Spyware Blockers

Late last year, a new malware application, dubbed Xmas Storm, began making the rounds. The Xmas Storm Trojan, named for its similarity to the infamous Storm Trojan of 2007, spreads holiday-themed misery by way of phony holiday e-cards. Xmas Storm was originally detected by the Bach Khoa Internetwork Security Center in Hanoi, Vietnam. They caution that the Xmas Storm isn’t a simple variation of the Storm botnet, which made its unwelcome appearance on New Year’s Day in 2007. Xmas Storm is an original application with original programming and functions.

Disguised as in invitation to view a Christmas e-card, unwary visitors who click on the embedded email link instead download a nasty client app that transforms the PC into a bot that waits for instructions from a hacker. According to Bach Khoa experts, the Xmas Storm Trojan originated in China and is linked to at least 75 different domain names that were registered within the month of December.

Holidays provide ample opportunity for hackers to unleash themed e-cards, screensavers and other malware delivery vehicles. These apps are often delivered via email links, and Xmas Storm trades on Storm’s very successful holiday-themed engineering. The ultimate purpose of the Xmas Storm is to create a new botnet, but the ease with which the Xmas Storm is operating means that users are still willing to follow links and download malicious software delivered via a social engineering attack.

Holidays Are Prime Time For Malware Protection

The Xmas Storm Trojan also underscores the need for up-to-date anti-malware protection, like that offered by XoftSpy SE. XoftSpy SE from spywareblockers.org can help protect your computer against such Trojans, and can identify harmful malware, spyware and adware before it does any damage to your computer.

Your personal information will be protected and you’ll remain in control of your computer. XoftSpy SE works around the clock to protect your computer from malware downloads that are delivered to your inbox each day. XoftSpy SE will protect your Web browser from toolbar applications that try to download themselves and interfere with the operation of your software. Unlike some malware, browser toolbars can be downloaded to your computer when you visit an infectious Web site. XoftSpy SE makes sure that your browsing stays safe, even if you inadvertently visit an infected Web site.

The holiday season is no reason to let your guard down when it comes to safe computing, but if you (or someone in your family) are likely to click on a link emailed to you by a friend, you’ll want to have an up-to-date version of XoftSpy SE to protect your computer.

Photo Credit: crirez