Microsoft’s new anti-spyware product is already the target of virus writers. Released only weeks ago and still in beta form the software is being attacked by a trojan virus known as Bankash-A.
"This appears to be the first attempt yet by any piece of malware to disable Microsoft AntiSpyware, but it may be the first of many such future attacks," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos. "As Microsoft's product creeps out of beta, and is properly released and is adopted more by the home user market, we can expect to see more and more attempts by Trojan horses, viruses and worms to try and undermine its effectiveness."
Bankash-A is a keylogger that attempts to steal passwords from users. It also disables Microsoft's anti-spyware product, so far downloaded by some six million people.
The news comes on the same day as reports that one of the 13 vulnerabilities detailed in a Microsoft advisory, is already bouncing around the web in the form of exploit code. SC reported Microsoft's monthly update on Tuesday, and analysts are suggesting it will not take long before vulnerable computers are exploited.
