Hackers spread hidden malware to 2.7million people

An app used by millions to optimise computer performance has been hit by a malware attack.

CCleaner is an application that helps computer-owners keep their devices optimised, by cleaning cookies, internet history and other temporary files.

The app, which had over 2 billion downloads by November last year, was used to spread malware to millions of users. It is thought that the latest version of the app infects PCs, making them part of a botnet; slave computers hackers can use at will to direct traffic for malicious purposes.

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According to security investigators Cisco Talos, a version of CCleaner 5.33 downloaded in August included hidden malware. But owner Avast Piriform says it prevented the breach harming customers.

The version of CCleaner tried to connect to several unregistered web pages, presumably to download other programmes.

“On September 13, 2017 Cisco Talos immediately notified Avast of our findings so that they could initiate appropriate response activities,” Cisco Talos said in a blog post.

What makes this attack unusual is it comes from a legitimate version of a trusted app.

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