Servers Hosting GameOverZeus and CryptoLocker Seized!

[Corrine]

From the NYTimes, Battling Destructive Computer Viruses, Agents Seize Networks Used by Hackers:

Government agents seized control of two computer networks that are used by hackers to steal banking information and lock files on infected computers, officials in the United States and Europe said Monday, disrupting the circulation of two of the world’s most pernicious viruses, which have infected millions of computers worldwide.

 

The coordinated strike targeted malware known as GameOver Zeus, which is known to steal bank information and send it to overseas hackers, and CryptoLocker, which burrows into computers and encrypts personal data. The hackers then demand a ransom to unlock the files.

 

Via The Register, You've got two weeks to beat off Cryptolocker, GameoverZeus nasties:

The UK’s National Crime Agency has warned people have just two weeks to protect themselves against the Cryptolocker ransomware and a strain of the ZeuS password-slurping malware – before both return from the dead.

 

The alert comes after the cops "disrupted" the systems remotely controlling the software nasties – which could mean anything from knocking them offline to physically seizing machines. The cyber-plod isn't saying.

 

The NCA worked with the FBI, Europol and other agencies to knackered the command and control (C&C) servers that were managing a major network distributing the GameoverZeuS Trojan and the infamous Cryptolocker ransomware.

 

Make sure your security and third-party software are up to date! Trend Micro has a free tool which will allow you to scan and remove these threats if found, available from Trend Micro Simply SecurityCryptolocker GOZeuS.

[Corrine]

Additional information at Bleeping Computer, Operation Tovar a success, but is it really Gameover for CryptoLocker?, including links to the official United States Department of Justice complaint, their press release, and other court documents regarding Operation Tovar

 

Also included is information about a major faux paw by McAfee.

[Guest LilBambi]

Thanks Corrine!