Exploits Against Microsoft Windows Using 'God Mode' (Windows Master Control Panel)

Hackers Are Exploiting ‘God Mode’ in Microsoft Windows to Hide Their Malware, According to McAfee and Intel

[trendingtechnews.com] | May 1, 2016

The God Mode – or Windows Master Control Panel shortcut – is an undocumented feature built into all versions of Windows since Vista. It allows users to set up a special folder that gives them quick access to all Windows control panels and settings, like My Computer or their printers folder.
But says McAfee research architect Craig Schmugar in a 26 April blog: “Attackers are now using this undocumented feature for evil ends.”
McAfee has found an instance of the Dynamer Trojan hidden inside a shortcut folder. The malware is  crafted to survive reboots, and when the unsuspecting user checks the folder where the malware is hidden, they are shown a window that contains no files.

Standard Windows 10 'God Mode' control panel

<more at http://trendingtechnews.com/hackers-are-exploiting-god-mode-in-microsoft-windows-to-hide-their-malware-according-to-mcafee-and-intel-2/; related articles and links: https://blogs.mcafee.com/mcafee-labs/malware-takes-advantage-of-windows-god-mode/ (Malware Takes Advantage of Windows ‘God Mode.' April 26, 2016) and http://www.cnet.com/how-to/activate-godmode-in-windows-10/ (Activate GodMode in Windows 10. If the Settings menu and Control Panel are too complicated, use GodMode to find all your settings. August 18, 2015); further: http://www.extremetech.com/computing/227699-new-malware-takes-advantage-of-windows-god-mode-to-evade-detection (New malware takes advantage of Windows ‘God Mode’ to evade detection. May 3, 2016)>