Trojan in So-Called Windows 7 Compatibility Checker

Antivirus firms BitDefender and Sunbelt Software, among others, have identified new malware they're calling, "Trojan.Generic.3783603"

According to Sunbelt, The malware immediately creates a backdoor to the user's system, which then allows remote access for cyber-criminals to obtain confidential information or install more malicious software.

While the delivery vehicle isn't unique, it targets its victims randomly through spam emails, this appears to be the first one disguised as a so-called, "Windows 7 Compatibility Checker." Even though Windows 7 has been widely available since October 2009, here we are over six months later with unsuspecting users now being duped into installing this scumware.

BitDefender says in their notice,

The infection rates reflected by the BitDefender Real-Time Virus Reporting System indicate the beginning of a massive spreading of Tojan.Generic.3783603.

"Although this phenomenon has just started, it seems that it’s just a matter of time before the cybercriminals control a huge number of systems.

"Infection rates are also expected to boom because of the effective social engineering ingredient of this mechanism, namely the reference to the highly popular Microsoft® Windows® OS.

While security professionals shouldn't have to keep saying it, evidently it needs to be said:

1. Never, ever open an attachment from unknown contacts
2. Be wary of opening an attachment sent from someone you know when you're not expecting it first. (Many computers have been infected when one person's computer gets infected then the virus emails itself to everyone in the infected person's address book.)
3. Install, run, and keep updated the best antivirus firewall software or Internet security suite you can afford.