Infamous "OpenSC.WS" is back

    It would seem that the infamous "Security research" forum (trojan coding forum) called OpenSC.WS is back up. The admin "reine" claims he was traveling and missed the billing email, and claims that was the reason for this extended down time. There is no word on whether the constant DDOS attacks will continue now that this forum is back up, I suspect it won't be long before they start up again.

    So what does this mean for us, security wise? It means that there will now, once again be more viruses being used in the public. While many of OpenSC's users left for other forums, there are still others who waited patiently for it's return to start selling malware again. While this won't cause an increase in extremly hazardous malware like FLAME or StuxNet, you can expect to see more RATs (Remote Administration Tools) and small bitcoin mining malware (Bitcoin is an online currency frequently used for illicit business). So I suggest you all set up those anti-virus and firewalls, and tread carefully.

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Open Source Malware: Is It Worse?

Lately alot of malware has been released "Open Source" meaning that it comes with the source. some bots that come this way are:

• µBOT
• Aldi Bot
• vnLoader
• osRat
• Darkflame
• Zeus 2.0.8.9

Now, why would these be more trouble, open source means easier to detect correct? While this is true, it also means that it can be easily modified without the need of s program called a "crypter." This means that any average joe can come along, download these sources, change the string names and it will be harder to detect. While this alone will not make the file FUD (fully un-detected), there are a few other tricks that more well-versed users can use. This also means that the "hacker" can create modifications to the code, and have a virus that is a lot "deadlier", if you will, than it originally was. Granted this requires that the "hacker" has at least some basic coding knowledge, but there are plenty of tutorials out there that can make most people into malware coders in no time (although don't expect to code the next Zeus anytime soon). 

So, you might ask yourself, what is a good Anti-Virus to protect us from these mods?

• ESET SMART SECURITY is a pretty good AV.
• Malwarebytes Anti-Malware is also pretty good.

I also mentioned some coding tutorials,

• Coding for Penetration Testers: Building Better Tools
• Malware, Rootkits & Botnets A Beginner's Guide

Those two are some very basic books for those who want to learn more.'

So, what do you think? Is Open Source worse for us? Why or why not?

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