Online ID Theft

•    Microsoft Video ActiveX Exploit – this threat exploits a weakness in the DLL code of Microsoft DirectShow video streaming software in order to infect those visitors using seemingly ‘safe’ websites with malware programs.  Windows XP and 2003 operating systems are affected by this threat, which works by dumping a payload of malicious software into the victims computer when they visit the infected site, which will then enable the attacker to carry out a number of harmful functions such as downloading more malicious files to the victims computer, controlling the victims Internet browser to redirect them to new websites (usually harmful ones) and also recording the keystrokes input by the victims as they browse online in order to gain access to their private online account information and log in details.