Bogus Keygens for Windows 8 Discovered Duping End Users

Cyber-criminals, says Trend Micro, are still exploiting the hype associated with Microsoft's Windows 8 the new operating system. This time, however, attempts are being made for duping computer-users in a way that they'd unwittingly utilize false key generators based on which, the said application can be installed for free.

Importantly, key generators, in short called 'keygens,' refer to computer programs, which give serial numbers or licensing keys for software. Normally these evade piracy acts through the act of making the software appear as being validated.

Experts at Trend Micro state that the twin applications found on the Net namely JOKE_ARCHSMS and ADW_SOLIMBA, in reality, are harmful.

They outline that if the second application is executed, one fake message gets displayed directing end-users to hit on the 'OK' button for taking down Windows 8. Conversely, the first application pretends to be an activator of Windows 8. Also, just like ADW_SOLIMBA exhibits images so does JOKE_ARCHSMS for making end-users believe they can trigger off the Windows program by dispatching an SMS at one given number. Moreover, JOKE_ARCHSMS links up with two websites for carrying out click-fraud.

Taking cue from the ongoing assault, Threats Analyst Roddell Santos at Trend Micro explains that those perpetrating the above malicious programs are aiming at capitalizing on the wide acceptance of Windows 8 as well as a few consumers' keenness for using the software at least once. Incidentally, utilizing of fresh programs, applications alternatively software in social engineering baits has proved successful during attacks, he adds. Blog.trendmicro.com reported this dated November 27, 2012.

Furthermore, as per Trend Micros' experts, Web-surfers can't ever be sufficiently cautious regarding what they should take down from the Internet as also from which websites. JOKE_ARCHSMS and ADW_SOLIMBA mayn't be the lone fake keygens obtainable online. Therefore it's advisable that people eschew downloading software if they aren't sure about the source's genuineness, rather they should buy software from its original place.

Meanwhile, Windows 8 has been attacked right from its launch time during October 2012. During 4th-week of November 2012 also, malware attacked Windows 8 operators in Brazil via Google Docs for gaining admission into the attackers' C&C systems.

Related article: Bogus News Site Spreads Trojan

» SPAMfighter News - 12/6/2012