Spyware Targets Firefox, Pretends To Be Flash Update

A disturbing bit of news for Firefox users. TrendMicro’s Malware Blog is alerting people to a piece of spyware that pretends to be an Adobe Flash Player update but is instead a plug-in that puts its own ads onto to Google’s search results page (I suppose they blend in with the legitimate ads). This malcious plug-in also records your browsing history and search queries and sends the info it gathers to a particular website.

TrendMicro reports that it seems to be spreading through forum posts at the moment. Just remember to always go to the software, plugin, or browser’s official website to download updates. Also remember that even though Firefox isn’t as big a target as Internet Explorer, it’s not completely bulletproof. You should always be on your guard when downloading.

If you have something listed as “Adobe Flash Player 0.2” in your extensions, you’ve been infected. If your current malware/spyware protection didn’t detect it, try TrojanHunter or Trend Micro Internet Security. Both companies have blogged about this problem and can erase the malware from your system.