Crimeware is still in its infancy with regard to the evolution of
malware, and does not have an official definition. However, as its name
implies, crimeware is malicious software used to initiate a crime that
is typically Internet-based. During the past two years, crimeware
attacks have increased at a far greater rate than the normal virus.
International gangs of virus writers, hackers and spammers are joining
forces to steal information and collect huge profits illegally.
A classic example of crimeware is a backdoor keylogger trojan that
collects keystroke information and transmits it back to an attacker.
For example, a bank login ID and password may be collected and sent
back to an attacker. The attacker typically will use this information
in order to collect illegal profits.
Ransomware is another form of crimeware. In this case, a malicious
Trojan encrypts files on an unsuspecting user's hard drive. Once the
files are encrypted the Trojan then displays a message, or leaves
behind a ransom note demanding money from the user for the decryption
key.
Given the newness of this threat type, and the potential of how it
might evolve in the future, further clarification and dissection of the
definition of crimeware will likely be required.
Kaspersky has developed its products with the most up-to-the-second
technology in the industry with this knowledge in mind. Our software is
built to protect against the most complicated crimeware along with the
everyday viruses and spyware. This is why our detection rates is always
leading the industry in third party tests, and this is why we update
every hour.
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