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08-25-2004, 04:46 AM
<font size=4>Virus Writers Create Peeping Tom Webcam Worm</font>
By Robert Jaques
08/24/04 8:41 AM PT
According to Sophos, the W32/Rbot-GR worm is evidence of a growing trend of malware spying on innocent home computer owners and poorly protected businesses. "With many home users keeping poorly defended PCs in their bedroom, there is considerable potential for abuse," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos.
Virus writers have developed a "Peeping Tom" worm that can use webcams to spy on computer users in their home or workplace, Internet security watchers have warned.
The newly discovered Rbot-GR worm (W32/Rbot-GR) spreads via network shares, exploiting a number of Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) security vulnerabilities before installing a backdoor Trojan as it travels, security firm Sophos said.
The company added that, once the worm infects a computer, remote hackers can easily gain access to the information on the PC's hard drive and steal passwords, as well as spy on innocent users via their webcam and microphone.
"More and more hackers are interested in spying on the people they manage to infect with their worms and Trojan horses," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos, in a statement.
"In the workplace, this worm opens up the possibilities of industrial espionage. At home it is equivalent to a Peeping Tom who invades your privacy by peering through your curtains.
More on this Story (http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/news/36058.html)
By Robert Jaques
08/24/04 8:41 AM PT
According to Sophos, the W32/Rbot-GR worm is evidence of a growing trend of malware spying on innocent home computer owners and poorly protected businesses. "With many home users keeping poorly defended PCs in their bedroom, there is considerable potential for abuse," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos.
Virus writers have developed a "Peeping Tom" worm that can use webcams to spy on computer users in their home or workplace, Internet security watchers have warned.
The newly discovered Rbot-GR worm (W32/Rbot-GR) spreads via network shares, exploiting a number of Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) security vulnerabilities before installing a backdoor Trojan as it travels, security firm Sophos said.
The company added that, once the worm infects a computer, remote hackers can easily gain access to the information on the PC's hard drive and steal passwords, as well as spy on innocent users via their webcam and microphone.
"More and more hackers are interested in spying on the people they manage to infect with their worms and Trojan horses," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos, in a statement.
"In the workplace, this worm opens up the possibilities of industrial espionage. At home it is equivalent to a Peeping Tom who invades your privacy by peering through your curtains.
More on this Story (http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/news/36058.html)