Canadian computer security experts have found more than 1,200 computers in 103 countries infected with a malicious software that allowed hackers to take over – almost completely – their victims computers. The hackers could even turn on the computer’s webcam to watch whoever was using the computer.
These were not the computers of average folks. These were computers used by high-ranking government officials and other high-profile folks. Like the Dalai Lama. The attacks were traced to China, although the researchers do not blame the Chinese government directly.
Among the affected computers were those in embassies belonging to Germany, India, Romania, and Thailand, and in the ministries of foreign affairs for Barbados, Iran and Latvia.
The researchers say the infected computers acted as a kind of illicit information-gathering network, and that they observed sensitive documents being stolen from a computer network operated by the Dalai Lama’s organization. They traced the attacks to computers located in China, but stop short of blaming the Chinese government.
A separate report by researchers at Cambridge University, also published Sunday, alleges that the Chinese government or a group working closely with it is responsible for the attack on the computer in the office of the Dalai Lama.
Media officials at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and State Council Information Office declined requests for comment Sunday. The Chinese government has repeatedly denied past allegations that it sponsors cyber attacks.
The particularly insidious part of these attacks is that they have been spreading the malware by sending the victims what appears to be an email from someone the victim knows. The email contains a file that, when opened, infects the victim’s computer.
Looks like it’s time to begin scanning all incoming mail, even from people you think you are safe with.