Malware targets storage devices
Hackers are increasingly targetting USB drives and other portable storage devices as a way of spreading viruses. Though specially-created web pages infected with worms and Trojans are still the most common way of circulating malware, cybercriminals are now using new methods, according to security firm ESET.
“Despite the fact that web-based threats still make up the majority of the top 10 threats detected during June, the growing popularity of portable storage devices has not gone unnoticed by malware writers,” said Paul Brook, managing director of ESET UK.
USB devices and even gadgets such as MP3 players can often be connected to a number of computers within a short space of time, potentially spreading the infection.
“USB might have helped the device and gadget markets explode, but in doing so it has also provided easy pickings for malware writers to attack using multiple vectors.”
Web User has reported a number of attacks that use this method in the past week. A worm that is attempting to spread using the hype surrounding the new Harry Potter book and film is targeting USB drives and other removeable media, as is a Trojan that talks to the unlucky recipient.