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| The W32/Rbot-GR worm can spy on users via their
webcams. |
Sophos has warned computer users about a worm that has the
capability to use webcams to spy on them in their home or
workplace.
The W32/Rbot-GR
worm (also known as the "Peeping Tom" worm) spreads via network
shares, exploiting a number of Microsoft security vulnerabilities,
installing a backdoor Trojan horse as it travels.
Once installed on an infected 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. 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," said Graham Cluley,
senior technology consultant for Sophos. "If your computer is
infected and you have a webcam plugged in, then everything you do
in front of the computer can be seen, and everything you say can be
recorded."
Sophos believes that the W32/Rbot-GR worm is evidence of a
growing trend of more and more 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. The message is
simple - keep your PC protected against the latest threats with
anti-virus software and firewalls, and if in any doubt unplug your
webcam when you're not using it," continued Cluley.
More than 100 million users in 150 countries rely on Sophos as the best protection against complex threats and data loss. Sophos is committed to providing security and data protection solutions that are simple to manage, deploy and use and that deliver the industry's lowest total cost of ownership. Sophos offers award-winning encryption, endpoint security, web, email, and network access control solutions backed by SophosLabs - a global network of threat intelligence centers. With more than two decades of experience, Sophos is regarded as a leader in security and data protection by top analyst firms and has received many industry awards.
Sophos is headquartered in Boston, US and Oxford, UK. More information is available at www.sophos.com.