Panda Security – RegistryDoktor2009 and Proof Defender2009 Warning!

Courtesy of Panda Security.

This week’s PandaLabs report looks at a banker Trojan, and two new examples of fake antivirus programs.

Banbra.GJT is a new variant of the well-known Banbra family of Trojans. This Trojan is designed to steal users’ banking details. Once the file is run, an error message is displayed.  The Trojan, however, proceeds with the infection process and displays a video on the screen.

Meanwhile, a Trojan called Banbra.DQQ is downloaded in the background.
This Trojan steals users’ credentials when they connect to bank
websites.

Scareware:

RegistryDoktor2009 is the first of the two fake antiviruses that we will cover today.

Like all malicious programs of this kind, RegistryDoktor2009 tries to trick users by showing a series of false infection warnings. Then, it prompts them to buy “security” software to resolve these infections.

In reality however, users will be paying for a fake product that does nothing. So, besides losing their money, they will be unprotected and utterly vulnerable to
any threat.

Finally, Proof Defender2009 works very similarly to RegistryDoktor2009.

It tries to trick users into believing they are infected and offers them fake security software. In this case, users can choose to pay with their credit cards or with a PayPal account. The result is the same as in the previous case, but in this
case, the malware can also steal the credit card data entered by the targeted user.

More information about these and other malicious codes is available in the Panda Security Encyclopedia.

You can also follow Panda Security’s online activity on its Twitter and PandaLabs blog.

If you become infected by this, or other scareware (rogue software), have your PC worked on by a certified computer technician, who will have the tools, and the competency, to determine if the infection can be removed without causing system damage. Computer technicians do not provide services at no cost, so be prepared for the costs involved.

If you feel you have the necessary skills, and you want to try your hand at removal, then by all means do so.

The following free resources can provide tools and the advice you will need to attempt removal.

Malwarebytes, a very reliable anti-malware company, offers a free version of Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware, a highly rated anti-malware application which is capable of removing many newer rogue applications.

411 Spyware – a site that specializes in malware removal. I highly recommend this site.

Bleeping Computer – a web site where help is available for many computer related problems, including the removal of rogue software. This is another site I highly recommend.

SmitFraudFix, available for download at Geekstogo is a free tool that is continuously updated to assist victims of rogue security applications.

What you can do to reduce the chances of infecting your system with rogue software.

Be careful in downloading freeware or shareware programs. Spyware is occasionally concealed in these programs. Download this type of program only through reputable web sites such as Download.com, or sites that you know to be safe.

Consider carefully the inherent risks attached to peer-to-peer (P2P), or file sharing applications.

Install an Internet Browser add-on that provides protection against questionable or unsafe websites. My personal favorite is Web of Trust, an Internet Explorer/FireFox add-on, that offers substantial protection against questionable or unsafe websites.

Do not click on unsolicited invitations to download software of any kind.

Additional precautions you can take to protect your computer system:

When surfing the web: Stop. Think. Click

Don’t open unknown email attachments

Don’t run programs of unknown origin

Disable hidden filename extensions

Keep all applications (including your operating system) patched

Turn off your computer or disconnect from the network when not in use

Disable Java, JavaScript, and ActiveX if possible

Disable scripting features in email programs

Make regular backups of critical data

Make a boot disk in case your computer is damaged or compromised

Turn off file and printer sharing on the computer.

Install a personal firewall on the computer.

Install anti-virus/anti-spyware software and ensure it is configured to automatically update when you are connected to the Internet

Ensure the anti-virus software scans all email attachments

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