Profesional malware generator

The guys at F-secure have found blogged about an interesting observation regarding availability of Zeus bot and it core components to operate the botnet for sale for $500. The original article here [link].

Picture from F-secure

It comes complete with the necessary programs to operate the botnet including a well written manual on how to use it. it even has a change log to denote updates and progress on the entire program. 

Computer security companies have been trying to get people to understand that the malware scene has completely evolved from a bunch of intelligent kids out to prove a point to professionals out to make profits from such activities. This is proof of the money chain in malware activities.

Interestingly at the other end of cybercriminals, The FBI in USA are also employing spyware which is claimed to be for legitimate law enforcement use. Codenamed CIPAV, is planted on suspected criminals to monitor their online activities. SC Magazine has an article [link] on this matter and it pretty much confirms that security industry players are not part of this. Do we detect this spyware? Your guess is as good as ours.
 
This blog is maintained by Basic Gateway as the distributor of ESET products in Malaysia since 2005.