Spyware.Zbot.out Description

Spyware.Zbot.out is a Trojan that is designed to rob crucial data from the infected computer. Spyware.Zbot.out Trojan is a resource hog and can make an infected computer run more slowly and have noticeable performance problems. Spyware.Zbot.out runs by injecting its own malicious code into other file processes, as well as by corrupting various kinds of files. PC security researchers have noted that Spyware.Zbot.out can infect Dreamweaver objects and System Restore files, making System Restore an ineffective way of removing Spyware.Zbot.out. Since Spyware.Zbot.out is a relatively new variant in the Zbot family of malware (detected in late July of 2012), ESG malware analysts recommend updating your security software. Spyware.Zbot.out and other Zbot variants should be removed with a reputable anti-malware program immediately and steps should be taken to safeguard sensitive data and online bank accounts.

Spyware.Zbot.out and the Zbot Family of Trojans

The Zbot family of Trojans, also known as the infamous Zeus Trojan, is created to steal sensitive data from infected computers. These kinds of Trojans were first identified in the summer of 2007 and have been used in a number of high-profile attacks on various government agencies and multinational corporations. A typical Zbot malware attack will involve various components and will initially gain hold of the victim’s computer through a phishing attack or via an attack website. Spyware.Zbot.out is just one of the many components of a typical Zbot-related malware infection, responsible for stealing sensitive data from the infected computer. Other components of this infection may establish a backdoor into the infected computer or attempt to integrate the infected computer into huge networks of infected computers, known as botnets.

After a large number of the people involves in Zbot Trojan attacks were arrested in 2010, the majority of the botnets associated with this malware family were dismantled, or dramatically reduced in size. However, in May of 2011 criminals leaked the source code for this malware infection on various underground peer-to-peer file sharing networks. This has allowed Spyware.Zbot.out and other Zbot-based malware infections to proliferate in 2012. ESG security analysts have observed a large number of variants of Zbot-related malware in 2012, usually designed to steal account information and passwords for online bank accounts. Around the same time, the BlackHole exploit kit was also leaked, allowing criminals to use both of these high-profile threats to mount new attacks on computers all around the world.

Type: Spyware

How Can You Detect Spyware.Zbot.out?

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