A new dangerous strain of malware, dubbed “WhiskerSpy,” has been discovered by researchers at security firm Cybereason. WhiskerSpy is being distributed through a codec installer with Trojan, which installs the codec on the victim’s machine, while also installing the malware in the background.
What it does?
Once installed on a computer, Whiskerspy collects information about the victim’s device and sends it back to the attacker’s C&C server. This information includes system information, browser history, and the victim’s username and IP address.
The malware can also take screenshots, capture keystrokes, and execute commands on the victim’s device. It uses a custom communication protocol to communicate with the C&C server, making it difficult to detect and block. Furthermore, WhiskerSpy can be used to remotely delete the information on vicim’s device or install additional malware.
The researchers believe that the malware is being used for espionage purposes, as it has been found on the devices of several high-profile targets. The attackers appear to be targeting organizations in the Middle East and Asia, and have been active since at least January 2022.
The law enforcement has been notified of this virus and shared its findings with other security firms to help mitigate the threat. They recommend that users be cautious when downloading software from untrusted sources, and keep their antivirus software up-to-date. We at ZoogVPN recommend to stay away from any software or codecs distributed by any non-licensed vendors, let alone some shady websites asking you to install their bloat.
The Whiskerspy malware is particularly dangerous because it is designed to steal sensitive information from your computer, such as passwords, credit card numbers, and other personal data. The malware is also capable of recording your keystrokes and taking screenshots of your computer screen, allowing hackers to monitor your online activity and potentially gain access to your online accounts.
How do I avoid WhiskerSpy?
Whiskerspy is a dangerous new strain of malware that is being delivered through a Trojanized codec installer. So, the best idea would be to avoid any codecs and popup downloads from shady websites. If you need to update your drivers, do it from the official websites. Since the virus is capable of collecting sensitive information and executing commands on the victim’s machine, you should refrain from visiting shady websites, including ones with adult content. It is important for users to stay vigilant and take steps to protect themselves from this and other similar threats.
To protect yourself from the Whiskerspy malware, it’s important to be vigilant when downloading and installing software on your computer. Avoid downloading software from untrusted sources and always check the website’s reputation and user reviews before downloading. It’s also important to keep your antivirus and malware protection software up to date to ensure that you are protected from the latest threats. Make sure your Windows Defender is up at all times and don’t deactivate certain features that provide live protection of your PC or laptop.
If you suspect that your computer has been infected with the Whiskerspy malware, it’s important to take immediate action to remove the malware and protect your sensitive information. This may involve running a malware scan with your antivirus software or seeking assistance from a cybersecurity expert.
Dealing with computer viruses can be a daunting task, but there are several steps you can take to minimize the damage caused by malware. Here are some tips on how to deal with computer viruses:
- Install Antivirus Software: One of the best ways to protect your computer from viruses is to install reputable antivirus software. Antivirus software scans your computer for known viruses and other malware, and removes them before they can cause any harm. Make sure to keep your antivirus software up to date and run regular scans to ensure maximum protection.
- Backup Your Data: Another effective way to deal with computer viruses is to back up your data regularly. This ensures that your important files are not lost in case of a virus attack or other disaster. You can use an external hard drive or cloud storage services to backup your data.
- Use a Firewall: A firewall is a security feature that helps to prevent unauthorized access to your computer. It acts as a barrier between your computer and the internet, blocking incoming traffic from sources that are not trusted. You can use a hardware firewall, software firewall or both for added protection.
- Avoid Suspicious Links and Downloads: One of the most common ways that computer viruses are spread is through suspicious links and downloads. Avoid clicking on links or downloading files from unknown sources, and be cautious of emails and messages that contain suspicious attachments or links.
- Keep Your Operating System Up to Date: It’s important to keep your operating system up to date with the latest security patches and updates. These updates help to address vulnerabilities in the system that could be exploited by viruses and other malware.
- Get a reliable VPN service: This is a great idea if you’re living in a country with strict internet censorship, but even more useful if you use public Wi-Fi hotspots from time to time, as these can pose a threat to any user who doesn’t utilize VPN with strong encryption cipher.
Dealing with computer viruses can be a challenging task, but following these tips can help minimize the risk of infection and reduce the damage caused by malware. Remember to always be vigilant when browsing the internet and downloading software, and take steps to protect your computer from the latest threats.
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Arsène MaliceArsène is a Kyiv-based staff writer for ZoogVPN, covering everything tech-related from VPN news and social media trends to cybersport events and geek culture. He’s written for several music magazines, and crypto and tech-oriented websites. He tries to keep his finger on the media’s pulse with varying success. You can catch him djing, playing volleyball, and rage-quitting a ranked game in League of Legends.
