What Does Alureon Mean?
Alureon is a Trojan, rootkit and botnet that is designed specifically to intercept network traffic and extract sensitive and confidential information from it, enabling the attacker to steal information transmitted over a network connection.
Alureon is also known as TDSS and TDL-4.
Techopedia Explains Alureon
Alureon is a Trojan primarily used for data theft and online fraud. In addition to stealing confidential data, Alureon can also corrupt and delete important files on a computer. Furthermore, it can restrict Windows Update and prevent anti-virus software from running. Alureon usually searches for usernames, passwords, credit card information and other confidential information within a network’s traffic.
Alureon mainly affects Microsoft Windows-based computer systems. Typically, Alureon enters a system by being bundled and delivered with a compromised copy of Windows Security Essentials software. Once the software is installed, the Alureon Trojan first takes over the printer spooler service and then changes the master boot record to its preferred routine. Computer systems infected with Alureon were confronted with BSoD and system crashes, specifically when installing security update MS 10-015 on Windows systems.
