The National Crime Agency (NCA) has disrupted a global network of infected computers designed to steal banking and other credentials and urge members of the public to protect themselves.
The NCA in co-operation with the FBI and other foreign law enforcement agencies have taken down a global network of computers distrusting malicious software.
The software, called Gameover Zeus, has spread worldwide but has been temporarily disabled by the NCA. The NCA has warned people that it could be as little as two weeks before the hackers create new Botents and begin re distributing malicious software.
A Botnet is a group of computers that have been taken over and controlled remotely. These computers for the most part operate like a normal computer, leaving owners unaware that their machine is infected, but are used by hackers to spread malicious software and spam.
GOZeuS (also known as P2PZeuS) is responsible for the fraudulent transfer of hundreds of millions of pounds globally. Intelligence has suggested that more than 15,500 computers in the UK are currently infected, with many more potentially at risk.
Does this affect my computer?
This type of virus only affects Windows (including Windows running as a virtual machine on an Apple Mac, any server running Windows and Windows embedded).
If you install anti-virus software and update your operating system to the latest version you can stop this type of malware from infecting your computer.
Letters from your Internet Service Provider
Look out for a letters and emails from your internet service provider (ISP) warning you about this threat. This legitimate correspondence will have been sent to you because of the take down by the NCA who examined evidence and identified your computer as infected. If you are concerned about the legitimacy of this type of correspondence get in contact with your ISP directly to confirm.
Look out for fraudsters exploiting this situation
Fraudsters are opportunistic and might send out phishing emails claiming to be from your ISP or from a law enforcement agency urging you to click on a link or download an attachment for a solution. Never click on suspicious links or download attachments from unsolicited emails.
For further information visit NCA website.
Please note that Action Fraud is not responsible for the content of external websites.
If you’ve lost money or information or your computer has been taken over by a phishing or malware attack report it to Action Fraud.
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