Police Take Down Popular Service for Malware Developers

By Netvora Tech News

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The police have taken down a popular service used by malware developers to test their malware's ability to evade detection by antivirus software. AvCheck, the service in question, allowed developers to check if their malware was detected by various antivirus programs. According to the police, this kind of service is a crucial step in the deployment of malware, particularly in gaining initial access to victim networks. "A cybercriminal wants to know if their malware is detected by virus scanners or not," said the police. "If it's not detected, it can be used to make new, unsuspecting victims."

A Critical Enabler of Cybercrime

AvCheck played a crucial facilitating role in the cybercrime ecosystem, the police stated. The service allowed malware developers to test their creations and refine them to evade detection. "A Counter Antivirus (CAV) service like AvCheck is essential for cybercriminals," said the police. "It helps them to create malware that can go undetected, allowing them to target new victims."

International Collaboration

The police worked together with the FBI, the Secret Service, and the Finnish police to take down AvCheck. In addition to shutting down the service, the police also set up a fake login page aimed at warning and deterring AvCheck users. "The takedown of AvCheck marks an important step in the fight against organized cybercrime," said Matthijs Jaspers, team leader of the police's High Tech Crime team. "We're disrupting cybercriminals' operations as early as possible and preventing victims from being targeted."

Evidence Secured

The police also claim to have evidence of suspected AvCheck users and administrators. The takedown of AvCheck is seen as a significant victory in the fight against malware developers and cybercriminals. As the police continue to work to disrupt and dismantle the cybercrime ecosystem, the public can expect to see more efforts to take down services that facilitate illegal activities.