Dial-up users 'Trojan targets'

If you still use a dial-up connection to access the web then cybercriminals could be singling you out for attack.

That's the warning from security firm Kaspersky Lab who said that one of the most commonly-seen pieces of malware from last year was a Trojan dialler.

A Trojan dialler attempts to stealthily disconnect your PC from the ISP you use and then re-connect you to another, much more expensive phone number.

Kaspersky Lab's David Emm said: "Dial-up is still relied upon for internet access and cybercriminals are continuing to target those who are vulnerable to attack."

"These pieces of hybrid malware operate in stealth mode, quietly installing themselves on the machine and opening the back door for other malicious programs to enter the system and do their worst," Emm explained.

The Office of National Statistics reported that in September 2007 11.6 per cent of internet connections in this country were made via dial-up, meaning a significant number of people in the UK are at risk from this threat.

"Internet users, whether dial-up or broadband, should ensure they have an internet security regime including regular scheduled malware updates, heuristic analysis and real-time behaviour blocking, to ensure detection and protection against known and unknown threats," Emm advised.

www.kaspersky.co.uk