Free screensavers, Flash downloader harbor spyware
Free software! Get your free software here! The words “caveat emptor” have never been more true than today as we learn the shocking truth — we are shocked — that scumbags can, in fact, be counted on to behave like scumbags.
Quoting info from Intego, Ars Technica reports that PremierOpinion’s OSX/OpinionSpy is installed by various free screensavers from 7art. After installation, the spyware opens an HTTP backdoor, and then gathers and reports potentially sensitive user information about browsing, email and chat.
“This data may include personal data, such as user names, passwords, credit card numbers, web browser bookmarks, history and much more,” says Intego.
This lovely bit o’ code has also been detected, as well, in a Flash audio downloader — MishInc FLV to MP3 — but we already had our suspicions about this kind of “software.”
Quite naturally, removing the original screensaver or application won’t delete the spyware — you need an antivirus scanner to do that. Of course, Intego’s Virus Barrier ($50) is ready to assist you with that.
Operators are standing by…
What’s your take?
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Welcome to the future.
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June 3rd, 2010
Love how you worked flash in there.
Good fan boy….