This Episode looks at this weeks hacker news and discusses online virus scanning services.

 

 CrackerCast Episode 11 - Online Virus Scan [14:57m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Downloads 210

Ever wonder how hackers are able to do all the stuff they do? Many expert hackers do not just log on to systems using manual processes. They get help from robots. Yes, that’s right – robots. Not your typical idea of a robot though but something that is called as such because they work autonomously and automatically.

Anyone who owns a computer has probably heard what a virus is. Most with personal computers may even have their own units infected with one type of virus at one point or another. If you haven’t, it’s time you learn about it because this can destroy your data. Viruses are programs created to become a nuisance. The term encompasses all sorts of malicious software there is in the market. While some are totally destructive, most are annoying and can cause minor errors in the computer system.

If you are a Star Trek Generation fan and have seen how a high-breed program has taken control of The Enterprise, you will get an idea of what a rootkit is. That program gradually took control of the ship until such time that it was able to decide its course. In plain language, a rootkit is a powerful software that has the potential of wresting control of a system without being detected by security mechanisms. Since the purpose of a rootkit is to grant secret access to a non-administrator, it could be said that this administrative tool is malicious. Imagine a competitor knowing about the company’s trade secrets without the owner being aware of it.