A Trojan virus, nicknamed 'Zeus' of russian origin is wreaking havoc in the global financial system.
The virus, which is accessed through malware in facebook pages, gives access to the hackers of the computer's financial transaction information which is then used to drain the person's bank account.
Usually the trojan virus makes its way to your computer when a person accesses a fake Facebook profile.
The virus was created and is operated by a Russian criminal gang calling itself the Russian Business Network. The same gang is also involved in child pornography.
The highest rate of infection is in the US.
The virus is not apparent. It only comes to life when a banking transaction come online as the user makes an internet banking transaction or query. What the malware does then, is create a perfect copy of the banking site, so that the user is completely unaware that he is using the malware site as he is making transactions. The malware then proceeds to drain the person's bank account.
The virus was first unleashed in 2007 but is enhanced and reactivated periodically.
In order to avoid Zeus the following action is advised :
1 - most Zeus victims are Windows users. Mac OS and Linux seem to be protected so far. Android and Blackberry smartphones are also vulnerable. Switching your operating system can often fix the problem.
2 - do not open an unknown or untrusted link. Never open email that has a source not readily identifiable, or known. If it is known, use caution in opening links that are embedded.
3 - use a website for the bank that is secure and has a 2 step verification.
Facebook's response to the problem has so far been unsatisfactory.
Source : Digital Journal 6.5.13
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