Blog Layout

Be Aware That ChromeLoader Malware Is Picking Up Steam

sccomputerguys • June 14, 2022

A browser hijacker called "ChromeLoader" has had a large uptick in detections this month, which is raising eyebrows among security professionals.

ChromeLoader can modify a victim's web browser settings to show search results that promote unwanted (and usually spammy) software, annoying pop-up ads, fake giveaways, adult games, dating sites, surveys, and the like.

As malware goes, there are far worse strains out there.  Rather than infect you with malicious code that locks all your files or installs other destructive forms of malware, this one will see you flooded with scammy or spammy offers. It will  frustrate you by forcing you to click through a sea of ads you'd rather not see, all in a bid to make a bit of coin for the malware's owners.

It is noteworthy mostly because of its persistence and its aggressive use of Powershell, which it abuses like few other malware strains do.  Even worse, the owners of the malicious code have recently released a variant that specifically targets macOS users, so if you thought you were safe because you were using a Mac, think again.

While we wish that all malware strains were as relatively harmless as this one, that doesn't mean it isn't a threat or that you shouldn't take it seriously.  While it's not as destructive as most of the malware strains that make the headlines, it's still a genuine concern that can cause you innumerable headaches.

If you start to see an unusual number of popup ads or if your computer has a scary preference for porn and gaming sites, odds are good that you've been infected. It may appear like your computer has a life of its own. If you see those things, the problem won't go away on its own and you should get your machine to a tech as soon as possible.

By sccomputerguys July 22, 2022
Do you own one or more of the following products made by Cisco? The RV110W Wireless-N VPN Firewall The RV130 VPN Router The RV130W Wireless-N Multifunction VPN Router The RV215W Wireless-N VPN ...
By sccomputerguys July 21, 2022
Do you use Microsoft Teams?  If so, you'll be thrilled to know that the Redmond Giant is continuing to pour resources into improving the software with a specific focus on audio and ...
By sccomputerguys July 20, 2022
Corporate branding can be worth its weight in gold and certain images are absolutely iconic.  The Golden Arches, the Nike "swoosh," and Apple's Apple all come to mind. Logo images give companies ...
By sccomputerguys July 19, 2022
Remember the Heartbleed scare we had a couple years back?  It was a nasty side-channel attack that was somewhat exotic and difficult to pull off, and it was absolutely devastating and sent ...
By sccomputerguys July 18, 2022
Microsoft Exchange servers are once more in the crosshairs of hackers around the world.  Most recently, hacking groups have been specifically targeting them to deploy BlackCat ransomware. As is common among ransomware ...
By sccomputerguys July 16, 2022
If you grew up in the days before the internet, it's absolutely staggering to think of all the ways that mobile technology has changed our lives (and mostly for the better). Remember ...
By sccomputerguys July 15, 2022
It may seem as though Internet Explorer is the browser that will not die, but according to Microsoft, it is now a step closer to breathing its last virtual breath. Microsoft has ...
By sccomputerguys July 14, 2022
If you're involved with IT Security at any level and if your network includes Linux servers, keep a watchful eye out for the new Panchan botnet. It first appeared in the wilds ...
By sccomputerguys July 13, 2022
These days, companies spend significant sums of money to protect themselves from cyber criminals.  The threat matrix is vast, and attacks can come from almost any quarter. That is why many companies ...
By sccomputerguys July 12, 2022
Do you receive healthcare of any kind from Kaiser Permanente?  If so, be aware that they recently published a data breach notification indicating that an unidentified attacker accessed an email account that ...
More Posts
Share by: