I know I have written a few blogs on viruses, but I feel it is an important topic especially in a business environment.  Besides causing frustration usually caused by slowing your PC down, viruses, especially Trojans, can cost you and your business money.  With the way the current economy is, every dollar counts.

I recently read an article about the Zeus V3 Trojan. It is most prominent in the UK right now.  I expect it or something similar will hit the US, and other places soon.  Now a days, safe computing is a MUST.

Here is a brief explanation of what a Trojan can do.

• Although up-to-date anti-virus software should prevent an attack, experts say an alarming number of people leave their computers vulnerable to cybertheft.

• Trojans are malicious programs that hide inside apparently harmless computer files.

• They can lurk on websites, online advertisements or hitch a lift in emails.

• The Zeus v3 Trojan hides in advertisements that appear on legitimate websites.

• Each time someone clicks on the advertisements, the code is downloaded to their home computer where it lies dormant.

• The code only becomes active when the computer connects to a bank website when it starts to record account details, passwords and other confidential information.

• It checks to see if the account holds enough cash and then transfers up to $5,000 to a ‘mule’ account - a legitimate bank account held by a real customer.

• Owners of these mule accounts operate on the edge of the law and agree to transfer sums they receive to someone else, after taking a cut.

• By the time the police have investigated a Trojan attack, the recipient of the money has usually vanished without trace.

• Security experts say it is relatively easy to protect against Trojan attacks by installing anti-virus software and keeping it up to date. 

• Computer owners should also make sure they have downloaded any updates of their operating software - usually Windows - and other programs such as Internet Explorer, Firefox and Adobe.

• People should also be alert to junk emails that pretend to be from banks, or online shops like Amazon and Ebay.

• The emails invite the unwary to click on a link to a web page containing a Trojan.

Some Tips To Prevent Trojans

• Make sure your anti-virus software is up to date.

• Keep firewalls set to the highest level.

• Never open an e-mail attachment from someone you don't know.

• Never double-click on an e-mail attachment that ends in .exe. It is an 'executable' file and can do what it likes in your system

For more information on the Zeus V3 Trojan read the full story here  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1302062/New-trojan-virus-Zeus-v3-empties-online-bank-accounts.html#ixzz0wLOUwbqn

For help preventing an infection or removing one that you contract, contact CCS Retail Systems Support.  We can help you efficiently and cost-effectively. 

Remember that an infection can sometimes be more pervasive that it appears and first sight.  It can recur and spawn other infection.  A thorough and complete removal is critical. Some Trojans act as down-loaders for other Trojans they request.  Others set themselves to reinstall with each reboot.  Don't be left with these problems, if you are not familiar with the complete set of techniques to consider all of these possibilities.

-Bryan