Another Account Spyware Detected

     Another spy program has been found hidden in a poker tool download. Inside a rake calculator ( RBCalc.exc) that was offered by Checkraise.com was a Trojan program that captured the users log in information. This program sent username and password information back to the programs designer. It managed to hide from most filters and anti virus programs including Norton. It was discovered by F Secure, a top online security services. The original program was designed to calculate hand rakes and stored hand history for the user. It was offered as a free download. FullTiltPoker.com, EmpirePoker.com, Ultimatebet.com, AbsolutePoker.com, PartyPoker.com and PokerStars.com are among the top sites it was capable of being used on.

     This is the second spy virus detected this year that reports private information from poker users back to an outside source. With the poker boom on the internet still growing, many players are looking for anything that they feel will give them an edge. While the current virus was inside of a rake calculator, earlier this year, an odds calculator was found to have a similar program masked inside. Both of these programs were detected by on line security but the full extent of their reach may not ever be known. When they send log in and account information back to the program designer, it is like giving your credit card or check book to a thief.

     Everyone is looking for an edge and calculators and offers for rake backs are growing tools and systems being used by players. When downloading any poker tool, especially if it is offered for free, players should be aware of what they are downloading and beware of spyware. On line poker is money and players need to not only look out for sharks at the table but the cons that are waiting to get into your hard drive. If enough players are using the programs, thieves can drain their victims a little at the time and not be noticed.

     Every time you log on to a site, before you begin play, check your account. You can view account transfers and balances in a matter of 2 minutes or less. Make sure that there are no account transfers that you did not authorize. Keep a non computer record of your balance when you log on and off. It is your money, it is your account, treat it like you do your bank.  If you discover any thing suspicious, contact the sites customer support and immediately change your log in information.

     It becomes too much like a video game for some and they tend to forget that it is REAL money they are playing with. Poker is a game but it can be very expensive if you are not prepared. The Cons are out there looking for new ways to get into your accounts and they will offer anything that they feel you will want. Rake and odds calculators are just two offers that you should be aware of. Any program that offers you a way to cheat, and there are many of them, is obviously a program written by someone without morals. Not that any of you would look for a way to cheat your fellow players but if the program says it will cheat, I’m betting the user will be the first target.  

For more information on the RBCal, go to www.f-secure.com/v-descs/small_la.shtml .