From Russia with mole to steal your computer data
Internet users are bombarded by all kinds of unsolicited commercial messages, including some for cut-rate software.
Many computer users think that the low-priced software are from thieves who are simply copying standard software. But the truth may be far more sinister.
A local computer tech last week was asked to install a copy of Windows XP. A typical software package for home use sells for about $180. The tech was surprised to find a non-standard disk, and the computer user said he purchased the disk for $50 over the Internet.
The disk came from Russia.
Shortly after installation, the tech noticed the computer trying to connect to the Internet in high-speed mode. The tech concluded that the disk also contained a Trojan program designed to steal the data that existed on the computer.
The data theft was foiled because the computer user had a dial-up connection that became overloaded with the data.
So it seems that the computer user, in addition to getting a cut-rate program, also provided the access for crooks to steal bank account information, credit card data and other vital personal information.
Internet users are bombarded by all kinds of unsolicited commercial messages, including some for cut-rate software.
Many computer users think that the low-priced software are from thieves who are simply copying standard software. But the truth may be far more sinister.
A local computer tech last week was asked to install a copy of Windows XP. A typical software package for home use sells for about $180. The tech was surprised to find a non-standard disk, and the computer user said he purchased the disk for $50 over the Internet.
The disk came from Russia.
Shortly after installation, the tech noticed the computer trying to connect to the Internet in high-speed mode. The tech concluded that the disk also contained a Trojan program designed to steal the data that existed on the computer.
The data theft was foiled because the computer user had a dial-up connection that became overloaded with the data.
So it seems that the computer user, in addition to getting a cut-rate program, also provided the access for crooks to steal bank account information, credit card data and other vital personal information.
