SpyEye: How the v1.3 Builder Cracked 11l Malware Works and How to Remove It

How to Protect Yourself from Spyeye, the Malware that Steals Money from Online Bank Accounts

Online banking is a convenient and fast way to manage your finances, but it also comes with some risks. One of the most dangerous threats that you may encounter is Spyeye, a malware program that attacks users running Google Chrome, Opera, Firefox, and Internet Explorer on Microsoft Windows operating systems. This malware uses keystroke logging and form grabbing to steal user credentials for malicious use. Spyeye allows hackers to steal money from online bank accounts and initiate transactions even while valid users are logged into their bank account.

Spyeye V1 3 Builder Cracked 11l

In this article, we will explain what Spyeye is, how it works, who is behind it, how to detect and remove it, and how to prevent and protect yourself from it. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of this malware and how to keep your online banking safe.

What is Spyeye and what does it do?

Spyeye is a trojan that captures keystrokes and steals login credentials through a method known as "form grabbing". Form grabbing is a technique that intercepts data entered into web forms before they are encrypted or submitted. This allows Spyeye to capture sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, card numbers, PINs, security questions, etc.

Spyeye sends captured data to a remote attacker, who can then use it to access the victim's bank account and perform fraudulent transactions. Spyeye can also download updates and has a rootkit component to hide its malicious activity.

Spyeye has the ability to insert new fields and alter existing fields when a compromised user's browser displays a web page, allowing it to prompt for user names, passwords, or card numbers, thereby giving hackers information that allows them to steal money without account holders ever noticing. It can also save the user's false balance (with fraudulent transactions hidden) so that the next time the user logs in, the fraudulent transactions and real balance are not displayed in the user's browser (though the bank still sees the fraudulent transactions.)

Spyeye has several variants that target different regions, banks, or platforms. Some of the most notorious variants are:

• SpyEye v1.3.45: This version was leaked online in 2011 and contained all plugins, collector, panel installers, builder, and loader. It was advertised as having features such as keyloggers, auto-fill credit card modules, email backups, config files (encrypted), Zeus killer, HTTP access, POP3 grabbers, and FTP grabbers.

• SpyEye Builder v1.3.41: This version was also leaked online in 2011 and allowed users to create their own customized SpyEye malware. It had a user-friendly interface and a variety of options to configure the malware's behavior, such as encryption, injection, anti-debugging, anti-virtualization, and anti-analysis.

• SpyEye v1.3.48: This version was released in 2012 and added new features such as a mobile module, a reverse proxy module, a VNC module, and a credit card grabber module. The mobile module allowed the attacker to send SMS messages to the victim's phone and intercept incoming messages. The reverse proxy module allowed the attacker to use the victim's computer as a proxy server to access the bank's website. The VNC module allowed the attacker to remotely control the victim's desktop. The credit card grabber module allowed the attacker to steal credit card information from e-commerce websites.

• SpyEye v1.3.49: This version was released in 2013 and improved the stability and performance of the malware. It also added new features such as a DNS changer, a SOCKS5 proxy, a backconnect module, and a form grabber for HTTPS websites. The DNS changer allowed the attacker to redirect the victim's traffic to malicious websites. The SOCKS5 proxy allowed the attacker to use the victim's computer as a proxy server for any protocol. The backconnect module allowed the attacker to establish a connection with the victim's computer without using a command-and-control server. The form grabber for HTTPS websites allowed the attacker to steal data from encrypted web forms.

SpyEye history and authors

SpyEye was first discovered in 2009 by security researchers from Trusteer, who dubbed it "Zeus rival". SpyEye was initially sold on underground forums for $500-$1000 per license, depending on the features and plugins included. SpyEye quickly gained popularity among cybercriminals due to its advanced capabilities and frequent updates.

The main author of SpyEye was identified as Aleksandr Andreevich Panin, also known as "Gribodemon" or "Harderman". Panin was a Russian national who developed and distributed SpyEye from 2009 to 2011. He collaborated with other hackers such as "Soldier", "Bx1", "Zo0mer", and "Aqua".

One of Panin's associates was Hamza Bendelladj, also known as "Bx1" or "Happy Hacker". Bendelladj was an Algerian national who operated SpyEye botnets and sold access to them to other cybercriminals. He also hacked into several US banks and stole millions of dollars from their accounts.

Panin and Bendelladj were arrested in 2013 by international law enforcement agencies after a joint investigation by the FBI, Interpol, and other authorities. Panin pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud and was sentenced to nine and a half years in prison in 2016. Bendelladj pleaded guilty to 18 counts of computer fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy, and bank fraud and was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2016.

SpyEye detection and removal

It is not easy to detect SpyEye on your computer because it uses various techniques to hide itself from antivirus software and users. However, there are some signs that may indicate that your computer is infected with SpyEye:

• Your computer runs slower than usual or crashes frequently.

• Your browser displays pop-ups or redirects you to unfamiliar websites.

• Your online banking website looks different or asks you for additional information.

• You notice unauthorized transactions or changes in your bank account balance.

• You receive unexpected SMS messages or calls from your bank or other entities.

If you suspect that your computer is infected with SpyEye, you should take immediate action to remove it and secure your online banking account. Here are some steps that you can follow:

• Disconnect your computer from the internet and any other network devices.

• Scan your computer with a reputable antivirus or antimalware program that can detect and remove SpyEye.

• Delete any suspicious files or folders that may be related to SpyEye.

• Change all your passwords for your online banking account and other online accounts that may have been compromised.

• Contact your bank and inform them about the possible SpyEye infection and any fraudulent transactions that may have occurred.

• Monitor your bank account activity and statements regularly and report any suspicious or unauthorized activity to your bank.

Removing SpyEye from your computer may not be enough to prevent future infections. You should also take preventive measures to protect yourself from SpyEye and other malware.

SpyEye prevention and protection

The best way to prevent SpyEye infection is to avoid visiting unsafe websites and downloading malicious files. You should also follow some best practices and habits to keep your online banking secure. Here are some tips that you can use:

• Use a strong and unique password for your online banking account and change it periodically.

• Use a different password for each of your online accounts and do not reuse or share them with anyone.

• Use a password manager or a secure note-taking app to store your passwords and other sensitive information.

• Enable two-factor authentication or multi-factor authentication for your online banking account and other online accounts that support it.

• Do not click on links or open attachments in emails or messages that claim to be from your bank or other entities, unless you are sure that they are legitimate and safe.

• Do not enter your online banking credentials or other personal information on websites that do not have a secure connection (HTTPS) or a valid certificate.

• Do not use public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks or devices to access your online banking account or other sensitive information.

• Do not leave your computer or mobile device unattended or unlocked when you are logged into your online banking account or other online accounts.

• Use a reputable antivirus or antimalware program on your computer and mobile device and keep it updated with the latest definitions and patches.

• Use a firewall, a VPN, and a browser extension that can block malicious ads, pop-ups, and trackers on your computer and mobile device.

By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of SpyEye infection and protect your online banking account from hackers.

Conclusion

SpyEye is a malware program that steals money from online bank accounts by capturing keystrokes and form data. It can also manipulate web pages, download updates, hide itself, and communicate with remote attackers. SpyEye was created by a Russian hacker named Panin and distributed by an Algerian hacker named Bendelladj, who were both arrested and sentenced to prison in 2016. SpyEye can be detected by some signs such as slow performance, pop-ups, redirects, unauthorized transactions, or unexpected SMS messages. SpyEye can be removed by scanning the computer with an antivirus or antimalware program, deleting suspicious files, changing passwords, contacting the bank, and monitoring the account activity. SpyEye can be prevented by avoiding unsafe websites and files, using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, verifying website security, using secure networks and devices, locking the computer or mobile device, using antivirus or antimalware software, firewall, VPN, and browser extension.

We hope that this article has helped you understand what SpyEye is, how it works, who is behind it, how to detect and remove it, and how to prevent and protect yourself from it. If you have any questions or comments about this topic, please feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you. Thank you for reading!

FAQs

What is the difference between SpyEye and Zeus?

SpyEye and Zeus are both trojans that steal money from online bank accounts by capturing keystrokes and form data. However, they have some differences in their features, history, and distribution. Zeus was created in 2007 by a Russian hacker named Slavik and was sold on underground forums for $3000-$4000 per license. Zeus had features such as web injects, backdoor access, screenshot capture, video capture, etc. Zeus was widely used by cybercriminals until 2011 when its source code was leaked online. SpyEye was created in 2009 by a Russian hacker named Panin and was sold on underground forums for $500-$1000 per license. SpyEye had features such as keyloggers, form grabbers, credit card grabbers, mobile modules, reverse proxy modules, VNC modules, etc. SpyEye was initially a rival of Zeus, but later merged with it after Panin acquired the Zeus source code from Slavik. SpyEye was also widely used by cybercriminals until 2013 when its source code was leaked online and its authors were arrested.

How does SpyEye affect mobile banking?

SpyEye can also target mobile banking users by sending them SMS messages or calls that claim to be from their bank or other entities. These messages or calls may ask the users to download an app, visit a website, or provide their personal information. If the users comply, they may unknowingly install a malicious app or enter their credentials on a fake website that can steal their data and money. SpyEye can also intercept incoming SMS messages or calls from the bank or other entities that may contain verification codes or security alerts. This way, SpyEye can bypass the two-factor authentication or multi-factor authentication that some banks use to protect their customers.

How can users check their bank account balance after a SpyEye infection?

If users suspect that their computer is infected with SpyEye, they should not use it to access their online banking account or other sensitive information. Instead, they should use another computer or device that is clean and secure to log into their account and check their balance and transactions. They should also contact their bank and inform them about the possible SpyEye infection and any fraudulent transactions that may have occurred. They should also change their passwords and enable two-factor authentication or multi-factor authentication for their account.

How can users report a suspicious or fraudulent transaction to their bank?

If users notice any suspicious or fraudulent transaction on their bank account, they should report it to their bank as soon as possible. They should provide the details of the transaction, such as the date, time, amount, recipient, etc. They should also provide any evidence that may support their claim, such as screenshots, emails, messages, etc. They should also ask their bank to freeze their account or cancel their card if necessary. They should also file a complaint with the local authorities and obtain a police report if possible.

How can users get help or support if they are victims of SpyEye?

If users are victims of SpyEye, they should seek help or support from various sources. They should contact their bank and inform them about the situation and request assistance. They should also contact their credit card company and dispute any unauthorized charges. They should also contact the credit bureaus and place a fraud alert on their credit reports. They should also consult a legal advisor or a consumer protection agency if they need legal advice or representation. They should also seek emotional support from their family, friends, or counselors if they feel stressed or depressed. dcd2dc6462