Eideard

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.

What a creep.

Bernard Madoff’s own family was not spared from his greed and the Ponzi scheme that is said to have pilfered a massive $50 billion from unsuspecting investors. He is now said to have scammed millions from his sister, who is now desperately trying to sell her Florida home.

Sondra Wiener, 74, lives with her husband, Marvin, in the BallenIsles Country Club, a gated enclave in Palm Beach. A neighbor of hers says she “has nothing.” The source went onto say “She lots millions in this whole thing.,” and estimates her losses at about $3 million.

Wiener’s son, David, responded to inquiries about the family’s financial status, stating: “Yes, my family’s a victim. More so than anybody else….”

I can’t blog all these cases as they emerge, but one more won’t hurt, eh?