Cybersecurity #2: Emergency Update - June 5th 2017

June 5th 2017
Cybersecurity #2
Subject: Emergency Update regarding the 'Fireball' malware

Hi all, long time no see am I right? In all seriousness, the security firm Check Point (http://blog.checkpoint.com/2017/06/01/fireball-chinese-malware-250-million-infection/) says it has found a malware infection known as fireball on over 250 million devices. Here is a rundown of the features of this prolific piece of software.

"• Check Point analysts uncovered a high volume Chinese threat operation which has infected over 250 million computers worldwide, and 20% of corporate networks.
• The malware, called Fireball, acts as a browser-hijacker but and can be turned into a full-functioning malware downloader. Fireball is capable of executing any code on the victim machines, resulting in a wide range of actions from stealing credentials to dropping additional malware.
• Fireball is spread mostly via bundling i.e. installed on victim machines alongside a wanted program, often without the user’s consent.
• The operation is run by a Chinese digital marketing agency.
• Top infected countries are India (10.1%) and Brazil (9.6%)"

Normally I would paraphrase a bit better, but seeing as this is one of the worst cases of infection ever, I think its good to simply promote the message! And if you own a small buisness, I suggest you keep a lookout for any type of malicious software or just things that are out of place. Thank you again as always! I will be uploading this week in science at its regularly scheduled time. Just thought this was important!

Peace out and stay safe!