It was reported on Friday that some of the U.S. Air Force's Predator and Reaper Drones have been affected by spyware. The drone's hardware isn't directly infected; however, the controlling computers are. The virus has been identified as a keylogger.
For those who aren't familiar with virus/malware/spyware terminology, a keylogger is a nasty little program that sits quietly in the background of your computer and records every keystroke that is made on your keyboard. Usually this nasty software is used to capture personal data about the user. Whether it be usernames and passwords or bank account information. Once the computer is infected it becomes extremely easy for the bad guys to harvest the information (usually it's sent via an automated form of email or transmission).
The U.S. Air Forces released a statement making it known that the spyware has resisted their attempts at removal; however, it's presence isn't interfering with their missions. Also, it isn't known whether or not the infection was accidental or not. Either way, that isn't a good thing.
Well it's been kind of a slow week in Tech News this week. So this week we actually have a valid story that all Facebook user's need to be aware of. Also a hacker controls a bunch of cars, God of War 3, and a new Predator movie. Read on.
Attention fellow Facebookers: Be Careful. According to an article at PCWorld emails have been flying around to Facebook users informing them that their password has been reset and requires the user to download the email attachment which contains the nasty virus/malware. Effects of this trojan are: compromised accounts, harvested password and other information, and potentially even botnet code may be installed. So, I know most people are aware of the consequences of opening email attachments; but due to the large amount of people who use Facebook, who may be an average computer user innocently believing this email scam, please do not open this attachment.
Always keep in mind, and reputable website that you trust with your password/account info should never reset a password and email a new one to you. Nor should they ever contact you via email and ask you to email them you password or any other personal information. Always be cautious and aware of the sites you use and how they interact with their users/customers.
Next up in the news: 20 year old hacks into car system and remote controls car behavior, then gets arrested. This took place in Austin, TX and affected about 100 cars. A disgruntled employee of the Texas Auto Center used a co-workers access credentials to gain access to the dealerships remote vehicle immobilization system. What is this systems purpose? Easy, car is purchased by a customer, customer then decides not to pay towards the car loan, dealer can deactivate the car. I imagine this could have some other handy uses as well especially if the car is stolen. Pretty handy and could no doubt save car owners a lot of trouble. Until now.
The employee used the system to set off car alarms, destroy customer information, and even went as far as change names on customer leases to celebrity names, and he disabled the cars from starting. Officials linked the hacker's IP address to the access logs of the system and made the arrest. He was charged with 'breaching computer security'. To see the full story check here: http://www.pcworld.com/article/191856/exemployee_wreaks_havoc_on_100_cars_wirelessly.html
God of War 3 is here. Checkout the goodness that is the launch trailer.
And a new Predator movie is on it's way. Presonally I love the Predator movies (ok, I admit the AVP films were lacking, but I'm past that). This new flick looks very promising in opinion. The director's have brought back the classic Predator and added what looks to be a Predator-like hound as well. Looks sweet. Check it out:
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