Gameover Zeus and CryptoLocker malware infect 2,000 users in Singapore: SingCert

Some 2,000 Microsoft Windows computer users here were found to have been infected by the latest malware Gameover Zeus and CryptoLocker, believed to have emptied millions from bank accounts worldwide. -- PHOTO: THE NEW PAPER FILE
Some 2,000 Microsoft Windows computer users here were found to have been infected by the latest malware Gameover Zeus and CryptoLocker, believed to have emptied millions from bank accounts worldwide. -- PHOTO: THE NEW PAPER FILE

SINGAPORE - SOME 2,000 Microsoft Windows computer users here were found to have been infected by the latest malware Gameover Zeus and CryptoLocker, believed to have emptied millions from bank accounts worldwide.

The Singapore Computer Emergency Response Team (SingCert), a unit of the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA), issued an alert on Wednesday afternoon on its website. SingCert is working with local Internet service providers to notify the affected users. Crime enforcement authorities in the United States alerted SingCert to the affected users here.

"So far, no Government e-services have been affected," said an IDA spokesman.

"We will continue to strengthen all Government websites and e-services by taking the necessary security measures such as checking and fixing vulnerabilities and patching software."

The Gameover Zeus malware hides within email attachments that when opened give computer access to hackers. They then scan computers for valuable information including bank details, and re-direct money to overseas accounts controlled by criminals.

The CryptoLocker malware is activated when no valuable personal data is found. It locks files in the computer, demanding a ransom for users to gain access again.

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