Phillip Durachinsky of North Royalton, Ohio, was charged on 01/10/2018 for his role in creating and deploying malware called “Fruitfly”. According to the indictment, Durachinsky developed Fruitfly around 2003, and since then infected thousands of computers, including those at schools, police departments, and government agencies. Fruitfly is able to infect both Windows and Apple operating systems.
Phillip Durachinsky
Durachinsky allegedly captured millions of computer files. Fruitfly can steal the typical data your everyday, run-of-the-mill cybercriminal would want: usernames, passwords, financial records, medical records, etc. In addition, Durachinsky is accused of activating computer microphones and webcams so he could listen and watch computer users. He allegedly collected millions of pictures and screenshots, and had a special interest in any pornography. The indictment insinuated that he sold information, pictures, files and other data harvested.
Durachinsky has been indicted for Aggravated Identity Theft, Damaging Protected Computers, Accessing Protected Computers, Production of Child Pornography, and multiple counts of Illegal Wiretap.
Best-practice security measures can protect your business, and you personally, from “creepware” like Fruitfly. Eagle Consulting recommends using the following layers of protection:
- Cover your PC camera when not in use with, for example, a webcam lens cover.
- Install legitimate anti-virus on your computer,
- Ensure all your computer programs are up to date with the latest patches,
- Use a business-class firewall and have it professionally configured,
- Practice safe browsing habits, and
- Identify and avoid malicious links and email attachments.
[Header Image – Christopher Scholz (CC BY-SA 2.0)]
