Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

SecurityWeekSecurityWeek

Malware & Threats

Shylock Trojan Now Can Spread Through Skype

The Shylock banking Trojan has been updated with new capabilities that allow the malware to spread and infect users over Skype.

The Shylock banking Trojan has been updated with new capabilities that allow the malware to spread and infect users over Skype.

The malware’s new Skype functionality appears to have been added earlier this week, according to security researchers from Danish IT security firm CSIS Security Group. The new plug-in allows the malware to send rogue messages and files using the Skype VoIP and instant messaging client installed on the infected device, Peter Kruse, CSIS partner and security specialist, wrote on the company blog. The malware is also able to bypass Skype warnings messages and delete traces of its activity from Skype history, Kruse wrote.

Previously, Shylock used MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger and other real-time chat programs to spread. Infected users were inadvertently sending the malware to their contacts via instant message. Users were tricked into clicking on a link in the message which directed them to a site hosting the malware.

Shylock’s creators may have decided to add Skype to its list of distribution methods because Microsoft announced plans to retire Messenger in March and move all the users to start using Skype, Kruse said. “Shylock is one of the most advanced Trojan-banker [malware] currently being used in attacks against home banking systems,” Kruse said. “The code is constantly being updated and new features are added regularly.”

Along with stealing login credentials for online banking services, Shylock has a number of other capabilities. Cyber-criminals have access to the cookies stored on the infected computer and the malware installs VNC remote control software to give the controls the ability to take over the machine. Shylock can also manipulate websites within the browser by injecting text and transferring files to a remote server.

SecurityWeek has reported on previous updates to Shylock, such as the new feature which can detect whether the malware is being installed on a machine using the remote desktop protocol.

CSIS believes the bulk of victims are from the United Kingdom, although there were many infected computers throughout mainland Europe and the United States.

“Shylock is active in only a few parts of the world,” Kruse said.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.
Written By

Click to comment

Trending

Daily Briefing Newsletter

Subscribe to the SecurityWeek Email Briefing to stay informed on the latest threats, trends, and technology, along with insightful columns from industry experts.

Learn how the LOtL threat landscape has evolved, why traditional endpoint hardening methods fall short, and how adaptive, user-aware approaches can reduce risk.

Watch Now

Join the summit to explore critical threats to public cloud infrastructure, APIs, and identity systems through discussions, case studies, and insights into emerging technologies like AI and LLMs.

Register

People on the Move

Jessica Newman has joined Sophos as General Manager of Global Cyber Insurance.

Breach and attack simulation solutions provider AttackIQ has appointed Pete Luban as Field Chief Information Security Officer.

Matthew Cowell has assumed the role of VP of Strategic Alliances at Nozomi Networks. He previously served in the same role at Dragos.

More People On The Move

Expert Insights

Daily Briefing Newsletter

Subscribe to the SecurityWeek Email Briefing to stay informed on the latest cybersecurity news, threats, and expert insights. Unsubscribe at any time.