The officers of the Cyber Crime Unit of the Greek Police are alert after the appearance of the “Shylock” malware in Greece.
According to a Europol announcement, Shylock has infected at least 30,000 computers running Microsoft Windows worldwide. Intelligence suggests that Shylock targets the UK more than any other country, nevertheless the US, Italy and Turkey are also being targeted hard by the malicious code. It is thought that the suspected developers are based elsewhere.
The malware aims at the illegal interception of funds and financial information from online banking systems. It spreads rapidly through emails and real time messaging programs. Stealing user names and passwords, Shylock provides access to funds held in business or personal bank accounts and then transfers them to the criminals.
Internet users are typically infected by clicking on malicious links, and then persuaded to download and run the malware.
Users receiving messages from unknown senders either through email or real time messaging programs are asked not to open links or download the files contained in them.
Authorities advise users to type the website addresses (URL) in the browser instead of using hyperlinks and to keep their antivirus programs updated.
Europol, the FBI, the European Cybercrime Centre (EC3), BAE Systems Applied Intelligence, Dell SecureWorks, Kaspersky Lab and UK’s GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters) are collaborating to combat the malware while the joint operation is coordinated by the UK National Crime Agency (NCA).
For similar cases, citizens in Greece can contact the Cyber Crime Unit.
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