Avast Anti-virus Software Hacked. Contains Malware

A popular PC-cleaning software used by over 130 million people put users at risk after hackers were able to insert malware into legitimate downloads. Piriform's CCleaner, owned by antivirus provider Avast, was found to be hosting a "multi-stage malware payload" that could install ransomware or keyloggers and further infect target computers on command. According to Avast, around 2.27 million people ran the affected software, which was delivered via a hacked server.

The malware sent hackers encrypted information including the name of the infected computer, a list of installed software, and running processes. It’s unclear what the hackers wanted to do with the computers. The malicious program was slipped into legitimate software called CCleaner, which cleans up junk programs and advertising cookies to speed up devices. CCleaner is the main product made by London’s Piriform, which was bought in July by Prague-based Avast, one of the world’s largest computer security vendors. At the time of the acquisition, the company said 130 million people used CCleaner.



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