What is Zeus Virus? | Complete Security

The Zeus virus (or Zeus Trojan malware) is a type of malicious software that targets Microsoft Windows and usually does not steal financial data. First detected in 2007, the Zeus Trojan, commonly referred to as Zbot, has become one of the most successful botnet software in the world, plagued many machines and dominated with equivalent malware built from its code. I am producing. The threat posed by Zeus diminished when the author was allegedly retired in 2010, but when the ASCII text file was released, various variants kept up with the scene and this particular malware reappeared. It was relevant and dangerous.

Effects of Zeus virus on computers

The Zeus virus can do a lot of nasty things when it infects your computer, but it actually has two main functions.

First, create a botnet. A botnet can be a network of corrupted machines that is secretly controlled by commands and control servers under the control of the malware owner. Botnets allow owners to collect large amounts of data and carry out large-scale attacks.

Zeus also acts as a financial services Trojan designed to steal bank credentials from infected machines. This is achieved by website monitoring and keyloggers. The malware recognizes that a user is visiting a bank's website and records keystrokes that do not log in.

This shows that Trojans can circumvent the security of these websites on the fly because they record the keystrokes required to log in as they are typed by the user.

Some types of this malware also affect mobile devices, trying to drive two-factor authentication, which is gaining popularity in the world of financial services.

Initially, the Trojan only affected computers running versions of Microsoft Windows OS, but some new versions of the malware were found on Symbian, BlackBerry, and Android mobile devices.

Malware authors released Zeus ASCII text files to the public in 2011, opening the door to creating various latest updated versions of malware. Recently, the first Zeus malware was largely neutralized, but the Trojan has survived because its components are used (and built) in a significant amount of the latest new malware. I will.

How Zeus virus infects your computer

There are two main methods of infection with the Zeus virus.

• Spam messages

• Drive-by download

Spam messages are often available in the form of email, but there are social media campaigns designed to spread malware through messages and postings on social media sites. When a user clicks a link in an email or message, they are taken to an internet site where the malware is automatically installed. Malware is good at stealing login credentials, so it may be possible to configure it to steal email and social media credentials. This allows botnets to spam messages from trusted sources and significantly expand their reach.

Drive-by downloads occur when a hacker destroys a legitimate website and is ready to inject malicious code into a user-trusted internet site. The malware installs itself when a user visits a website or when a user downloads and installs a harmless program.

How to protect yourself

Prevention by secure internet practices is usually the main step in staying safe from Zeus malware. This suggests avoiding potentially dangerous websites such as illegal free software, adult materials, and websites that offer illegal downloads. Owners of these types of websites are often fine with allowing malware owners to host software at their location. Being secure also means that you don't click links in emails or social media messages unless you anticipate the message. Note: The message is from a trusted source, but if that source suffers from Zeus, the message may be corrupted.

Staying secure means that you are also safe when interacting with financial institutions online. Two-factor authentication is required, where the website sends a verification code to the mobile device to verify the login. However, keep in mind that using this type of authentication should not be considered a panacea, as some derivatives from Zeus also infect mobile devices.

A powerful and updated antivirus solution may be essential. Not only do these types of solutions prevent you from visiting insecure websites where Trojans may be found, but they can also detect when Trojans try to download, insert, or run. Also, these solutions can scan your system and remove any malware that is already present on your machine.

There are a variety of antivirussolutions, including a variety that offers a free test period, but it is important to decide from a pacemaker within the industry that constantly updates the solution. The fact that Zeus ASCII text files are published means that the damage that this malware can do is unstoppable, and it is expected that new versions of the malware will occur every few years. Only security vendors who are always vigilant against new threats have what they need to really protect you from Zeus Trojans in the future.

Zeus Trojans have expanded in just a few years, and in a relatively short amount of time, many computers around the world have begun to lose their place of infection. The original author may no longer run the malware, but the fact that the code is online and constantly being talked about, updated and improved within the hacker circle has been that for years. It means that it is a threat that comes back across. Understanding that it is there and taking steps to keep yourself, your finances and your family safe is essential for anyone who wants to avoid fraudulent headaches and financial pain.