Any computer, anywhere?

Mon Dec 9 00:07:57 UTC 2013

On 13-12-08 03:24 AM, Warren Bailey wrote:
> http://m.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/2013/12/06/352ba174-5397-11e3-9e2c-e1d01116fd98_story.html
>
> Noticed this tonight.. Not saying the WP is always on target, but what software could be installed via a browser on any computer to gather all of that data? And how would it be done without the OS speaking up about it? Far fetched.. Or do the Firefox / chrome guys have some 'splainin to do?
Let's remember that the information in the article was filtered through 
no less than two people who don't fully speak tech. I think I can 
translate it back:

«The FBI crafted a custom piece of malware targeting Mo, designed to 
snoop his activities . A link was emailed to Mo in a spear phishing 
attack in an attempt to get hin to download and install the malware from 
the FBI's monitored servers.

The attempt failed; the software was downloaded but never executed in a 
manner enabling the software to send back information to the FBI.»

Nothing too special. I wonder if Mo had the balls to submit the software 
to Sophos etc. for malware analysis. :)

M.

-- 
Michael Brown            | The true sysadmin does not adjust his behaviour
Systems Administrator    | to fit the machine.  He adjusts the machine
michael at supermathie.net  | until it behaves properly.  With a hammer,
                          | if necessary.  - Brian