Beware geeks bearing gifts

Noreen · Aug 28, 2009, 17:15:38

QuoteInternet criminals have long used so-called Trojan software to infect their victim's computers and launch sneak attacks from the inside out. But could they now be putting a new spin on the concept by actually planting the hardware too?

That's one theory emerging after Joe Manchin, the governor of West Virginia, suddenly had five new laptops delivered to his office. The computers arrived earlier this month, but diligent bureaucrats checked the records and discovered that they had not been ordered by the administration..............

http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/blog/2009/aug/28/fbi-laptop-investigation

Rik · Aug 28, 2009, 17:18:57

They can give them to me, Noreen. I'll wipe them and start from scratch.

Glenn · Aug 28, 2009, 17:33:35

How about the keylogger hidden in the keyboard?

Rik · Aug 28, 2009, 17:34:23

I'll send in the lumberjacks.

somanyholes · Aug 28, 2009, 21:34:50

This sort of thing is becoming ever more prevalent. Have to say, sending a pc seems a bit over the top to me, perhaps thats just the tight fisted yorkshireman in me. a few flash drives scattered at random locations in the company carpark would have worked just as well. Or if targetting specific people i.e the treasurer of an organisation a few scattered on his driveway at home. He, his wife or kids will happily provide assistance

Rik · Aug 29, 2009, 09:17:59

I'd be OK then, I don't like flash drives.

Gary · Aug 29, 2009, 09:29:54

Quote from: Rik on Aug 29, 2009, 09:17:59
I'd be OK then, I don't like flash drives.

I don't like those new Rolls Royce cars myself

Rik · Aug 29, 2009, 09:31:45

Gary · Aug 29, 2009, 09:37:29

Quote from: Rik on Aug 29, 2009, 09:31:45

Noreen · Aug 29, 2009, 10:42:13

Why don't you like flash drives, Rik?

Rik · Aug 29, 2009, 10:47:03

I've had too many fail to feel comfortable about trusting them, Noreen, including one Sandisk model that became too hot too touch and fried. Its replacement fared little better.

Noreen · Aug 29, 2009, 10:53:53

Strange, I've always used byteStor and never had a problem with them.

Rik · Aug 29, 2009, 11:00:31

I must have hot USB ports.

Gary · Aug 30, 2009, 17:08:23

I use Memorex ones and they have lasted years.

Rik · Aug 30, 2009, 17:09:36

That's one brand I haven't yet tried, Gary, thanks.

Gary · Sep 01, 2009, 12:19:49

Quote from: Rik on Aug 30, 2009, 17:09:36
That's one brand I haven't yet tried, Gary, thanks.

I have a few of the older Memorex M flyer thumb drives, the usb part retracts and they are aluminium, dead tough

Rik · Sep 01, 2009, 12:22:38

So was the Sandisk Cruzer meant to be.

Gary · Sep 01, 2009, 12:32:16

Quote from: Rik on Sep 01, 2009, 12:22:38
So was the Sandisk Cruzer meant to be.

But My M Flyers are 3 years old and still going

Rik · Sep 01, 2009, 12:35:59

My Cruzers melted and were refunded.

Gary · Sep 01, 2009, 12:42:23

Quote from: Rik on Sep 01, 2009, 12:35:59
My Cruzers melted and were refunded.

Thats bad

Rik · Sep 01, 2009, 12:50:52

Especially if you were holding them at the time.

Dangerjunkie · Sep 01, 2009, 13:05:04

May I recommend Transcend drives. I get mine from Orca.co.uk (great service) and they've always done me proud.

On the subject of the laptops. They would be a great way to smuggle VPN software into a company to connect back to a server somewhere then let you have a good trawl through the company network...

Cheers,
Paul.

Rik · Sep 01, 2009, 13:06:19

You may, Paul, thanks.

Lance · Sep 01, 2009, 22:53:48

I've got two sandisk cruisers, one 2gb and one 4gb and I've never had a problem with them!

D-Dan · Sep 01, 2009, 23:35:20

I've got a cheapo Emtec from Tesco - boot DOS and stays cool as a cucumber. Smokin'