Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky announces a recent detection of a new online danger
In a recent development, cybersecurity company Kaspersky Lab has announced the discovery of a new cyber threat named Gauss. This malware, similar to the infamous Flame, is believed to be a tool used for cyber espionage by a nation-state.
The resemblance between Gauss and Flame has led experts to suggest that Gauss is also a state-backed operation. Alexander Gostev, chief security expert at Kaspersky Lab, stated that Gauss bears striking resemblances to Flame.
Gauss targets multiple users in select countries, with a specific focus on banking and financial information. It is reportedly associated with a state-sponsored operation originating from Lebanon. The cyber-attack program is designed to steal data on bank accounts in Lebanon.
While the exact origin of Gauss remains unconfirmed, some speculate that it could have been created by US and Israeli intelligence forces, much like Flame, which was reportedly built by US and Israeli intelligence forces according to The Washington Post.
The command and control servers that coordinate Gauss were shut down in July 2012. Kaspersky Lab claims that Gauss is the first publicly known nation-state sponsored banking Trojan.
The discovery of Gauss was made with the support of the UN's International Telecommunication Union (ITU). However, the ITU denies any special relationship with Russia's Kaspersky, stating it works with many security vendors.
The revelation of Gauss and other 'cyber threats' backed by US and Israeli forces could be used as a bargaining chip for stronger UN control, according to some analysts. This claim comes amidst ongoing debates about the renewal of the UN's International Telecommunication Regulations, due later this year.
Critics have questioned the ITU's motives in collaborating with Kaspersky. US politicians have accused the ITU of wanting to give the UN - and therefore China and Russia - greater control of the Internet.
Gauss has infected around 2,500 machines, mainly in Lebanon, compared to Flame's 700, primarily in Iran. Unlike Flame, Gauss can be transferred over USB drives, making it potentially more widespread. Infections date back to around September 2011.
As the cyber threat landscape continues to evolve, the discovery of Gauss serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by nation-states to leverage cyber espionage tools for their advantage.
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