January 2010
BitDefender Posts Removal Tool for Zimuse Virus
Recently discovered malware that masquerades as an IQ test, combines virus, rootkit and worm — malicious code for one fatal formula.
BitDefender®, an award-winning provider of innovative anti-malware security solutions, has posted a removal tool for a new e-threat that combines the destructive behavior of a virus with the spreading mechanisms of a worm. Now called Zimuse, there are two known variants of this virus; variant A which activates after 40 days and B after 20 days.
Zimuse enters the victim’s computer disguised as a harmless IQ test or a self-extracting zip archive. Upon execution, the malware will attempt to spread through removable media and overwrite the MBR of all available drives.
The bogus IQ test may come from various sources such as emails, torrent sites, network shares or dc hubs.
BitDefender UK country manager, Nick Billington, warns: “As always, downloading or opening files from unsecure sites or ones with low security carries high risk for inadvertently downloading this virus.”
The incubation period between the moment of infection and activation of this virus makes this a particularly difficult challenge for anti-virus programs. A removal tool for Zimuse, developed by BitDefender, can be found at: http://www.zimuse.com/download/zimuse-removal-tool.exe
Computer users who are unsure if they’ve been infected by this virus can run a QuickScan. The scan, which takes less than 30 seconds, can be found on the BitDefender Zimuse website, or here, at http://quickscan.bitdefender.com/
Instructions for Zimuse Removal include:
1.<a href="http://www.zimuse.com/download/zimuse-removal-tool.exe" target="_blank">Download the removal tool (.exe file – 201 KB)</a>
2.Users running as a restricted capacity in Windows XP, right click the “zimuse-removal-tool.exe” program and choose “Run as Administrator” to be prompted to enter credentials for an admin account.
3.BitDefender recommends a system reboot after the disinfection is complete.
4.Those users without a permanent antivirus protection or if their current antivirus has failed, should consider the advanced protection tool provided by BitDefender.
BitDefender will be participating at Infosecurity Europe 2010, the No. 1 industry event in Europe held on 27th – 29th April in its new venue Earl’s Court, London. The event provides an unrivalled free education programme, exhibitors showcasing new and emerging technologies and offering practical and professional expertise. For further information please visit www.infosec.co.uk
About Bitdefender®
Bitdefender is the creator of one of the world's fastest and most effective lines of internationally certified internet security software.Since 2001, the company has been an industry pioneer, introducing and developing award-winning protection. Today, Bitdefender technology secures the digital experience of around 400 million home and corporate users across the globe.
Recently, the company has won a range of key independent recommendations in the US, UK and across Europe, including ConsumerSearch, Which?, Stiftung Warentest and Taenk. Bitdefender antivirus technology has also finished top in leading industry tests from both AV Test and AV-Comparatives. More information about Bitdefender's antivirus products is available from the company's security solutions press room. Additionally, Bitdefender publishes Malware City providing the latest updates on security threats and helping users stay informed in the everyday battle against malware.