While the famous Stuxnet virus is most often associated with an attempt to shoot down the nuclear program of Iran, experts Kaspersky online security revealed a new version of the malware is making its way across the web, infecting hundreds of home computers every day.
the new virus, known in security circles as "Gauss", is said to be a modified version of the Stuxnet and Flame viruses, although it was designed to infect computer systems and ordinary people steal their bank details online, which makes it particularly dangerous and, for some, potentially financially ruinous.
Gauss is still a newcomer in the world of malware, with analysts still unable to discover where the stolen information is delivered. The purpose of the virus is thought to be to collect sensitive data on laptops and PCs, including the account information for social networks and passwords for several banks and online payment sites like PayPal and Citibank. Fortunately for Western users, the virus has so far only been seen in Lebanon, Israel and the Palestinian Territories, although its potential to change rapidly and spread may soon cause problems in the UK and US in a not too distant future.
Kaspersky and other online security firms have been quick to release the anti-virus updates, though they admit that such measures could soon be updated if the adaptive nature of the virus to original Stuxnet is anything to go by. One of the main problems that infected users face is effectively detect malware, with analysts noting that computers can be infected for months without the knowledge of their owners. This poses a problem because most such virus remains connected to a system, the more sensitive the data it is able to fly.
While online security companies will inevitably do their best to eliminate the virus once computer has been infected, one of the best ways to stay safe online is to use the services a reliable VPN provider. Encrypting your online traffic and essentially hiding your identity to other Web users, a VPN provider is just one step in the fight against malware and cybercrime.
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