Mysterious virus strikes FBI
Summary
The FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service were forced to shut down parts of their computer networks after a mystery virus struck the law-enforcement agencies Thursday.
Topics
The FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service were forced to shut down parts of their computer networks after a mystery virus struck the law-enforcement agencies Thursday, according to an Associated Press report.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Marshals Service confirmed that it had disconnected from Justice Department computers as a precaution after being hit with the virus, while an FBI spokesperson would only say that it was experiencing similar issues, according to the report.
"We too are evaluating a network issue on our external, unclassified network that's affecting several government agencies," FBI spokesman Mike Kortan told the AP.
The virus' type and origin are unknown, but spokespeople for both agencies said agencies' access to the Internet and e-mail was shut down while the issue was evaluated.
Government regulations require agencies to report any security issues to US-Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT), but a call to CERT late Thursday for comment was not immediately returned.
This article was originally posed on CNET News.
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A virus eh? Now, which OS is always open to viruses - ah yes, Windows. Time to face facts ... Windows' inherent vulnerability to virus/trojan/worm attack means it is a security risk. If only the FBI weren't stupid users who haven't patched, eh? Oh, wait a minute -
that it was their Windows machines that were affected.
FBI's internal machines are mainly macs. The field
machines are mainly pc's.
http://www.securityfocus.com/columnists/215
Now we don't know which was attacked here, but
it's not necessarily Windows...
machines are mainly pc's.
http://www.securityfocus.com/columnists/215
Now we don't know which was attacked here, but
it's not necessarily Windows...
that he was referring to in the article.
Good article by the way, thanks for the link!
Good article by the way, thanks for the link!
When are they going to wake up and realize that Paper and Pencils and Typewriters don't get viruses...
I think we all know by now that if a person wishes to perform an act of malice via executable code they will do it to any OS. Lets all be adults about this and stop projecting the blame off the idiots making all this trouble in the first place.
I think we all know by now that if a person wishes to perform an act of malice via executable code they will do it to any OS. Lets all be adults about this and stop projecting the blame off the idiots making all this trouble in the first place.
Just because other operating systems aren't 100%
perfect, does not mean that they are
as bad as windows! There are shades of gray in
between.
perfect, does not mean that they are
as bad as windows! There are shades of gray in
between.
Just because something isn't 100% perfect at
everything doesn't mean it's at windows'
level..
There are shades of gray in between.
everything doesn't mean it's at windows'
level..
There are shades of gray in between.
as for the shades of gray here ... it might have been windows - 99% chance, or it might as well been other OS - 1% chance.
But if the man is right and most FBI internal machines are macs then... you figure it out. We know the workstations weren't Nixies.
We're not even talking about gross count of
infections. We're talking about infections per
capita.
infections. We're talking about infections per
capita.
OMFG, No you are the only person NOT talking Market Share.
You are so bent on slamming Windows you have to resort to making **** up to prove your point... Infections per capita???? PLEASE DO EXPLAIN YOUR DRIVEL GEORGE JETSON. And lets have proof and charts and graphs like you insist everyone else give.
You are so bent on slamming Windows you have to resort to making **** up to prove your point... Infections per capita???? PLEASE DO EXPLAIN YOUR DRIVEL GEORGE JETSON. And lets have proof and charts and graphs like you insist everyone else give.
Per capita is a very well known concept, it's
simply a way to correct for population
differences. If you want a more detailed
explanation look it up in a dictionary.
simply a way to correct for population
differences. If you want a more detailed
explanation look it up in a dictionary.
That's just too funny! I would bet a years wages it is a windows system, and win! Windows is a "swiss cheese" OS.
Time to the facts... There are O.S. that are much more vulnerable than others.
I suspect virus is being used as a generic term for malware. I suspect the malware in question is of the kind which could affect a Linux system too. Do I have any facts to support this? Certainly not. But since you're pulling claims out of the air I thought I might as well too.
... what the FBI is doing wrong?
thx
^o^
thx
^o^
But that hasn't stopped the ABMers from blaming Windows.
"But that hasn't stopped the ABMers from blaming Windows ."
Blaming Windows?
If you remove Windows from this equation and plug something else in, problem solved, eh?
^o^
Blaming Windows?
If you remove Windows from this equation and plug something else in, problem solved, eh?
^o^
If you remove Windows from this equation and plug something else in, problem solved, eh?
There's not enough information to blame any specific thing. Notice how the only people who are trying to place blame are those who dislike Windows? I have seen no one else attempt to place blame.
There's not enough information to blame any specific thing. Notice how the only people who are trying to place blame are those who dislike Windows? I have seen no one else attempt to place blame.
There's no specific evidence, yet there's plenty of reputation and a long,
long record of the Windows monoculture being the breeding ground of
this sort of thing. Let's just say that Window's is our prime suspect.
Actually, I think we have more than enough for a search warrant.
long record of the Windows monoculture being the breeding ground of
this sort of thing. Let's just say that Window's is our prime suspect.
Actually, I think we have more than enough for a search warrant.
"I think it's reasonable to assume Windows."
I assume you had a point?
I assume you had a point?
If we remove computers the problem will be definitely solved. Stop saying this obvious non-sense. Any widely used OS is prone to virus attacks. If you remove windows OS then the next most popular OS will be targeted.
FACE IT, it is much more fun to write viruses that attract attention of hundreds of millions.
FACE IT, it is much more fun to write viruses that attract attention of hundreds of millions.
" If you remove windows OS then the next most popular OS will be targeted."
If one was to replace Windows with something else, one would still have Windows problems?
Nonsensical.
"...then the next most popular OS will be targeted."
Hearsay is not calculated in TCO.
"FACE IT, it is much more fun to write viruses that attract attention of hundreds of millions."
Don't know, do you write Windows wares to attract attention?
There Lies the Problem.
^o^
If one was to replace Windows with something else, one would still have Windows problems?
Nonsensical.
"...then the next most popular OS will be targeted."
Hearsay is not calculated in TCO.
"FACE IT, it is much more fun to write viruses that attract attention of hundreds of millions."
Don't know, do you write Windows wares to attract attention?
There Lies the Problem.
^o^
People like you that assume only Windows can be hacked, when OSX was the OS most easilly hacked, and Apache on a Linux server is still an easy target,
Yet you'd use them anyhow, thinking your safe.
http://www.internetnews.com/dev-news/article.php/3601946
Now, why would someone claim the imposible in a written article?
You'd be funny if you weren't so sad.
And owned.
Yet you'd use them anyhow, thinking your safe.
http://www.internetnews.com/dev-news/article.php/3601946
Now, why would someone claim the imposible in a written article?
You'd be funny if you weren't so sad.
And owned.
...three years old now.
Remove half of all Windows OSs and replace them with an other OS --
any OS-- then, by your own logic, the other OSs collectively will be
targeted equally as much as Windows. You will have cut the problem in
half!
The problem is monoculture, we should all be aware of it and know how
to combat it--use an alternative OS.
any OS-- then, by your own logic, the other OSs collectively will be
targeted equally as much as Windows. You will have cut the problem in
half!
The problem is monoculture, we should all be aware of it and know how
to combat it--use an alternative OS.
Most of the internet is ran on *nix OSs, yet
windows computers get hacked far more often.
What do you think would attract more attention?
Taking over eBay, Google, Amazon, etc., or
taking over some kids' little windows computers
with their video games and junk?
There's no way people pick the latter out of
preference. Windows is simply the lowest
hanging fruit, that's all there is to it.
windows computers get hacked far more often.
What do you think would attract more attention?
Taking over eBay, Google, Amazon, etc., or
taking over some kids' little windows computers
with their video games and junk?
There's no way people pick the latter out of
preference. Windows is simply the lowest
hanging fruit, that's all there is to it.
ye has just started another nonsense session and as usual it promises to be long, very looooooong.
Doesn't normally mass-infect computers in a single location. Odds are
very good this is a Windows worm or virus.
very good this is a Windows worm or virus.
Just as I think it's reasonable to assume the infection required some human element in order to have been successful.
Though I would put higher odds on that human element being neglectfulness when it comes to updating their systems rather than someone surfing on the wrong porn site.
Three simple steps to securing Windows:
1. Don't use an administrative account for day to day tasks.
2. Ensure the built in firewall is enabled and blocking access.
3. Apply patches as they're released (non-critical systems) or within a reasonable time frame for testing (critical and server systems).
Follow these three steps and your chances of getting anything are significantly reduced.
1. Don't use an administrative account for day to day tasks.
2. Ensure the built in firewall is enabled and blocking access.
3. Apply patches as they're released (non-critical systems) or within a reasonable time frame for testing (critical and server systems).
Follow these three steps and your chances of getting anything are significantly reduced.
- replace it with an OS that isn't inherently virus-prone.
replace it with an OS that isn't inherently virus-prone.
Unfortunately no such OS exists at this time.
Unfortunately no such OS exists at this time.
1. Go to distrowatch.com, choose a Linux distro that suits your needs and download it.
2. Do a backup of the data on your windoze machine
3. Install Linux on top of windoze, completely removing any vestiges of that virus-prone OS.
4. Enjoy a new virus-free form of computing.
2. Do a backup of the data on your windoze machine
3. Install Linux on top of windoze, completely removing any vestiges of that virus-prone OS.
4. Enjoy a new virus-free form of computing.
The whole "windows is easier to use then Linux"
argument kind of goes down the drain, sorry. There
goes your only reason to use that garbage you call
an OS.
argument kind of goes down the drain, sorry. There
goes your only reason to use that garbage you call
an OS.
The whole "windows is easier to use then Linux" argument kind of goes down the drain, sorry
Sure would be nice if the ABMers could get their facts straight. Hey...one can dream can't they?
Sure would be nice if the ABMers could get their facts straight. Hey...one can dream can't they?
I mean you said it youreslf, the FBI is not running linux so linux must not be good enough for the government, something we all know but finally got one of the linux fanboys to admit.
...since we don't know the whole story.
We know that Linux can be effected by virus. We just haven't seen these virus yet. Maybe we are.
or
They have mixed network and only the Windows computers were hit.
or
They are a Windows only network and they were hit.
or
Something else
My advice is get off the soap box and make your judgment when you get the facts.
We know that Linux can be effected by virus. We just haven't seen these virus yet. Maybe we are.
or
They have mixed network and only the Windows computers were hit.
or
They are a Windows only network and they were hit.
or
Something else
My advice is get off the soap box and make your judgment when you get the facts.
They chose windows, and got hacked for it. Just
like most windows users do. Learn from your
mistakes already sheesh.
like most windows users do. Learn from your
mistakes already sheesh.
are breathtaking. So tell me, if Windows is "always open to viruses" why isn't every single Windows PC on the planet infected?
Best line though was, "Time to face facts". LOL! What facts? Do you actually have any apart from wild speculation and biased opinions?
Best line though was, "Time to face facts". LOL! What facts? Do you actually have any apart from wild speculation and biased opinions?
Perhaps you ought to do yourself a favour and get familiar with the list of *known*, unpatched vulnerabilities in Windows OS's. Many go back years. I don't need to be psychic to realise that if I can browse a list of years old, unpatched, known Windows vulnerabilities, so can any hacker.
Next, let's just state the obvious because posters like yourself tend to want certain obvious realities occluded. Every single Windows virus that ever cost the the world's businesses billions of $$$ (Code Red, Anna K, Blaster, etc etc) was, at one time, resident on millions of computers without the owners of those computers being aware of that fact.
The day before Code Red, or Nimda, or Anna K, or Blaster, hosed millions of infected Windows PCs, posters like you were on forums like this trumpeting, "Oh yeah, so if Windows is open to viruses, why isn't every machine infected?"
You could have 20 Windows viruses active on your PC right now, and you wouldn't know. That's how it works, silly.
Not only would you and every other owner of an infected PC have no idea their PC was infected, every time a new Windows virus appears, a minimum number of Windows users MUST get hosed. That's because there is always a time lag between a new Windows virus becoming active and the third party anti-virus companies releasing a patch.
So staying up to date with patches a la Windows update is zero protection against viruses.
Windows users generally shrug their shoulders and pay a 3rd party for after-the-fact virus protection because WIndows users are conditioned to accept viruses as inevitable, without those extra cash overheads.
Linux users do not have this issue. Linux viruses? Yes, I think there are about 14 known viruses which have ever existed. As opposed to how many *known* Windows viruses? About 200,000? With more added at every anti-virus package update. An endless stream of WWindows specific malware, and a 'defence' system that means some users will always get hosed before a patch is done.
That's why Linux is superior to Windows, in a nutshell. If the FBI have a virus, you can bet it came in through an Windows.
Next, let's just state the obvious because posters like yourself tend to want certain obvious realities occluded. Every single Windows virus that ever cost the the world's businesses billions of $$$ (Code Red, Anna K, Blaster, etc etc) was, at one time, resident on millions of computers without the owners of those computers being aware of that fact.
The day before Code Red, or Nimda, or Anna K, or Blaster, hosed millions of infected Windows PCs, posters like you were on forums like this trumpeting, "Oh yeah, so if Windows is open to viruses, why isn't every machine infected?"
You could have 20 Windows viruses active on your PC right now, and you wouldn't know. That's how it works, silly.
Not only would you and every other owner of an infected PC have no idea their PC was infected, every time a new Windows virus appears, a minimum number of Windows users MUST get hosed. That's because there is always a time lag between a new Windows virus becoming active and the third party anti-virus companies releasing a patch.
So staying up to date with patches a la Windows update is zero protection against viruses.
Windows users generally shrug their shoulders and pay a 3rd party for after-the-fact virus protection because WIndows users are conditioned to accept viruses as inevitable, without those extra cash overheads.
Linux users do not have this issue. Linux viruses? Yes, I think there are about 14 known viruses which have ever existed. As opposed to how many *known* Windows viruses? About 200,000? With more added at every anti-virus package update. An endless stream of WWindows specific malware, and a 'defence' system that means some users will always get hosed before a patch is done.
That's why Linux is superior to Windows, in a nutshell. If the FBI have a virus, you can bet it came in through an Windows.
Code Red, Anna K, Blaster, etc etc
...the exploits were released. Had people followed security best practices and these would have been non-events.
...the exploits were released. Had people followed security best practices and these would have been non-events.
So what you're saying is that the FBI have been attacked by a virus because they haven't patched against it? Really? You're claiming that the FBI are suffering from a known vulnerability which they haven't patched against? LOL.
Either way, MIcrosoft are the shoddy, second rate engineers churning this guff out, and the PR dept is busily 'educating' users that it is their fault if Microsoft's shoddy engineering lets system hosing malware in.
YOu're a comedian! DO you work for Microsoft? I should start looking for another job. I hear they're laying off testers and their earnings are down
Either way, MIcrosoft are the shoddy, second rate engineers churning this guff out, and the PR dept is busily 'educating' users that it is their fault if Microsoft's shoddy engineering lets system hosing malware in.
YOu're a comedian! DO you work for Microsoft? I should start looking for another job. I hear they're laying off testers and their earnings are down
So what you're saying is that the FBI have been attacked by a virus because they haven't patched against it?
I haven't yet read any details about the attack. With that said I would bet that the attack was successful because one or more of my recommendations weren't being followed or the user was at fault.
I haven't yet read any details about the attack. With that said I would bet that the attack was successful because one or more of my recommendations weren't being followed or the user was at fault.
Microsoft is no more flawed than any other OS as has been proved time and again ad nauseum. The facts are so obvious you must have your head in the sand to not have realized this by now. That or the Mac commercials have convinced you the guy on the left ACTUALLY works for Microsoft! As my hacker buddies state: Why hack a Mac when you can hack the world by going after Windows... (feel free to throw in Linux instead of Mac)
The truth is hard to swallow I realize this, but facts are facts and if you look at the increased Mac and Linux patches you'll see people like yourself have actually goaded hackers into proving Macs, Linux are no more difficult to hack than anything else! Another fact to mull over, the two easiest to hack OS in 2007 were neither one named Microsoft... And the real kicker is Microsoft Windows had a much shorter average patch development time than Red Hat Linux and Mac OS X. (the latest stats currently available were from 2007)So do all of the Windows users a favor and keep on stating how much more secure EVERY OS is than Windows, see hackers don't like to be told they can't hack a system lol!
The truth is hard to swallow I realize this, but facts are facts and if you look at the increased Mac and Linux patches you'll see people like yourself have actually goaded hackers into proving Macs, Linux are no more difficult to hack than anything else! Another fact to mull over, the two easiest to hack OS in 2007 were neither one named Microsoft... And the real kicker is Microsoft Windows had a much shorter average patch development time than Red Hat Linux and Mac OS X. (the latest stats currently available were from 2007)So do all of the Windows users a favor and keep on stating how much more secure EVERY OS is than Windows, see hackers don't like to be told they can't hack a system lol!
A) FBI failure (for using windows)
B) Microsoft failure (for making windows)
C) Both
B) Microsoft failure (for making windows)
C) Both
D) FBI failure for not applying a patch released over six months ago.
D) FBI failure for using an operating system that
constantly needs updated to avoid getting hacked.
constantly needs updated to avoid getting hacked.
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