Panda Software Warns: Sudoku Game Installs Spyware on Computers5 April 2006
Several web pages, mainly with pornographic or illegal content, are downloading spyware programs onto computers without the consent of the sites' visitors. These web pages are designed to exploit different software vulnerabilities to automatically install malware on systems.
One of these programs is particularly dangerous due to its enticing bait: a sudoku puzzle. The application operates perfectly, allowing users to play the game. However, without the users knowledge, it downloads a spyware, YazzleSudoku, every time the user opens the application.
Once YazzleSudoku is installed on a computer, it creates several Windows registry entries to ensure that it remains active. Similarly, it generates a series of files it needs to operate, with names such as RL_SudokuInstaller.rar.lnk, or Yazzle Sudoku. Then, YazzleSudoku displays advertising messages on screen.
It is important to note that when starting to play the game, users are warned that spyware will be installed. If the user agrees, the spyware will be installed on the computer. However, if users do not agree, they will not be able to use the sudoku program.
According to Luis Corrons, director of PandaLabs: "Spyware is, without a doubt, one of the major threats to users. This type of malware clearly conforms to the current objective of malware creators: earning money. Nevertheless, as the effects of spyware are not particularly obvious and do not appear to be dangerous, many users do not treat spyware with the caution needed. This is a mistake, as spyware does not just slow down systems and cause errors -- it also intrudes upon the privacy of users who should not consent to its installation."
To prevent computers from being affected by this or other spyware, it is essential to have a security solution with technologies for detecting and disinfected this threat, and to act with caution with any file received in email or downloaded from the Internet. Similarly, it is highly advisable to have proactive detection technologies such as TruPrevent(TM), which can detect malware without the need for updates.
For further information about this threat, visit http://www.pandasoftware.com/virus_info/encyclopedia/overview.aspx?IdVirus=113 132&sind=0&sitepanda=particulares.
About PandaLabs
Check to see if your computer is free from viruses, spyware and other Internet threats by using our online scanning tool, Panda ActiveScan, at http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan.
Since 1990, its mission has been to analyze new threats as rapidly as possible to keep our clients safe. Several teams, each specialized in a specific type of malware (viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, phishing, spam, etc), work 24/7 to provide global coverage. To achieve this, they also have the support of TruPrevent(TM) Technologies, which act as a global early-warning system made up of strategically distributed sensors to neutralize new threats and send them to PandaLabs for in-depth analysis. According to AV-Test.org, PandaLabs is currently the fastest laboratory in the industry in providing complete updates to users (more info at http://www.pandasoftware.com/pandalabs.asp).
For more information: http://www.pandasoftware.com/virus_info
To access the latest Panda Software press releases, please visit http://onlinepressroom.net/panda.
For more information or graphics:
Carolina Sanabria
Public Relations Manager
Panda Software, USA
Tel: 818-543-6909
pr@pandasecurity.com
Source: prnewswire
All trademarks and copyrighted information contained herein are the property of their respective owners.
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