It never ocurred to us that even dead people would be used as a subject for a cyber menace. It was only days since Former President Corazon Aquino passed away due to health problems. Several Filipinos around the world mourned over her death and showed their sympathies in many ways. OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers) who are not present in the country prefer to use the internet to get information about the late former president.
This is where the “cyber” bastards came into play and took advantage. A series of websites were used as “Redirect” web pages to lure innocent users to another web pages containing download links of a FAKE ANTIVIRUS. The Trend Micro analyst team were the first to find out about these malicious code. The program was actually a Trojan horse malware with the name TROJ_FAKEALRT.FK.
These were the sites (already blocked by Trend Micro) detected by the Antivirus company that lured internet users:
- http://{BLOCKED}-gonzales.redxhost.com/corazon-aquino-death.html
- http://{BLOCKED}sa.20x.cc/corazon-aquino-death.html
- http://{BLOCKED}rank.0adz/corazon-aquino-death.html
- http://{BLOCKED}-1.0adz.com/corazon-aquino-died.html
At a glance, an ordinary internet surfers would not suspect anything fishy on any of these links. Now, once the user clicked any of the links above they will be redirected to another site where the “Fake” Antivirus containing malicious codes could be downloaded. These are the links pertaining to those downloads:
- http://{BLOCKED}-pro-antivirus-scan.com/download.php?id=2022
- http://{BLOCKED}-pro-antivirus-scan.com/download/Install-6a1e7ce_2022.exe
- http://{BLOCKED}-pro-antivirus-scan.com/download/Install-74f10_2022.exe
- http://{BLOCKED}-pro-antivirus-scan.com/download/Install-6a75f_2022.exe
According to Trend Micro , this malware could be downloaded “unknowingly” by users visiting malicious websites. Damage is also MINIMAL. Perhaps, the malware programmer had been TOO EXCITED to release the code that he forgot to check the his virus program. YES, this Trojan malware functions by accessing a particular URL/website to download malicious files. But unfortunately it was incompleted and therefore BUSTED.
Better luck next time DUDE!
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THESE ATTACKS?
There is no foolproof way to stay off these malicious attacks but becoming prepared and knowledgeable about them would benefit you alot. So I list down some things you can do to protect yourself get infected by these BUGS.
1. Access only websites with reputable names.
If you are searching for news updates try to search for newspaper websites (there are TONS of them). For software updates try CNET.com, they offer software downloads and updates for free (no registration required). If you are not an IT person and you’re not familiar with the website, DON”T ENTER it. There are other “safe” web pages that could offer the same information. BELIEVE ME!
2. Stay off from Adult or porn sites
This tip is for you TOUGH guys. Hackers know that most internet users, and easy to lure ,are teenage kids who are so HOT for these smut sites. These hackers will insert malicious codes on these sites without you knowing it. This is the reason why most web browsers has “anti popup” features, because this is where BUGS are placed. Always check the site if it is reliable or not. If you don’t know DONT’T ENTER.
3. Always update your browsers, Anti-virus and Malware programs
Did you remember the “hole” exploited by hackers on Internet Explorer 7? That is the reason why I don’t use IE anymore as my default browser, its security isn’t well-fenced. Try using Mozilla Firefox. It has more security features and better performance.
The same goes for your antivirus programs. Take the time to download the latest update on Antivirus database from for your AV software. Automatic settings can be set to automatically update your virus database once you’re online. Also, look for the AV program with good USER ratings and good Editor reviews. If you’re not sure about your AV program, you can check CNET.com’s Download section for more info.
4. Familiarize yourself with Common virus programs
This could be one of the most “boring” tip for you guys. I would refer only to a number of computer enthusiasts and geeks out there who spend their time in front of their PCs. You can start reading about Viruses on websites such as wikipedia, Trend Micro and other virus journals online. There are several types of malware programs out there but basically only few are used.
That’s it friends! Don’t get yourself victimized by these “low-life” hackers and malicious code programmers who get their KICK by seeing other people get terrorized and panic. Remember, in our world today, you can never be too safe.
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Tags: Cory, Fake antivirus, President Aquino, Trojan, virus
