VideoPlay adware infections grew 400% in February through malicious use of Web 2.0 pages

PandaLabs, Panda Security’s anti-malware laboratory, detected more than 400% more examples of the adware VideoPlay in February than in January. The main reason for this is the use of popular Web 2.0 sites such as Digg.com or YouTube to distribute this malware. On both pages this adware was distributed through comments on news stories (in the case of Digg.com) or videos (with  YouTube). You can see an image here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/panda_security/3269141934/.

These comments claim that users will be able to see pornographic videos if they click on a link provided in the comment. However, users that click the link will be redirected to a page where they will be asked to download a codec in order to watch the video. Users that do this will actually be allowing the adware onto their systems.

“This is another example of how cyber-crooks are using the most popular Web pages and social engineering to distribute malware massively. Users should remember that even though they may be visiting trusted websites, they should always be on their guard, and in particular, watch out for sensationalist headlines, as these are typically use to trick users and infect the computers”, explains Luis Corrons, Technical Director of PandaLabs

VideoPlay is designed to download a worm aimed at stealing email accounts and passwords for accessing different Web services. This information could then be used to steal new passwords to services such as Digg.com and YouTube and post malicious comments, thereby increasing the infections caused by this adware.

You'll find more information about infections through Digg.com at http://www.pandasecurity.com/homeusers/media/press-releases/viewnews?noticia=9556 , and information about infections through comments on YouTube at: http://pandalabs.pandasecurity.com/archive/Malware-in-Social-Media.aspx

• Feed RSS for Press Release

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® 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 information is available in the PandaLabs blog.