W32.Patched!gen


Aliases: W32.Patched or Trojan.W32.Patched
Variants: N/A

Classification: Malware
Category: Computer Virus

Status: Inactive
Spreading: Slow
Geographical info: Some parts of Asia, Europe, North and South America, Africa and Australia
Removal: Easy
Platform: W32
Discovered: 27 Oct 2008
Damage: Low

Characteristics: On October 27, 2008, a generic detection for system files infected and modified by a virus or Trojan was discovered. This generic detection is W32.Patched!gen. It mostly affects Windows operating systems, namely Windows 98, 95, XP, Me, Vista, NT, Server 2003 and 2000.

More details about W32.Patched!gen

W32.Patched!gen may come from a Trojan horse which is the Trojan.W32.Patched or commonly known as W32.Patched. This generic detection injects itself in system files through corrupt webpages, spam email attachments or adult related popup advertisements. Once this generic detection sneaks inside the computer system through the help of browser security holes, it installs different programs that contain other malicious applications.

The W32.Patched!gen software is capable of downloading worms, viruses, adware and spyware programs and other illicit files that may compromised the user’s privacy and security. The additional components take up space on the local drive and may slow down the computer’s performance. According to reports, the W32.Patched!gen software is also able to propagate threats to other computers. Programs that are already installed on the user’s computer may aid in spreading threats. This includes P2P file sharing software. P2P applications are said to be loaded with illicit programs that use filenames of legitimate applications. Users may mistakenly download these files. Systems that are connected to an infected computer through a single network are also susceptible in acquiring the Trojan program as well as other threats.