Flame: the new internet stalker
The Sun (2 June 2012) PETALING JAYA (June 1, 2012): The next time you are in a coffee shop with free Wi-Fi access, think twice before accessing the service. Dubbed as Flame, this malware is capable of performing cyber spying on almost any computer worldwide. The sophistication of Flame lies in its capabilities to collect basic information about the system and local network, record network connections, search and steal files based on name patterns, record audio (if a microphone is available in the system), make screenshots, grab textual windows' contents and scan for locally available Bluetooth and wireless access devices. The discovery of Flame is a result of an independent research which sees International Telecommunication Union (ITU)-International Multilateral Partnership Against Cyber Threats (IMPACT) teaming up with Russian-based Kaspersky Lab. "There are many viruses that spread by exploiting vulnerabilities that exist in the system. "Computer users must be vigilant so that they do not install computer programs or applications that can be malicious," said CyberSecurity Malaysia Chief Executive Officer Prof Datuk Husin Jazri. Husin added that the most important precaution one can take is to stay alert and make the necessary investments to ensure that their computers are safe and secure. At this point, there has not been any cases of Flame infection reported in Malaysia. According to Kaspersky Lab Chief Malware Expert Vitaly Kamluk, the risk of being infected by Flame is not exclusive. "Governments and military are at risk of losing classified information should their computers be infected by Flame. "For private companies, there is a risk of losing intellectual property and as for the public, they might risk becoming a part of a cyber spy chain which allows the attackers to infect someone they might know," he said, adding that Flame is another example of a professional cyber espionage tool which is a rising international problem. One interesting feature of Flame is that it will perform some light checks and stay away from machines which have Security Solutions installed. "It will not infect the system or execute a lot of operations in order to remain undiscovered by the antivirus heuristic engine," said Kamluk. Internet Society Malaysia Chapter Chairman Julian Vincent told theSun that the public should be aware of what has been installed or is going to be installed in their computer systems. "The more careful and discriminate you are, the lower your risk. "Be very cautious when using public and/or free Wi-Fi. If possible, avoid them," he said, adding that the public should be worried about any malware threats. How to protect yourself from malwares? Update antivirus programs. Scan all USB drives before transferring data. Beware of phishing sites. Do not indiscriminately install, download, transfer data or programs to your computer systems.
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