Cyber Criminals Disguise Trojans as iPhone Unlocking Software

Security researchers have cautioned that cyber crooks are exploiting the news that jailbroking iphones is now legal in the United States. The news has been welcomed by the users of the exceptionally popular handset, encouraging cybercriminals to try and exploit the increased public interest in the subject.

After the declaration, an Internet security solutions firm 'BitDefender' has recognized a malware distribution campaign in which the users get an email in which they find that they could receive a new application for iPhone jailbreaking, as reported by marketwire on July 28, 2010.

The rouge emails includes a message which reads: the software is well matched with all firmwares (the latest version also) and will unlock 3GS, 3G, & 2G iPhone models quickly. the e-mail recipient can download the iPhone unlocking software by visiting the link: www.unlock [CENSORED]/iphone3gs-3g.exe.

The e-mail recipients are further instructed to click on the link that will redirect them to the webpage, where the desired software lies.

As the email recipient clicks on the link, an exe file tries to download to his computer. If this exe file is saved and runs, it further unlocks the way for a Trojan.

The Trojan was detected by BitDefender as Trojan.Generic.3010833. This malware is basically a key logger that transfers everything that the user writes on computer to some particular e-mail address. In this specific case, it transfers to the directory [REMOVED]@hotmail.com.

This enables the malware creators to capture the victim's visited sites, passwords, username, and other bank account details such as the password, PIN number and bank account numbers, etc.

To stay safe and protected, the Internet security firm suggests that the users should never save or open doubtful links or attachments without scanning them first. It is also recommended that users should install and update an efficient antimalware software solution.

Besides, the malware hazards linked with downloading of jailbreaking software from the Internet. Users interested in unlocking their iPhones must be aware of the fact that this practice invalids the warranty of their devices.

Moreover, jailbroken iPhones are more vulnerable to threats as compared to the locked down ones because they accept software that has not been properly examined.

Related article: Cyber Child abuser Sentenced To Imprisonment

» SPAMfighter News - 8/9/2010