CCleaner is a popular system optimization and cleaning tool developed by Piriform. However, in 2017, it was discovered that the software had been compromised and was distributing malware to millions of users. The malware, known as "ShadowPad," was inserted into CCleaner's download servers by hackers, and it remained undetected for several weeks. In this article, we'll take a closer look at ShadowPad and how it affected CCleaner users.
What is ShadowPad?
ShadowPad is a type of malware that was developed by a hacking group known as Axiom. It is a backdoor that allows hackers to remotely access and control infected computers. The malware was first discovered in 2017, and it is believed to have been used in several high-profile cyberattacks.
How Did ShadowPad Get Into CCleaner?
The exact method used by the hackers to insert ShadowPad into CCleaner is not known. However, it is believed that they gained access to Piriform's infrastructure and used it to distribute the malware. The compromised version of CCleaner was available for download from August 15 to September 12, 2017, and it is estimated that over 2.27 million users downloaded it.
What Did ShadowPad Do to Affected Computers?
Once ShadowPad was installed on a computer, it allowed hackers to remotely access and control the system. This meant that they could steal sensitive information, execute malicious code, and even install additional malware. The malware was designed to be stealthy and difficult to detect, which made it even more dangerous.
How Was the CCleaner Malware Discovered?
The CCleaner malware was discovered by researchers at Cisco Talos, who noticed suspicious activity on their network. They traced the activity back to the CCleaner installer and discovered that it had been compromised. They immediately notified Piriform, who then took steps to remove the compromised version of CCleaner from their servers.
What Did Piriform Do to Address the Issue?
After discovering the CCleaner malware, Piriform took several steps to address the issue. They removed the compromised version of CCleaner from their servers and issued a security advisory to all users. They also released an updated version of CCleaner that did not contain the malware. Additionally, Piriform was acquired by Avast, a cybersecurity company, in the wake of the incident.
What Can Users Do to Protect Themselves?
Users can take several steps to protect themselves from malware like ShadowPad. First and foremost, they should always keep their software up to date. This includes not only their operating system but also any software they use regularly, such as CCleaner. Additionally, users should be cautious when downloading software from the internet and should only download from trusted sources. Finally, users should always use a reputable antivirus program and keep it up to date.
Conclusion
The inclusion of the ShadowPad malware in CCleaner was a serious breach of security that affected millions of users. However, Piriform took swift action to address the issue and prevent further damage. By staying vigilant and following best practices for computer security, users can protect themselves from similar attacks in the future.
