Skype Was Targeted Via New Banking Malware In 2013

Spreading of Internet technologies and their integration into all spheres of our lives brought the threat of malware to a new, higher level. The world wide web is the most convenient tool for spreading malicious software, and the fact that most of the users have no idea how to avoid these unwanted applications makes the life of virus-makers even easier. One of the simplest way to get a virus to user's PC is to send it to him via email. It is a really old method, but it still works, users still run applications, sent from unknown sources.

Malware-makers

But as Internet evolutes – so do the malware-makers. Dr. Web antivirus company has reported that Skype is now frequently used for massive mailing of a new malicious application – BackDoor.Caphaw. Last year was not very good for Skype security specialists, Skype has appeared to be pretty vulnerable for spying. As analytics report, that malware appeared in the beginning of 2013, but the peak of infections is on October-November 2013.

That's why today we'd like to inform you about what that malware is able to do and how to avoid it for sure. First of all you should know that it targets the clients of mobile and online banking services. Caphaw is able to intercept any data you enter in web-forms, all the data you transmit with HTTP or HTTPS protocols. In a matter of fact, mobile banking is pretty vulnerable even without any special malware.

Backdoor functions

Another problem of that Caphow malware is the fact that it has a backdoor functions, it is able to capture the display image of the infected computer or laptop and send it to third parties via email. Once dropped, Caphow installs itself to the system directory and modifies the registry. It also has a special module that will continue sending the copies of the virus via your Skype account.

Using portable jammers

If you are using mobile banking apps on your mobile device – the consequences may be really bad. We recommend you to avoid free, public Wi-Fi hotspots and keep an eye for your wireless connections. Turn off mobile Internet if you don't use it, a portable mobile Internet signal jammer may be really helpful in that case.

There are a couple more advices, we can provide, about avoiding that malicious application. First of all use an antvirus application with the latest updates. Most of their desktop versions already can detect and remove Backdoor.Caphaw. Avoid opening any links in Skype messages, even from your friends, because their accounts may already be infected, especially if you are using smartphone or a tablet, mobile antivirus apps for Android and iOS may not detect it.

As we've said the threat of malware grows and as long as people will not care about their information security – things will remain the same. If the user opens all links from emails and other messages, uses free, unsecured wireless networks and uses simple passwords – any antivirus and firewall will not be able to protect him.