Switched has a new home! Huffpost Tech.

Click here to visit the new home of Switched!

Hot on HuffPost Tech:

See More Stories
AOL Tech

Hacked Obama Site Offering Up Virus

by Terrence O'Brien on January 27, 2009 at 08:12 AM

Hackers Target My.BarackObama.Com
Like most of the Internet, we're more than a little excited about having our first truly tech-savvy president here in the U.S. Unfortunately, for all our fawning over the idea of a government that doesn't still think dial-up is modern technology, we've neglected that putting more emphasis on the Internet makes one more susceptible to attacks by hackers and other computer criminals.

We've already seen the Obama campaign's Web site hijacked, and fake Obama e-mails spread viruses. We've even seen our fair share of fake Obama Web sites loaded with malicious software. Now hackers are trying to directly reach Obama supporters by creating fake profiles and blogs on the MyBarackObama social network. The fake blogs often contain links, made to look like YouTube videos, that lead you to a YouTube-like page loaded with porn. Playing one of these videos launches a pop-up that uses the old "install this missing codec" trick. The supposed missing software is, of course, a virus.

Have you ever been the victim of a computer virus?
Yes13643 (64.0%)
No3952 (18.5%)
I'm not sure.3718 (17.4%)




Unfortunately, government-themed attacks on your cyber security are just something you're going to have to accept as part of our modern world. Of course, as always, a little common sense (don't click on any porn from politicians' sites), good browsing habits, and up-to-date security software should keep you safe. [From: Security Labs Blog]
Related Links:

Celebrity Hackings

    In 2007, a hack on 'Hills' star Heidi Montag's Web site claimed that she and Spencer Pratt spread the false rumors of an alleged Lauren Conrad sex tape.

    Getty Images

    Over the course of the 2008 presidential race, both the Obama and McCain campaigns fell victim to foreign hackers, Newsweek revealed after the election. Before the FBI and White House became aware of the breach, the cyber bandits had made off with sensitive policy positions, officials believed.

    Getty Images

    In 2007, somebody hacked Carrie Underwood's MySpace page, turning it into a spam-spewing ringtone promotion. For some reason, we find this one hysterical, and somewhat fitting.

    Getty Images

    In 2007, hackers got hold of Alicia Keys' MySpace page, turning it into a multi-pronged viral attack. Visitors were attacked by spyware through fake video prompts, bogus links and, as if that weren't enough, simply by visiting the site itself.

    Getty Images

    Just Tuesday, a hacker posted the following on Britney Spears' Twitter page: "Hi Yall! Brit Brit here, just wanted to update you all on the size of my vagina. It's about 4 feet wide with razor sharp teeth." Yeesh.

    Getty Images

    Reality show personality Shanna Moakler posted the contact information of Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton on her MySpace page in 2007. According to Moakler, she was simply seeking vengeance on the pair, who she was convinced were responsible for posting her own information on MySpace.

    Getty Images

    After Madonna uploaded an MP3 of herself saying, "What the f--- do you think you're doing?" on various file-trading services, somebody hacked their way into the singer's Web site. There, the individual posted unreleased songs from Madonna's forthcoming album 'American Life' with a simple message: "This is what the f--- I think I'm doing."

    Getty Images

Tags: barack obama, BarackObama, breaking news, BreakingNews, hacker, hackers, my.barackobama.com, obama, security, top, virus

Comments

41

HuffPost AOL Social News Most Popular