Police Virus Infections on the Rise Reported PandaLabs

Police Virus Infections on the Rise Reported PandaLabs

PandaLabs, the anti-malware laboratory of Panda Security, released new data around the rise of the 'Police Virus'. Despite the arrest of the cyber-criminals allegedly responsible for the 'Police Virus' ransomware attacks, this infamous piece of malware has continued to infect thousands of computers around the world, according to data gathered from December 2012 to February 2013 by PandaLabs.

The vast majority of these infections are caused by "exploit kits," applications that allow attackers to infect users' computers simply by getting them to visit a compromised Web page. Cyber-criminals take advantage of security flaws in popular programs - such as Adobe Acrobat or Java, for example – to gain control of systems. At present, there are still a lot of variants of the Police Virus in circulation, all of them detected by PandaLabs as Trj/Ransom.AB.

In an international operation, led by the Technological Investigation Brigade of Spain's National Police force and coordinated by Europol and Interpol, the arrest of the cyber-gang leader in Dubai has not put an end to the malware epidemic.

"This ransomware was netting profits in excess of $1.3 million per year," explained Luis Corrons, technical director of PandaLabs. "However, the number of infections keeps growing, which leads us to think that we are facing an unspecified number of groups launching the same kind of attacks."

'Police Virus' is still active

This malware epidemic has continued to infect hundreds of thousands of computers around the world, using fear and blackmailing techniques to extort money from computer users. The scam is very lucrative and has evolved over time, using various techniques to trick users. The most recent evolution even shows images taken with the users' webcams, making the scam all the more realistic.

In fact, research carried out by PandaLabs, on two of the malware families used in the attacks, has revealed that the number of infections has doubled from 2,500 to more than 5,000 since the arrest of the ringleader in December 2012.

PandaLabs offers users a couple of tips to avoid falling victim to this type of scam:

  • Keep your computer's software (including the operating system and all installed programs) up-to-date; and
  • Disable Java in your Web browser, or uninstall it completely if you don't need it.

Panda Security, The Cloud Security Company, has launched a new version of its free antivirus software, Panda Cloud Antivirus, neutralizing malware that takes advantage of any of the vulnerabilities exploited by the Police Virus.

Featured

  • Pragmatism, Productivity, and the Push for Accountability in 2025-2026

    Every year, the security industry debates whether artificial intelligence is a disruption, an enabler, or a distraction. By 2025, that conversation matured, where AI became a working dimension in physical identity and access management (PIAM) programs. Observations from 2025 highlight this turning point in AI’s role in access control and define how security leaders are being distinguished based on how they apply it. Read Now

  • Report: Cyber Attackers Continue to Turn to AI-Based Tools to Avoid Detection

    Comcast Business recently released its 2025 Cybersecurity Threat Report, a comprehensive analysis of 34.6 billion cybersecurity events detected between June 1,2024 and May 31, 2025. Now in its third year, the report offers business leaders a unique perspective into the evolving threat landscape and provides actionable insights to help organizations strengthen their defenses and align cybersecurity with business risk. Read Now

  • Axis Communications Creates AI-powered Video Surveillance Orchestra

    What if cameras could not only see the world, but interpret it—and respond like orchestra musicians reading sheet music: instantly, precisely, and in perfect harmony? That’s what global network technology leader Axis Communications set to find out. Read Now

  • Just as Expected

    GSX produced a wonderful tradeshow earlier this week. Monday was surprisingly strong in the morning, and the afternoon wasn’t bad at all. That’s Monday’s results and asking attendees to travel on Sunday. Just a quick hint, no one wants to give up their weekend to travel and set up an exhibit booth. I’m just saying. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • NOLA: The Crescent City

    Twenty years later we finds ourselves in New Orleans. Twenty years ago the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina forced exhibitors and attendees to look elsewhere for tradeshow floor space. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX

New Products

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.