Do you use Pirate Chick VPN? Then you’re in big trouble
Fake VPN is spreading malware, report claims
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Two security researchers have uncovered malware that pretends to be a legitimateVPNservice.
According to Lawrence Abrams from Bleepingcomputer and the team from Malwarehunter, Pirate Chick VPN (PirateChickVPNUpdate.exe) downloads and installs a malicious payload (vpnclientupdate.exe) on the victim’s computer. There was no Android version offered.
The provider had a genuine-looking website and even offered a three-month trial without the need to give away your credit card details to lure its targets.
Russian links confirmed
The site, which is now offline, was identified back in January 2019 by URLHaus as hosting the AZORult malware, with strong Russian connections; the site is registered in Belarus, Minsk, Kirova street.
A cursory glance atGooglecache shows that the site claimed to have a no-log policy and 120 locations in 32 countries.
The executable was signed by a four-year old British company called ATX International Limited which is registered in London and currently has anactive proposal to strike offentry. Bleepingcomputer has a detailed explanation of how Pirate Chick VPN runs; the malware is distributed via fakeAdobeFlash players (popular on illegal streaming sites) and adware bundles.
It is likely that the threat posed by this fake VPN provider was nipped early in the bud as neither Archive.org, nor Alexa or Similarweb have witnessed any significant activity around the URL.
Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter
Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!
Désiré has been musing and writing about technology during a career spanning four decades. He dabbled inwebsite buildersandweb hostingwhen DHTML and frames were in vogue and started narrating about the impact of technology on society just before the start of the Y2K hysteria at the turn of the last millennium.
Is it still worth using Proton VPN Free?
Mozambique VPN usage soars as internet restrictions continue
Target kicks off its Black Friday sale with deals on TVs, toys, iPads, air fryers and more
