Virus ‘Clampi’ Sneaks into Thousands of US and UK Computers

Internet users have been warned to be vigilant while surfing after the discovery of a new computer virus called 'Clampi.' This virus is also known to the cyber security community as 'Ligats or Ilomo' and has spread to thousands of computers in the US and UK.

The virus gets installed on a computer when a user accesses an infected website. After installation, the virus becomes inactive but stealthily monitors browsing activities of user till he opens the financial service website. All this process occurred without user's knowledge. It steals passwords, login details and other online information and transmits them to cyber criminals.

According to security researchers, developers of 'Clampi' have been stealthily monitoring over 4500 finance related websites which include sites of renowned banks, credit card firms, e-mail, wire transfer services, online casinos, retail sales, share brokerages, utilities government and mortgage lenders.

Expressing his views on the virus, Oria Cox, Security Operations Manager, Symantec, states that 'Clampi' has emanated a complex threat for pundits of cyber world, but people have gradually started to understand its operations, as reported by PCAdvisor on September 22, 2009.

She pointed to its first big attack that took place in the US during July 2009. Since then, it has been slowly sneaking into other countries around the world, particularly English language nations. Cox also highlighted that his security team had found some samples of virus targeting UK high street banks and there was a possibility of emergence another wave of attacks.

Security experts have also expressed concerns over its new traits that enable it to hide more diligently than previous versions. It also uses conventional medium of propagation like news websites and blogs that create more troubles in its identification.

This is undoubtedly an eminent security problem that can be dealt with more wise and prudent steps like implementation of antivirus solution that detects and removes Trojan viruses.

Another notable thing is that only Windows computers have been infected by the virus. The virus is incapable of penetrating in Linux based systems.

Security experts have urged web surfers that they should update their antivirus software and should think about the integration of MalwareBytes antivirus application to detect and remove trojans like 'Clampi'.

Web surfers should also take precautions and remain vigilant while opening any suspicious e-mail or clicking on links.

Related article: Virus Infects Through USB Drives

» SPAMfighter News - Orla Cox - 10/14/2009