Neptune RAT malware on prowl, spreads through YouTube to infect Windows PCs

With the increased use of computers and smartphones for work and entertainment worldwide, cyber criminals are coming up with malicious ways to prey on naive users.

In the latest instance, threat actors are using popular messaging, coding and video sharing platforms such as Telegram, GitHub and YouTube to spread new strain of RAT (Remote Access Trojan) dubbed Neptune, reported CYFIRMA, an internet security firm.

In most cases, hackers leave messages on comments section of YouTube and GitHub offering good anti-virus application to safeguard computer. But, once the naive user install the trojan application, it disappears in the system and will be hard to detect again unless the computer has good anti-virus application.

Neptune is touted to be one of the most dangerous trojan. It comes with multiple modules, each capable of performing individual track actions on a Windows PC. It can track all transactions of cryptocurrency in the PC.

Further, it is capable of bypassing security not just on Windows PC, but also Chrome to steal log-in details (user names and passwords) of all social media accounts and financial applications.

With the details, the hackers can completely take over the victim's social media platforms, online bank account. They will use it for ransom or else take away the hard-earned money.

Neptune also allows bad actors to run espionage on targeted users' computers to track their online activities.

Tips on how to safeguard yourself from such trojan apps online:

1) Always ignore and delete emails from unknown senders

2) Even if the email is from a person with a familiar name or a popular company known to you, read it carefully. Cyber crooks use lucrative offers as bait, such as cash prizes or job offers with high CTC and tell you to click on a URL link or a PDF to get more information. Do not press any link or download any file.

3) Never install apps from third-party app stores or links marketed on social media platforms. Always download apps from Google Play or Apple App Store, or Microsoft Windows Store

4) It is a good practice to install an anti-virus application from well-known publishers on your device

5) Always update your device to the latest version to protect yourself from new emerging cyber threats

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