Microsoft recently announced plans to purchase Sybari Software, a anti-virus company also specialising in spam and security software. Joe Wilcox of Jupiter Research notes that “Competitors and partners should carefully watch Microsoft now. Combined, the three acquisitions give Microsoft the basis on which to release security products for the consumer and business markets.” Surely, a complete anti-virus package from Microsoft is only months away.attempting to suppress warning messages that the software may display, and deleting all files within the program’s folder, according to antivirus company Sophos.
Microsoft representatives commented on the Trojan and the vulnerability of Microsoft AntiSpyware “Microsoft will continue to work with law enforcement and the industry to help protect customers from these types of threat,” it said. “We also encourage users to use extreme caution when opening unsolicited files from known and unknown sources. Microsoft continues to recommend customers to evaluate the Microsoft AntiSpyware beta.”
