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Old School Virus Called KBOT Is Hitting Networks

By February 25, 2020May 9th, 2022Technology News

There was a day when worms were once common, terrifying threats on the internet. In the early days of the world wide web, there were a number of famous attacks that were considered highly advanced for their time.

Time and technology have moved on of course, and these days, modern malware is significantly more advanced.

Except for KBOT. KBOT is a blast from the past. Recently discovered by Kaspersky researchers, KBOT has been dubbed “the first living virus in recent years that we have spotted in the wild.”

They describe the virus as follows:

KBOT poses a serious threat because it is able to spread quickly in the system and on the local network by infecting executable files with no possibility of recovery. It significantly slows down the system through injects into system process, enables its handlers to control the compromised system through remote desktop sessions, steals personal data, and performs web injects for the purpose of stealing users’ bank data.”

As you can see from this brief description, this piece of malware might be old school, but it’s a serious threat. By destroying the files it infects, it’s not just a matter of getting rid of the infection. Invariably, you’ll have to reinstall all the infected code on the PC.

In addition to being a highly destructive virus, it’s also designed to steal vast quantities of data. Then it makes a priority of connecting to its command and control server once it establishes a hold so it can send back any data it’s been coded to target.

If it’s not already on your radar, it certainly deserves paying attention to. If you find yourself unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end of a KBOT infection, know that it will cause a tremendous amount of damage and bring your network to its knees before you get it under control.

Jason Manteiga

Jason J. Manteiga, Vice President of Olmec Systems, has been part of the company for over the past 20 years. He believes that having a great work environment and supportive team, is the ultimate key to success. Since being in the IT realm for over 25 years, Jason, along with Olmec Systems, has been on the Inc. 5000 “List of America’s Fastest Growing Private Companies” and Channel Futures MSP 501 “Top Managed Service Providers in North America,” along with other awards and nominations. Jason earned his Bachelor Degree in Information Systems from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He also holds certifications in Microsoft MCSE, VMWare VCP, and Cisco CCNA. In his spare time, Jason is a contributor for The Center for Social & Legal Research (Privacy Exchange) and a member of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce. His hobbies include cycling and kayaking. He currently lives in New Jersey with his wife, two daughters and son.