Cyber ​​Security Today, July 4, 2021 - Why you should stay away from cracked software

Cyber ​​Security Today, July 4, 2021 - Why you should stay away from cracked software

It's a long weekend here due to Canada Day celebrations, so today's podcast will be shorter than usual. If you have a day off, thanks for listening.

Everyone likes to save money. But in computing, trying to save money by downloading illegal copies of applications -- which security experts call cracked software -- will only lead to misery. Usually the people behind the cracked software steal your data, corrupt your machine and can eventually make you a victim of fraud.

Which brings this to attention, last month a report by an anti-virus firm called Avast outlined new malware called Krakonosh. It installs cryptomining software that uses victims' computers to secretly mine for cryptocurrency. The money that is made from this goes to the miscreants. The malware is not detected because soon after it is installed it disables the computer's anti-virus software and prevents Windows from downloading security updates. It also installs a fake Windows security cover with a green checkmark in the computer's system tray to make the victims think their machine is running fine.

This malware has been seen in many countries including America, Canada, Brazil, Poland and India. This malware is being used in fake versions of games like Grand Theft Auto V, NBA 2019, The Sims 4, Euro Truck Simulator 2 and more.

Avast estimates that since 2018 this malware has infected more than 222,000 computers worldwide and earned its developers more than 2 million. This gang just wants to use your computer to mine cryptocurrencies. Other gangs that provide free but infected software steal data and install ransomware. As the report says, when you try to steal software, is someone trying to steal from you.

that's it for now. Since it's a holiday weekend here, there won't be a week in the review podcast this afternoon.

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