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10-14-2004, 08:43 PM
Instant messenger could control hacked computers
17:16 13 October 04
NewScientist.com news service
A US computer programmer has created a software robot that uses instant messenger – a program that allows people to exchange messages over the internet in real time - to control a computer remotely.
So-called “chatterbots” have been created in the past, allowing programmers to use IM to automatically upload files from their computer. But “Nmapbot", created by Virginia-based Abe Usher, is the first that allows someone to scan a remote network for machines that could be hacked into. Nmapbot also allows a hacker to use compromised machines to launch a denial of service attack.
Usher has released the bot to highlight potential security risks posed by IM. But he says that Nmapbot is also a useful tool for computer security personnel, allowing them to patrol networks from out of the office using a PDA or cellphone equipped with IM.
“This is one of those dual-use tools that can be used for good and for evil,” says Ron Gula, chief technology officer at intrusion detection firm Tenable Network Security in Columbia, Maryland.
More on this Story (http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99996529)
17:16 13 October 04
NewScientist.com news service
A US computer programmer has created a software robot that uses instant messenger – a program that allows people to exchange messages over the internet in real time - to control a computer remotely.
So-called “chatterbots” have been created in the past, allowing programmers to use IM to automatically upload files from their computer. But “Nmapbot", created by Virginia-based Abe Usher, is the first that allows someone to scan a remote network for machines that could be hacked into. Nmapbot also allows a hacker to use compromised machines to launch a denial of service attack.
Usher has released the bot to highlight potential security risks posed by IM. But he says that Nmapbot is also a useful tool for computer security personnel, allowing them to patrol networks from out of the office using a PDA or cellphone equipped with IM.
“This is one of those dual-use tools that can be used for good and for evil,” says Ron Gula, chief technology officer at intrusion detection firm Tenable Network Security in Columbia, Maryland.
More on this Story (http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99996529)