With the development of IT technology and software, the desktop,
laptop, tablets and smart phones are not safe anymore; they are vulnerable to
malwares and their newer versions. Malwares are used to steal information and
data from your computers and devices of individuals, companies and government
departments. And it does without anyone knowing it.
While malware is a generic term
for malicious software, the fact is all malware slows your computer down and
brings potential security risks along with it. What does malware look like? In
most cases an unusual window will open up, something you do not recognize.
Malware can be anything from viruses, Trojans and spyware to PC Optimization
programmes that really do your computer more harm than good.
In recent years a highly
sophisticated cyber-spying tool has been used since 2008 to steal information
from government departments, business and others, researchers at security firm
Symantec have found. While the infections first occurred between 2008 and 2011,
the most recent version surfaced in 2013. And the damage was done.
Researchers suspect many
components of Regin are still probably undiscovered and that there could be newer
versions that have yet not been detected. Even when its presence is detected,
it is very difficult to ascertain what it is doing. What does the malware do?
It takes control of the mouse’s point-and-click functions. Allows attackers to
capture screen shots, steals password, monitors traffic, recover deleted files
and data. It tricks targets into visiting spoofed versions of well-known
websites.
Known as Regin, the malware was
seen in systematic spying campaigns against a range of international targets,
including government infrastructure operations, businesses, and researchers,
professional and private individuals. It is a ‘multi-staged threat’, with each
stage hidden and encrypted. The malware shares some characteristics with the
Stuxnet worm – a tool believed to have been used by the US and Israeli
governments to attack computer networks involved in Iran’s nuclear programme.
The malware has targeted
computers in countries around the world. India is one of the few countries
where the infection was discovered. The highest infections were discovered in
Russia (28%), and this was followed by Saudi Arabia (24%). And other countries
where the malware was found included Mexico, Ireland, India, Afghanistan, Iran,
Belgium, Austria and Pakistan. There were no reported infections in USA.
Because of its complexity, the
Symantec researchers said the malware ‘would have a significant investment of
time and resources, indicating that a nation is responsible. Further, it may
have taken months, if not years, to develop the malware. And it does its job
quietly of stealing information and data, harming the individuals,
professionals, organizations and government departments around the world.
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Picture Post:
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Lake Palace, Udaipur in Rajasthan, India. |
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‘A good memoir – should have elegant prose peppered with a
little wit and humour. It should not be pompous, otherwise tends to get a bit
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