A new survey by Webroot Software, a provider of security software, highlights the most common forms of malicious security threats in the UK. During the month of June, one of the most widespread spyware infections in the UK was CoolWebSearch.
"Spyware has become increasingly complex and sophisticated. The technology behind spyware has become so far advanced, and is moving so quickly, that manual detection methods utilised by many security companies and freeware providers can't keep up with it," said Peter Watkins, CEO of Webroot Software.
"Webroot's dedicated Threat Research Center in Colorado has proactively identified five million sites that host malicious spyware utilising the Phileas spyware research system. It utilises a patent-pending technology to scour the entire Web to discover spyware faster and more efficiently than any other detection method available. As a result, this automated, high-speed system keeps consumers and businesses safer with better blocking, detection and removal rates."
During the month of June, one of the most widespread spyware infections in the UK was CoolWebSearch. With over 60 different variants, this spyware is significantly more complex than average making it harder to detect and remove.
CWS can also create pop-up ads that redirect the user to other websites including pornography sites, collect private information about users and slow the speed of infected computers. Spyware is also capable of tracking a user's online habits and transmitting information to a third party.
In Webroot's monthly analysis of the most common forms of malicious attack, conducted by the Phileas automated spyware research system, Trojan Downloader-Zlob is identified as being the most common form of Trojan.
A Trojan is a program that allows a hacker to make changes to your computer. In some instances, a third party may gain access to your computer and steal your identity or download so much spyware that it renders your computer useless.
Trojan Downloader-Zlob silently downloads and installs rogue security programs such as SpywareQuake, SpyFalcon and WinAntivirusPro, but may install other malware as well. Some variants of Trojan-Downloader.Zlob have backdoor functionality, giving a remote attacker the ability to control and use the infected machine for malicious purposes. Following closely behind Trojan Downloader-Zlob is Trojan Agent Winlogonhook and SDBot, also critical threats.
PC TattleTale is the most common System Monitor, a critical threat capable of tracking software used to monitor computer activity. System Monitors range in capabilities and may monitor key strokes; emails; chat room conversations; instant messaging; websites visited; running programs; usernames and passwords. This information is gathered via remote access and stored or sold to a third party for criminal or immoral use.
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