The infamous Zeus banking trojan has been reconfigured, and its new scheme targets users of cloud-based billing companies, instead of banks.
Researchers at security firm Trusteer discovered the new variant of the data-stealing malware which was typically used by criminals to lift banking credentials and empty corporate accounts.
The configuration targeted customers of Canadian cloud billing services Ceridian. once infected, user machines would take screenshots of the payroll services web page, Trusteer chief technology officer Amit Klein said.
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“This allows Zeus to steal the user ID, password, company number and the icon selected by the user for the image-based authentication system."
By setting their sights on business payroll systems, miscreants could funnel larger amounts of money than if they targeted bank accounts. With the valid credentials to access an organisation's payroll system, the crooks can add fake employees and designate them to receive cash.
Despite Microsoft recently announcing a major takedown effort against Zeus' command-and-control structure, the malware appears to be living on.
