Photo Frames Hack Game Accounts
Posted by William on Tuesday, February 19th, 2008 at 4:52 am under Computer, Game Platforms
I know the title sounds kind of strange, but it’s completely true. I’m sure some of you have heard of the virus known as ‘Mocmex’. Apparently, the threat this virus poses is much greater than initially believed. Some industry insiders believe that the initial Mocmex is simply a test run for something far more damaging on it’s way. For now,if you happen to have digital photo frames, you might want to make sure they aren’t part of the infected group. If they are, your computer could already be under siege without your knowledge. Game accounts are worth a lot of money these days, so we all need be real cautious in the near future.
How did Mocmex make it to the United States?
Digital Insignia photo frames sold primarily at Best Buy were loaded with the virus in China and then shipped here. Apparently, these photo frames have been discontinued but not recalled. In addition to Best Buy, they were also sold at Sam’s Club, Target and Costco according to the via links.
What exactly does Mocmex do?
According to an analyst form Computer Associates, the trojan, called Mocmex, is able to block more than 100 types of security and anti-virus software from killing it, and bypasses the Windows firewall to download files from remote locations, spreading them randomly over your hard drive and any portable storage device you plug into your PC — like, for example, a digital photo frame. The trojan is apparently set to only steal gaming passwords at present, but CA says it’s capable of stealing nearly any information on your machine, and thinks it might be a test for a much worse virus yet to come.
Via GameTab
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February 19th, 2008 at 7:54 am
So all this happens wireless or do you have to connect it to the computer for this to happen?
February 19th, 2008 at 8:11 am
@LightAce: I'm not really sure. I have never actually used one of the photo frames fortunately. I assume they are plugged into the computer.
February 19th, 2008 at 11:16 am
China needs some damn quality control. I'm so glad I don't have a photo frame, but I know several friends and family who do.
February 19th, 2008 at 11:44 am
[...] | File Front Más noticias sobre: Noticias, Seguridad Tags: Cuentas de usuario, Juegos Online, Mocmex, [...]
February 19th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Someone needs to do more research. Costco does not and has not ever carried the brand in question as it is only a private label brand to Best Buy only. BAD publicity on a HOT holiday item makes for great news, doesn't it?!?!
February 19th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
@DB: the information comes from the via links. I have read numerous articles claiming that these items have been sold at stores other than Best Buy. I also wouldn't call this "BAD publicity". The infected frames in question are a serious cause for concern. As I said, the information about the product comes from the Via links.
February 19th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Here are some other articles that back what was stated above. SANS Institute is also claiming that infected frames come from all of the stores above. (SANS is a well respected source as well)
http://www.sans.org/
http://www.gadgettastic.com/2008/02/16/virus-spreading-digital-photo-frames-from-china/
http://www.newsfactor.com/news/Digital-Photo-Frames-May-Have-Virus/story.xhtml?story_id=10300A9QSGG2
February 20th, 2008 at 12:30 am
[...] Digital Photo Frames Hack Game Accounts This is pretty serious. If you have one of these digital photo frames from Best Buy (or any other store) then you need to check for this virus right away. You don't want to mess with these Chinese computer viruses. They are nasty. Trust me. [...]