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Windows and OS X Vulnerable Via Firewire

by Terrence O'Brien on March 5, 2008 at 04:17 PM

Windows and OS X Vulnerable Via FirewireIt seems like everyday computer users have a new reason to fear that their data is unsafe. And to be fair, it isn't. Unless you lock vital PC components up in separate bank quality vaults, encrypt all your data, and never go online, you're always in some danger, and at that point what use is a computer anyway? But every once in a while a hacker demonstrates a vulnerability in our computers that makes us second guess our ability to be even slightly secure.

First it was breaking encryption with a can of DustOff, then a flash drive hack that required a simple (if slow) reboot, and now an even more direct attack: connecting via Firewire to the target computer.

The new method requires only a Linux based laptop and a Firewire cable. An attacker can then get to the contents of your system's RAM and grab your password. This works on both Windows (Vista and XP) and OS X. So much for Macs being more secure.

From Engadget

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Tags: firewire, hacks, os x, OsX, security, windows

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