Posted on 07/23/2004 7:40:56 AM PDT by dead
Hackers are using what they claim are photographs showing terrorist chief Osama bin Laden dead to try to infect computers worldwide, it emerged yesterday.
Thousands of rogue messages have been posted on internet chat-rooms in the past few days suggesting journalists have discovered the al-Qaeda leader hanged.
The messages urge users to visit a website to view the photographs of bin Laden which they claim have been withheld by US authorities while they confirm the identity of the body.
Attempts to download the bogus picture fail, but, unknown to users, their computer may have been infected with a piece of malicious software in the process.
The software, known as a Trojan Horse, is programmed to steal sensitive information like bank details from the computer or exploits the terminal to spread spam emails.
Experts are warning anyone with a computer to ensure they have up-to-date anti-virus software to prevent themselves becoming a victim of the Trojan, dubbed Hackarmy.
Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant at anti-virus software firm Sophos, said: "Hackers and virus writers will try all kinds of tricks to entice people into downloading their malicious code."
"It seems this time that the hacker has focused on the public's morbid curiosity and appetite for news on the war against terror."
Messages posted on the internet claim bin Laden's body was found by journalists with TV news channel CNN.
A typical example reads: "Osama Bin Laden was found hanged by two CNN journalists early Wednesday evening."
"As evidence they took several photos, some of which I have included here.
"As yet, this information has not hit the headlines due to Bush wanting confirmation of his identity but the journalists have released some early photos over the internet."
Cluley added: "In the internet age, where the latest news is available before it is reported by news organisations, this kind of thing can flourish."
"People may believe it or just think it is a joke. Either way they will be tempted."
He added: "We don't know the impact it has had but we know it is designed to allow hackers to gain access to computers and once inside they can steal information or whatever - the world is their oyster."
Trojan horse software is different from traditional computer viruses which are designed to infect just one computer at a time, rather than spread via email.
PA
I don't think the CNN people would hang him...
oh, I can see it now....
"as Daschle calls Kennedy and then Kennedy calls Edwards, Edwards gets on a 3-way with Hildebeast and Kerry (which I'm sure she thoroughly enjoys) and they all compare notes as to who has seen the site, and logging onto their laptops simultaneously, and that they just KNEW that Bush was holding on to Bin Laden until just before the elections, JUST like they'd always thought he would. They just KNOW it and they called it from day one and THIS WILL BE THEIR VICTORY!!! THIS WILL BE THEIR SWAN SONG AND PROVE TO EVERYONE THEY WERE RIGHT!!!"
....meanwhile a bunch of snot-nosed hackers are calling every internet hardware/software/surf&skate/music@dvd retailer on the net, charging up hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of merchandise..and they can use the tagline "Paid For By The Democratic Party". Gotta love America!!
Inconceivable. CNN would have announced a one year period of mourning and their Newscasters would all be appearing in black.
Oh boy could that little tongue-in-cheek turn into a diabolical plot in a hurry! How long before demorats, which are much better at corrupting than creating, seize on this malicious idea to try and infect republican systems, or vice-versa. We are getting more feisty these days.
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