IBM Distributes Malware-Infected USB Sticks At Security Conference

[niyazpk]

http://blogs.forbes.com/firewall/2010/05/21/ibm-distributes-malware-infected-usb-sticks-at-security-conference/

[sketerpot]

Why would any computer automatically run programs on USB sticks? It just seems like a really obvious security hole for negligible benefit.

[mambodog → sketerpot]

Because... Windows? Plenty of thumbdrive and portable harddrive manufactures make use of this 'feature' to show a splash menu/crapware launcher on insertion of the drive, so I guess they like the idea.

[bradleyland]

Maybe IBM is just trying to prove that they're one of the few who actually understand irony?

[rdtsc → bradleyland]

> they're one of the few who actually understand irony?

I think IBM would be one of the last companies to do that.

[philwelch → rdtsc]

You mean actually charging money for Lotus Notes and ClearCase isn't a practical joke on clueless big companies?

[epochwolf → philwelch]

I'm pretty sure it isn't a practical joke but I'm sure someone over at IBM is laughing. I would be.

[hopeless → epochwolf]

Trust me, we're not laughing. We have to use our own products every day too :(

[RiderOfGiraffes]

Previously submitted: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1368134

Garnered no comments, but I thought it was interesting that it was submitted before and sank without trace.

[eagleal → RiderOfGiraffes]

I think it depends on the users interested in the /new section. Most of the people just look at the home, while there are some users who watch the new submissions, and when they miss, the submission doesn't make enough points to get to the home. (OK, maybe we all know this, but ...)

[zppx → RiderOfGiraffes]

A real problem with various HN posts.

[FluidDjango]

CNET report (w/o Forbes paywall):http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-20005673-245.html

Didn't the attendees realize that there would be a post-test at the conclusion the security conference? That's what the USB stick experience was. Can't wait to see what "grades" attendees received :/

[dimitar]

And why do they ask from the recipients to mail them the USB sticks? Are they going to clean them and mail them back?