| Kaspersky Lab announces the launch of the Stop Gpcode international initiative |
The objective of the initiative is to factor ('crack') the RSA-1024 key used in Virus.Win32.Gpcode.ak - the latest version of the dangerous Gpcode blackmailer virus.
The signature for Virus.Win32.Gpcode.ak was added to Kaspersky Lab antivirus databases on June 4, 2008.
Different versions of the Gpcode virus encrypt user files of different types (.doc, .txt, .pdf, .xls, .jpg, .png, .cpp, .h etc.) using a strong RSA encryption algorithm with different key lengths. After encrypting files on a computer, the virus automatically generates a message informing the user that the files have been encrypted and demanding payment for a decryption utility.
Kaspersky Lab succeeded in thwarting previous variants of Gpcode when Kaspersky virus analysts were able to crack the private key after in-depth cryptographic analysis. Kaspersky Lab virus researchers have to date been able to crack keys up to 660 bits. However, the new version of the virus, Virus.Win32.Gpcode.ak, uses a 1024-bit key. The task of 'cracking' the RSA-1024 key is an extremely complicated cryptographic problem.
Kaspersky Lab invites all cryptography experts, as well as governmental and research institutions, other antivirus vendors and independent researchers to join the efforts to solve this problem. The company is prepared to provide any additional information at its disposal and is open to dialog with all experts wishing to participate in the Stop Gpcode initiative. The company has sufficient information about the virus to enable experts to begin working on factoring the RSA key.
About Kaspersky Lab
Kaspersky Lab delivers the world's most immediate protection against IT security threats, including viruses, spyware, crimeware, hackers, phishing, and spam. Kaspersky Lab products provide superior detection rates and the industry's fastest outbreak response time for home users, SMBs, large enterprises and the mobile computing environment. KasperskyŽ technology is also used worldwide inside the products and services of the industry's leading IT security solution providers.
About AfricaSD
AfricaSD is the Sub-Saharan Kaspersky distributor, and always offers customers and reseller partners the very best security awareness, forums, consulting, and security training certifications. AfricaSD focuses on forming long-lasting partnerships with its clients, from initial assessment, to implementation and ongoing support. AfricaSD works side-by-side with its clients throughout the entire technology life cycle and is proud of its large customer base, which includes several sub-Saharan SME's, enterprises and government departments. True 24 x 7 x 365 support is available on all AfricaSD total e-security solutions. The firm's technical staff are fully certified and trained on the entire product range and offer a combination of one-to-one help and a wealth of technological resources. For further information, visit the company's website www.africasd.com or contact them on +27 (0) 12 665-2513, or at asd@africasd.com.
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