Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) has finally decided to help root out the Zeus malware by scanning for this notorious Trojan via its free Microsoft Software Removal Tool (MSRT). Zeus is a well-known bot that targets banking sites and other financial institutions for the purpose of perpetuating banking scams. The software is technically sophisticated, and written by hackers who profit by selling it to cyber criminals. Indeed, a crackdown took place just earlier this month that saw charges levied against more than 60 people.

Of course, a September 2009 study by security vendor Trusteer concluded that a majority of Zeus infections actually took place on machines that have working antivirus applications installed, highlighting the difficulty of eliminating this malware. Still, any additional means of detecting and removing this nefarious malware is always welcome.

Writing in a Microsoft Malware Protection Center blog, a Microsoft researcher noted that: "[Zeus] is the latest addition to MSRT's ever-growing list of malware, and we hope to continue protecting the Windows ecosystem with this new family firmly in our sights." For those who are interested, the free MSRT can be obtained here.

For more on this story:
- check out this article at CRN
- check out this article at Computerworld

Related Articles:
Zeus Trojan mules used fake names, passports
Crackdown on Zeus banking scam unearths massive cybercrime outfit
Evidence of Zeus Trojan found in majority of Fortune 500 companies
The growing problem of banking Trojans