Unlike other computer viruses, Zeus Botnet was made specifically as a capital venture – albeit a malicious one. The malware is sold for as much as $1,500 to novice cybercriminals who don't have the wherewithal to create their own software.
Showing the wide-spread effect Zeus Botnet has on computer users, PC World recently reported that authorities in the United States began cracking down on distributors of the infectious malware. The perpetrators arrested are responsible for stealing more than $12.5 million from their victims – usually small businesses, churches or other organizations.
"What makes this Zeus different is that it was developed, maintained and supported like software," Dave Marcus, director of security research and communications at McAfee Labs, told PC World.
While the recent arrests should cut down on the malware's distribution, the source notes that Zeus' original creator is still at large.
Experts agree that the most effective way to avoid being infected by malware such as Zeus Botnet is to keep antivirus software up-to-date. Computer users should also be wary when opening suspicious emails.
