Threat Database Malware Joke.ArchSMS

Joke.ArchSMS

By Sumo3000 in Malware

Threat Scorecard

Ranking: 8,838
Threat Level: 20 % (Normal)
Infected Computers: 14,410
First Seen: December 6, 2012
Last Seen: September 19, 2023
OS(es) Affected: Windows

Joke.ArchSMS is a threat that is disseminated as a fake key generator for Windows 8. This is just one of dozens of examples in which criminals have taken advantage of the advertising and buzz surrounding this year's release of Microsoft's new operating system. In the case of Joke.ArchSMS specifically, this malware infection is typically distributed as a fake key generator which supposedly allows computer users to gain access to a full version of Windows 8 for free. Key generators are a fundamental part of software piracy and are quite common in file sharing networks. Basically, these are programs designed to trick a locked application into believing that it has been paid for, usually by generating a serial number of a key that grants a computer user to obtain access to pirated software. However, since these are usually executable files, they are typically used to distribute malware to unsuspecting computer users. Joke.ArchSMS is an example of how this can be done.

Joke.ArchSMS displays an image that is designed to convince computer users that they can generate a key for Windows 8 by sending an SMS to a specific number; however, Joke.ArchSMS is actually part of an adware campaign that involves other malware threats. When executed, Joke.ArchSMS will direct computer users to a couple of websites that are actually part of a click-fraud scheme. These websites are used to profit from pay-per-click marketing. While the Joke.ArchSMS attack itself is not particularly groundbreaking, it is important to note that the reason why Joke.ArchSMS is effective is because of the social engineering bait that Joke.ArchSMS dangles in front of unsuspecting computer users. As was seen previously with the release of new versions of the iPhone or iPad, new tech products are an effective way of catching the attention of computer users. Since the announcement of Windows 8, malware attacks ranging from fake news articles about Windows 8 to (as in this case) fake key generators for this new operating system.

Joke.ArchSMS is hardly the only fake key generator out there. ESG security researchers advise purchasing your software from a genuine, licensed vendor. If you have already been exposed to the Joke.ArchSMS scam, it is important to run a deep scan of your computer with a dependable anti-malware tool to ensure that no malware has infected your computer as a result of the Joke.ArchSMS scam.

Aliases

5 security vendors flagged this file as malicious.

Anti-Virus Software Detection
Panda Trj/Agent.MIZ
AVG AdInstaller.N
DrWeb Trojan.DownLoader7.34740
Comodo UnclassifiedMalware
McAfee Artemis!681EA0A0BAD8

URLs

Joke.ArchSMS may call the following URLs:

scrubheiress.com

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