Here is something that is so crucial for our online safety........and yes, there are and have been others before...........just not this powerful!

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Researchers have discovered a new type of banking Trojan horse that doesn't just steal your bank
log in credentials but actually steals money from your account while you are logged in and
displays a fake balance.
The virus known as URLZone is controlled by servers in the Ukraine and steals money from the
users account based on how much is actually in the account live in realtime when you are logged
in. URLZone targets Firefox, Opera and the last three versions of Internet Explorer.
Currently the exploit is only affecting computers in Germany; however this is probably the most
sophisticated worm of its kind to date. And it's only a matter of time until it spreads further.
White hat hackers are struggling to stay one step ahead of the criminals. There are more ways to
compromise data today than ever before. Viruses quadrupled in one year, from just over 15,000 in
2007 to nearly 60,000 in 2008. Black hat hackers are out in full force.
Like most viruses today, the URLZone generally infects a PC when the user clicks a link or visits
an infected site. Once the virus is installed it sits waiting for the user to bank online. That's when it
goes to work.
While the user is banking online the virus is actually communicating in the background with the
banks server. Transactions are being processed and the user doesn't see any of it happening.
Frankly, this doesn't even sound possible to me. But it's happening.
The virus erases its tracks by displaying a bank balance on the infected computer that doesn't
show the amount stolen. The victim will only recognize a discrepancy in their balance when using
an uninfected computer, getting a paper statement or when they use an ATM. Otherwise when
checks start to bounce.
The sophistication of the criminal hacker has risen to a level that the virus hijacks the victim's
browser then steals the money during and online banking session, and then covers its tracks by
modifying information displayed to the victim, all in real time. This is not good.
Recently a couples bank account was compromised as a result of their own insecurity. The bank
claimed no responsibility and held the couple accountable for the loses.  Now they are suing
the bank. Depending on how this case pans out, you may be held responsible for the loss
if you're hacked.
1. Make sure your anti virus up to date and set to run automatically.

2. 2. Update your web browser to the latest version. An out of date web browser is often riddled with
holes worms can crawl through.
3. Update your operating systems critical security patches automatically
5. Check your bank statements often, online, at least once a week.
6. Invest in Identity Theft Protection. While not all forms of identity theft can be prevented, you can
effectively manage your personal identifying information by knowing what's buzzing out there in
regards to YOU.
Robert Siciliano
http://IDTheftSecurity.com
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_Siciliano