Electronic gadgets latest sources of computer viruses
http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/ptech/03/13/factory.installed.virus.ap/index.html
Thousands of people whose antivirus software isn’t up to date may have been infected without even knowing it, experts warn. And even protective software may not be enough. In one case, digital frames sold at Sam’s Club contained a previously unknown bug that not only steals online gaming passwords but disables antivirus software, according to security researchers at CA Inc.“It’s like if you pick up a gun you’ve never seen before. Before you pull the trigger, you’d probably check the chamber,” said Joe Telafici, vice president of operations of McAfee Avert Labs, the security software maker’s threat-research arm.“It’s an extreme analogy, but it’s the right idea. It’s best to spend the extra 30 seconds to be sure than be wrong,” he added.Consumers can protect themselves from most factory-loaded infections by running an antivirus program and keeping it up to date. The software checks for known viruses and suspicious behaviors that indicate an attack by malicious code, whether from a download or a gadget attached to the PC via USB cable. The AP contacted some of the world’s largest electronics manufacturers for details on how they guard against infections, among them Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., which is based in Taiwan and has an iPod factory in China; Singapore-based Flextronics International Ltd.; and Taiwan-based Quanta Computer Inc. and Asustek Computer Inc. All declined comment or did not respond. The companies whose products were infected in cases reviewed by the AP refused to reveal details about the incidents. Of those that confirmed factory infections, all said they had corrected the problems and taken steps to prevent recurrences.
I feel this is a very important and current issue. A lot of consumers do not recognizt the risk they run every time they secure a different internet connection. Antivirus software is made available to us both free and at a cost. in the end the consumer and the company do spend more money if viruses effect the many comsumers who do subscribe to an internet connection frequently. I think it is a very goo and wise business strategy for different companies to educate consumers on the dangers of viruses and the new gadgets they can be found on. So much of our population has individual wireless internet connections lately, that a major increase in viruses may possibly have an effect on the individual gadget market.
