Flame

Flame is a worm that uses multiple components to compromise your PC's privacy and security, potentially stealing information in the process. Like Stuxnet, Mahdi or the recent Gauss, Flame is suspected to be used as a form of targeted PC warfare against Middle Eastern governments such as Iran. Consequentially, Flame isn't likely to be afflicted on civilian computers, although its capability to spread through removable media devices makes Flame a potential threat even to PCs that lack Internet connectivity. Flame's modules allow Flame to reconfigure its attacks to some extent, although its most well-known spyware-related features include keylogging attacks and the ability to take screenshots. Despite its unique history, Flame should be treated as no better than any other worm, and SpywareRemove.com malware researchers recommend deleting Flame with updated anti-malware software from a reputable PC security company.

Stoking the 'Flame' of Cyberwarfare in the Middle East

In contrast to more specialized PC threats like Stuxnet, Flame's modular capabilities allow Flame to be used to deliver a fair variety of payloads, although its defining traits remain its spyware and worm characteristics. Methods for introducing Flame to new computers have a history of using semi-disposable modules that are updated or discarded according to whatever the latest Microsoft exploit happens to be, and, as a result, SpywareRemove.com malware experts strongly recommend that you keep all of your PC's software patched to eliminate vulnerabilities that Flame could use.

Previous Flame attacks have been noted to target Iranian oil companies, and were sufficiently intense that they mandated a firewall barricade for PCs associated with the Iranian Oil Ministry and other aspects of that industry. Although these attacks were some years ago, Flame was noted as one of the most advanced PC threats of its time, and SpywareRemove.com malware researchers consider it unlikely that Flame could be considered completely outdated even in 2012.

Primary components of Flame can be identified by aliases that include Worm:Win32/Flame.gen!A, W32/Flame-A, Worm.Win32.Flame.a and W32.Flamer, although Flame can also include other components (such as fake certificates, SYS files and TMP files). As always, when dealing with a worm like Flame, SpywareRemove.com malware experts encourage you to disinfect your removable drive devices with anti-malware scans prior to allowing them into contact with uninfected PCs, since Flame may use these devices to distribute copies of itself.

Reasons for Extinguishing This Spying Flame from Your Hard Drive

Older versions of Windows can be considered slightly more vulnerable to Flame than, for example, Windows 7, since many of its components were designed for XP, Vista, etc. However, Flame's modular capabilities also allow Flame to shed outdated components in favor of newer ones whenever necessary, and SpywareRemove.com malware experts recommend that all Windows-based PCs enact appropriate security measures against potential Flame attacks.

Flame is most well-known for its information-stealing functions, which can record passwords and security-related information along with general system data. Due to its high level of sophistication and its multiple-component structure, Flame's other functions remain undocumented, although SpywareRemove.com malware research team has seen some evidence for Flame being capable of deleting files. Like the disinfection process for any other PC threat, removing Flame should utilize appropriate security or anti-malware software as is necessary to minimize potential harm to your computer.