Two Million PC Sterilized from Viruses "500 Million Dollars"

Indobusiness - Corporate software maker Microsoft claims to have released two million personal computers (PCs) of the virus that is believed to have stolen over 500 million dollars from bank customers in various countries.

Assistant General Counsel Microsoft Digital Crimes Unit, said Richard Domingues Boscovich, most of the infected PCs are in the United States, Europe, and Hong Kong. Since early June, Microsoft has worked with the FBI and other authorities in 80 countries for 1,400 detect computer network containing malicious Botnet Citadel. Malicious network access is disconnected and cleaned so as not to infect other computers.

"We have released at least 2 million PCs globally," said Boscovish as quoted by Reuters on Tuesday (06/18/2013).

Microsoft assessing Citadel is one of the most dangerous botnet today. The creators of these malicious programs bundle the pirated versions of the Windows operating system.

Until now, Microsoft and authorities continue to search for Citadel botnet that is still in operation. Allegedly, the perpetrator used the pseudonym Aquabox. Boscovish predict Aquabox is in Eastern Europe.

The FBI said it has worked together with Europol and other parties abroad to catch the perpetrator identity is not known for sure.

Microsoft according to documents filed with the court, Citadel botnet programmed to steal data financial institutions. The malicious program targeting global banks such as Bank of America, Credit Suisse, HSBC and Royal Bank of Canada.

Enterprise data center provider (data center), according to Microsoft, are usually not aware that their servers have been used to run a Botnet. In running the action, Microsoft got permission from the authorities to shut down a server in the U.S. for allegedly being Botnet Citadel where it operates.

Cyber ​​criminals send e-mail spam to spread the virus. Usually, in the e-mail contained a link (link) to the malicious website. Internet users are less concerned about cyber security will usually click on the link and start the virus infects the computer.

Special to The Citadel botnet, he was able to turn off anti-virus installed on the PC so antivirus is not able to detect any malicious programs.

Citadel botnet appeared in early 2012. Citadel botnet infected computers is leased even traded at a price of 2,400 dollars or more that other cyber criminals can commit data theft or credit card.