A key figure behind an online banking scam dubbed “Dridex,” which has been stealing millions of dollars from online bank accounts, was recently arrested. After a coordinated effort between the FBI and National Crime Agency, with support from authorities across Europe, this effort helped cyber security experts and law enforcement cut off thousands of compromised computers from the botnet’s control. Norton and Symantec researchers have been following Dridex for time and develop protections against this threat for users of Norton and Symantec security solutions.
“Dridex” is an exceptionally malicious strain of malware that has been used to steal sensitive information such as usernames and passwords from PCs, with the intention of breaking into bank accounts and stealing cash.
You can help protect yourself against these threats by following these simple Internet security practices:
- Use a robust security solution that also protects and scans for malicious emails, such as Norton Security, and keep it updated.
- Delete any suspicious-looking emails you receive, especially if they contain links and/or attachments. Don’t even open them, just delete them. If they appear to come from legitimate organizations, verify the issue with the organization in question first by visiting their website or calling the customer service phone number on their website.
- If you suspect a Dridex infection, immediately change your online banking account passwords using a different computer and contact your bank and any account that you may have accessed using your infected computer to alert them to look for any potentially fraudulent transactions.”
- Disable macros in Microsoft Office applications to prevent macros from running when documents are opened.
The advice from national security agencies is to take action now by ensuring you have up-to-date security software and to keep a close eye on all of your financial accounts. Norton Security offers proactive protection and safeguards your identity and online transactions.