JAVA_DLOAD.ZZC

JAVA_DLOAD.ZZC is a dangerous Java applet that is created to exploit a security vulnerability within Java. The JAVA_DLOAD.ZZC applet exploits the CVE-2011-3544 security flaw, which allows criminals to install a Trojan on the victim's computer system. Once installed, this Trojan can connect to a remote server and upload information about the victim's online activity and data stored on the infected computer system.

The JAVA_DLOAD.ZZC Malware Infection Has Been Used to Attack NGO’s

An NGO (Non-government Organization) is usually a charitable organization that promotes some altruistic cause. The year 2011 has seen several attacks on NGO's involving malware similar to the JAVA_DLOAD.ZZC infection. Typically, criminals have been trying to infect the websites of famous NGO's so that these, in turn, will infect the computers of their visitors. Since many human right activists will typically visit these websites, it seems that this malware attack is aimed at human rights activists in order to gather information on their activities and location. A recent attack on an NGO website linked to a dangerous file hosted on a Brazilian server.

Who Could Be Behind the JAVA_DLOAD.ZZC Attacks?

The fact that the JAVA_DLOAD.ZZC infection has been used to target human rights activists points to the theory that a particular government could be supporting these malware attacks. Recent attacks on the Amnesty International UK website raise the possibility of the Chinese government being involved. Of course, without hard evidence, this is still speculation on the part of many PC security researchers. It is important to note that attacks involving malware such as the JAVA_DLOAD.ZZC applet are highly illegal and usually done by criminals.

Protecting Yourself from the JAVA_DLOAD.ZZC Applet

According to ESG malware analysts, the best way to protect yourself from malware attackers like the JAVA_DLOAD.ZZC applet is by using a real-time malware scanner. It is, however, essential to make sure that your Java application, operating system, security program and browser are fully updated at all times. Some of the most common updates for these kinds of programs are intended to patch possible security vulnerabilities such as the one that the JAVA_DLOAD.ZZC applet exploits. It is also valuable to mention that, if you are a human rights activist or involved in any activity relating to NGO's, that recent malware attacks point to the possibility of specific attacks against visitors to NGO websites. Therefore, it is suggested that you run full scans of your hard drives regularly in order to ensure that no malware has made its home in your computer system in consequence of visiting a malicious website.