Malware launched from tech blog – Gizmodo
Visitors to technology blog Gizmodo are being warned that they could have picked up more than tips about the latest must-have gadget.
According to security firm Sophos, the website was delivering advertisements “laced with malware” last week.
A statement on the Gizmodo website admits that it was tricked into running Suzuki adverts which were in fact from hackers.
It follows a similar problem on the New York Times website. Last month the New York Times’ website was targeted by a gang of hackers who purchased ad space on the site by posing as internet telephone company, Vonage.
In both cases the adverts served up fake anti-virus software – known as scareware.
Scareware attempts to convince users that their computer is infected with viruses and trojans, and tricks them into downloading “remedies” which are harmful and can be used by criminals to get at information such as credit card details.
“What is particularly audacious about this plot is that the criminals appear to have posed as legitimate representatives of Suzuki in order to plant their dangerous code on Gizmodo’s popular website,” he added.
It’s called social engineering, folks. You know that.
Remember – there is no patch for stupid.
Remember – there is no patch for stupid.
Hey! You’re not calling Windoze folks stupid, are you? Some of my best friends bought Windoze, just so they could experience exactly this sort of wild adventure ride.
Har!
It’s a wonder to me how Micro$oft hasn’t been sued out existence, especially in the United States.
If you can successfully sue a nicotine delivery system, posing as a cigarette, why not an advertisement delivery system, posing as an operating system?
Cinaedh
October 28, 2009 at 7:25 am
When you buy a MS OS, you agree that MS is not responsible. For anything. Regardless. No matter who, how, or what caused it. Nope, not never. They are blameless. Even if you get cooties from the OS, too bad.
If you don’t agree, then you don’t get to authorize it. If you don’t authorize it, it won’t work.
Mr. Fusion
October 28, 2009 at 8:12 am
In case you are too lazy to check, it was Linux software at Gizmodo that was infected.Gizmodo is not using Windows – only OSX(Apple) and Linux. Adblock in FF did not stop it either on PCS. Taras.
Taras
October 28, 2009 at 8:32 pm
The culprits will be traceable through their payment. Oopps, did some site post an ad without getting paid first?
Mr. Fusion
October 28, 2009 at 8:14 am
The New York Times, but they removed malware way before Gizmodo did. It is a big shame for Gizmodo.
Taras
October 28, 2009 at 8:42 pm