Tech Flame Virus

Published on May 29th, 2012 | by James Johnson

0

“Flame” Computer Virus Discovered In Middle East, Puts Stuxnet To Shame





Flame Virus

Virus firm Kaspersky Labs has discovered a new complex computer virus called Flame which has been stealing information from computers in the Middle East for at least the last two years.

Flame has so far been linked to computers in Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Sudan, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

According to Kaspersky the virus is capable of grabbing computer screenshots, recording instant messaging chats, turning on a computers microphones remotely and monitoring keystrokes.

Flame arrives after the discovering of Stuxnet, an attack software that specializes in sabotaging industrial equipment and ultimately was used to destroy centrifuges in an Iranian nuclear facility in 2010 and the virus Duqu which like Flame spies on various computers.

According to researchers Flame has 20 times more code than Stuxnet and is more widespread than Duqu. Flame is currently targeting private computers, private companies and universities across the Middle East.

Alexander Gostev, head of Kaspersky’s global research and analysis team, wrote in a blog post Monday:

‘‘Flame can easily be described as one of the most complex threats ever discovered. It’s big and incredibly sophisticated. It pretty much redefines the notion of cyberwar and cyberespionage.’’

While researchers are not sure who created the Flame virus they suggest that a government agency is likely responsible given the sheer complexity of the viruses code base.

 

Comments

comments

Tags: , , , ,



About the Author

James is a new media professional with more than half a decade worth of experience in the online writing space. He currently serves as the Associate Editor of Inquisitr.com and the Editor-in-Chief of SocialNewsDaily.com. He also serves as a resident writer for Splash Press Media. In his spare time James consults businesses regarding SEO and Content Development.



Comments are closed.

Back to Top ↑