Your iPod may come with a free extra: A virus

[TechBear_Seattle]

Your iPod may come with a free extra: A virus

From iPods to navigation systems, some of today's hottest gadgets are landing on store shelves with some unwanted extras from the factory -- pre-installed viruses that steal passwords, open doors for hackers and make computers spew spam.

Computer users have been warned for years about virus threats from downloading Internet porn and opening suspicious e-mail attachments. Now they run the risk of picking up a digital infection just by plugging new gizmos into their PCs.

Recent cases reviewed by The Associated Press include some of the most widely used tech devices: Apple iPods, digital picture frames sold by Target and Best Buy stores and TomTom navigation gear.

In most cases, Chinese factories -- where many companies have turned to keep prices low -- are the source.

The article continues at http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/355022_viruses14.html

[bryant69]

1. And I just got an I-Pod.

Something else to be paranoid about.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[TechBear_Seattle]

2. It's not just a question of being paranoid

It is a question of being paranoid enough. :hi:

[DainBramaged]

3. Quality control and the demand for cheap imported crap makes us vulnerable

First and foremost, if a person doesn't have up to date anti-virus software on their computer, what can I say, they are shit out of luck, and the criminals behind these planted Virus and trojans COUNT on lazy Americans to not be vigilant. People put locks on their doors but ignore basic safety tenants for computer use.

[acmavm]

4. What great trading partners those Chinese are.

[MilesColtrane]

5. "Apple disclosed the most information,...

...saying the virus that infected a small number of video iPods in 2006 came from a PC used to test compatibility with the gadget's software."

Doesn't sound like a widespread problem, at least with iPods.
If you don't use M$ stuff you've probably got even less to worry about.