[IP] : Web ads threat to bank security
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Dave Farber +1 412 726 9889
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From: EEkid@xxxxxxx
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Date: Tue, 06 Jul 2004 14:07:42 -0400 (EDT)
Subj: Web ads threat to bank security
Web ads threat to bank security
By Oliver Stallwood, Metro
5 July 2004
Hackers are using pop-up ads to steal bank details from home computers, it
was revealed yesterday.
They have planted a 'trojan' virus inside the bogus ads, which appear on
screen without any warning.
Clicking on the close button to get rid of the advert triggers the virus,
which then attempts to install itself on the computer.
It waits until the user logs on to their Internet bank account, then it
steals personal details such as passwords, by reading key strokes. These
are then passed back to the hacker.
The virus, named 'pwsteal.refest', marks a new level of sophistication for
Internet fraudsters. Until now, hackers have relied on users visiting bogus
bank sites after receiving an e-mail asking them to update their details.
Almost 50 banks around the world, including Lloyds TSB and Barclays, have
been targeted in the latest attack. It is unclear how many customers have
fallen victim to the virus.
A spokeswoman for the National Hi-Tech Crime Unit said: 'This is a type of
virus we have not seen before but it isn't a surprise.
'When criminals find that one thing doesn't work they will try another way.'
She added that cyber bank crime - known as 'phishing' - was on the rise.
'Since last September we have seen a massive increase in the number of
attempts to try to dupe people out of their bank information,' she said.
Security experts said updating virus software was the best protection.
Barclays added it was aware of the latest virus but could not disclose how
many customers had been affected.
http://www.thisislondon.com/news/articles/11766352?source=Evening%20Standard
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