New Computer Virus for Voyeurs
"A new computer virus takes spying on victims one step farther than most worms ? the malicious program is capable of switching on webcams, allowing the author to literally peek into victims' lives. The virus, called Rbot-GR, isn't spreading much, according to antivirus firm Sophos. Still, the technique is 'creepy,' says spokesman Graham Cluley, and it brings digital voyeurism to new heights... 'A lot of people haven't really realized that this is one of the things (hackers) can do when they control your computer remotely,' he said. 'It does give the impression of something a little spookier than what we're used to. You may get a scenario of a psychotic male who can use tools like this to keep up with an ex-girlfriend, for example... It takes invasion of privacy to a whole new level.'" ?MSNBC (US)
(Thanks to Swensonia for the link.)
MSNBC seems to have a habit of writing alarmist stories about the internet, particularly about hackers on one hand and cybersex on the other. And it's true that the thought of a perfect stranger having a portal into your home is creepy. That being said, however, this is a virus less likely to affect anyone than other more common strains. The article correctly cautions that programs designed to steal keystrokes or open backdoors are currently more dangerous for the average user. Programs that steal keystrokes can cause you to be a victim of identity theft. Backdoors into your home computer can cause it to be exploited as a "zombie" machine so that spammers can use it while you sleep.
If you look at all this from a more general standpoint, there is in fact an easy solution to combatting this webcam virus ? and it's an easier solution than dealing with other virii, which can wreak havoc on your system or steal sensitive data. The solution is called social engineering, which is a fancy way of saying that voyeurism is always a potential threat and you just have to learn to deal with it. If you're a girl and you don't want guys looking at your underpants, you learn not to bend over while wearing a miniskirt. If you have picture windows, you learn to close the shades before you take a shower. And now it's time to learn that, if you have a webcam, you should point it at the wall if you're doing something you don't want others to see.
(Thanks to Swensonia for the link.)
MSNBC seems to have a habit of writing alarmist stories about the internet, particularly about hackers on one hand and cybersex on the other. And it's true that the thought of a perfect stranger having a portal into your home is creepy. That being said, however, this is a virus less likely to affect anyone than other more common strains. The article correctly cautions that programs designed to steal keystrokes or open backdoors are currently more dangerous for the average user. Programs that steal keystrokes can cause you to be a victim of identity theft. Backdoors into your home computer can cause it to be exploited as a "zombie" machine so that spammers can use it while you sleep.
If you look at all this from a more general standpoint, there is in fact an easy solution to combatting this webcam virus ? and it's an easier solution than dealing with other virii, which can wreak havoc on your system or steal sensitive data. The solution is called social engineering, which is a fancy way of saying that voyeurism is always a potential threat and you just have to learn to deal with it. If you're a girl and you don't want guys looking at your underpants, you learn not to bend over while wearing a miniskirt. If you have picture windows, you learn to close the shades before you take a shower. And now it's time to learn that, if you have a webcam, you should point it at the wall if you're doing something you don't want others to see.
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