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Antivirus companies are the virus!

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<< This is old news Magic Lantern has been around a while.. It's been stopped by most anti-virus software and the FBI complained. Still a firewall even a simple one will stop it from entering. Nothing comes or goes unless you are an expert. Most of the FBI's trojan stuff is old just like the news of Magic Lantern.
Besides you only have to worry if you are up to no good or are a suspect of some kind in a Federal investigation. They have to obtain a warrant first. If they don't and your software has tracking capabilities like mine you can cause lots of waves.. >>



to me, the bigger issue would be, not the gov. spying as much as, if the AV companies give in, and their software ignores it, it becomes a "free ride" for crackers, a guaranteed way in, with no detection. That seems worse to me. I couldnt care less if the government sees my computer, what I do, etc.
 
<<The issue isn't really whether or how such a device could be blocked, the issue is how far and how underhandedly a government agency is willing to go to get information that it "thinks" it is privvy to.

Should the FBI have some sort of ability to get information from suspected criminals' computers? Surely.
Should the FBI in that same process gain the ability to access ANYONE's information who happens to be "infected?"
Is it right for the FBI to ask A/V developers to "overlook" a specific virus so that it can violate the privacy of millions?
What about when "Magic Lantern" propagates to computers OUTSIDE the USA? What are the implications when it makes it into the network of high-members of Chinese government and starts sending back everything they type?

This isn't something that should be taken lightly...the Federal Bureau of Investigation exists to solve national-level crimes. Their own security is NOT guaranteed. If they have a database that could contain PGP passkeys, credit card #s, plain text network passwords, ANYTHING, and that database falls into the wrong hands, what does THAT mean?

You should still have linux and a firewall (how about a linux firewall?) but the FBI shouldn't be allowed to pull this kind of crap without a judge's approval.
Furthermore, the existence of this plan should be known by all. Their underhandedness is particularly disturbing, and is stunningly demonstrated by the lack of awareness on ATOT, knowing that ATOT is generally populated by fairly tech-savvy people. If we aren't aware, how can average joe-sixpack possibly know?

It's sad.>>

Let's get one thing straight they don't care about you or anyone elsses personal stuff unless you are suspect. Ever hear of the super computer.. The already know what and when you do everything and there isn't a thing you can do
F.Y.I.: Last I checked the FBI isn't the big guy on the block the CIA is. So you are or have been watched online many a time. WAKE UP! It's not sad it's not personal it's national security accept it or don't go online! This is all old news the FBI's stuff doesn't give a rat's turd hole about Joe six-pack or his drunken stoopers. No offense but nobody here has any info. worth worming or hacking for. This is rediculous and alot of parinoid bumbling non-sense so just get over it!!
 
<<to me, the bigger issue would be, not the gov. spying as much as, if the AV companies give in, and their software ignores it, it becomes a "free ride" for crackers, a guaranteed way in, with no detection. That seems worse to me. I couldnt care less if the government sees my computer, what I do, etc. >>

My answer to that is........... Spyware is as old as time. If you know how to stop it you don't have a problem... Do you? I know some ways but you can't stop um all ao read the post above this one.
 
erwin1978 -- << I'm not currently using one >>

There are plenty of real viruses on the loose, and you are an open invitation to their disaster. That wouldn't be so bad if you were the only potential target, but you obviously don't know about VBS viruses. They're the ones that go into your address book and/or your inbox and resend themselves to every address they find. That means you are putting everyone in your address book, and ever friend who sends you any e-mail, at risk.

If you don't believe that, you, sir, are a full blown maniac. :Q
 


<< Besides, its too late already. Have you ever had a flu shot? If so the nanomachines that track your movement, position, thoughts, and bowel movements are already in your system!!! Same if you've eaten a twinkie in your life. >>

No it's toothpaste they're using to control us. The flu shot rumor wa sjust put out by the government to cover up the tootpaste scandal. Why do you think they tell us to brush twice a day? If you knew what I knew and read what I've read, you'd never brush your teeth again.
 


<< Let's get one thing straight they don't care about you or anyone elsses personal stuff unless you are suspect. >>


If that's the case, then the FBI has no business asking for monkeybrains to hand over their entire database. The FBI has overstepped their bounds.
If they are interested in a specific person or persons, wouldn't the have asked for that information? Were they to obtain a supoena/warrant, they would have only been able to acquire information about specific people or incidents.



<< Ever hear of the super computer.. The already know what and when you do everything and there isn't a thing you can do >>



Whoa...you haven't been wearing your tinfoil beanie!
If you're referring to the so-called "Carnivore" system, you're talking about a device installed at an ISP, with the ISPs consent, from which information can only be obtained through a warrant.
In the case of the "Magic Lantern" system, they're talking about invading your computer through subversive means and installing a bug that allows them to watch and see everything you do. Were they to use this they way they use wiretaps, I wouldn't be able to complain. But would you let the FBI bug your house just in case the want to eavesdrop on you? What about the FBI bugging houses in the entire nation? How about other countries?
And all this without even telling you they did it?
It sounds remarkably like a certain Orwell novel....except Orwell's book was supposed to be satirical....it wasn't supposed to really happen...ever.

Think about the implications.



<< F.Y.I.: Last I checked the FBI isn't the big guy on the block the CIA is. So you are or have been watched online many a time. WAKE UP! It's not sad it's not personal it's national security accept it or don't go online! >>


National security? The CIA is NOT a crime-fighting organization. What the CIA does, they're not going to tell you b/c what good is your intelligence if everyone knows you have it? Since I don't really know what the CIA is up to, I can't really say much....can you?
The FBI IS a crime-fighting organization and they DO deal with threats to national security. But if that's what they're after, they will go after it. They don't need to have a keylogger on YOUR computer to learn more about Mohammad Atta or some paedophile in Michigan. Furthermore, should that keylogger be compromised by someone OTHER than the FBI, the data it logs (SSN, Credit card #, passkeys, anything you type) could easily be used for ill. The Feds can't secure their OWN computers, so now they can propagate insecurity nationwide? Thanks, guys.



<< This is all old news the FBI's stuff doesn't give a rat's turd hole about Joe six-pack or his drunken stoopers. No offense but nobody here has any info. worth worming or hacking for. This is rediculous and alot of parinoid bumbling non-sense so just get over it!! >>


Then why do they want it? Why do they need ready access to it, when in the event that they DO care, there are ways for them to get it? If I'm suspected of a crime and a judge gives them a green light to install a keylogger on my computer (Nicky Scarfo, anyone?) that's one thing. It's an entirely different can of worms to propagate a virus to computers worldwide, not only outside of their power within their jurisdiction, but outside their jurisdiction entirely.
I'm not big on distrusting the government, but since when does the government get to have a listen on my cybering with my gf?

Go watch "Brazil" tonite and read "1984" when you're finished. When you've finished laughing, stop and think about what the Feds are proposing with this "Magic Lantern." The resemblance is eerie.

[Hello to all my fans in domestic surveillance]
 


<< All of these viruses you'all have mentioned are old news. New material please😉 >>



I don't recall anyone here mentioning any viruses by name in this thread.
Unless you're referring to my original reference to the Badtrans/Monkeybrains incident. In which case, you didn't follow my links before you started to criticise; shame on you. The story about the FBI requesting access to Monkeybrains' Badtrans database happened THIS MORNING.

Hardly old news. An interesting development, however, when compared to slightly older news regarding "Magic Lantern." And if THAT was such old news, there'd be more than 4 people in this thread who had heard of it.
 
<<<I don't recall anyone here mentioning any viruses by name in this thread.
Unless you're referring to my original reference to the Badtrans/Monkeybrains incident. In which case, you didn't follow my links before you started to criticise; shame on you. The story about the FBI requesting access to Monkeybrains' Badtrans database happened THIS MORNING.

Hardly old news. An interesting development, however, when compared to slightly older news regarding "Magic Lantern." And if THAT was such old news, there'd be more than 4 people in this thread who had heard of it.>>>


Maybe you should pay better attention then. Magic Lantern is mentioned and other virus types are mentioned most not by their names but all of the types are old news. Who said I heard all about them here? I didn't say anyone mentioned specs other than Magic Lantern so please pay attention to what I write before you comment on it. Thank you.
 


<< Maybe you should pay better attention then. Magic Lantern is mentioned and other virus types are mentioned most not by their names but all of the types are old news. Who said I heard all about them here? I didn't say anyone mentioned specs other than Magic Lantern so please pay attention to what I write before you comment on it. Thank you. >>



Oh really? Then why did you say:


<< All of these viruses you'all have mentioned are old news. New material please >>



You were obviously referring to mention of viruses within this thread, except there were few references. Perhaps you should have said "This type of virus is old news." Don't condescend to me when your own lack of clarity is the cause of the question. I paid attention to what you wrote, and it lacked in the "sense" department. Nice work.

In any case, when I said:


<< Hardly old news. An interesting development, however, when compared to slightly older news regarding "Magic Lantern." And if THAT was such old news, there'd be more than 4 people in this thread who had heard of it. >>



I wasn't saying that YOU didn't hear about it somewhere else, I'm saying that obviously the people reading this haven't heard about it. Woopdeedoo if it's old news for you. It is for me, too. But it's apparently new to many people here. In fact, you accuse me of not paying attention, what that pretty much explicitly states that there are 4 people here who know about Magic Lantern.

Of course, you still make no commentary on the concept of the FBI indiscriminately wiretapping computers around the world...which I'm sure you read.....
right?

Edit:
And one other thing: Your dismissal that a firewall will save you from this isn't as good as you think it is. Depending on how the virus propagates (e-mail, for instance...just like BadTrans), a firewall will do jack to keep it out, AND the only home-user firewall that prevents outbound transmission is ZoneAlarm....and if the FBI is willing to try and coerce A/V vendors into "ignoring" their little virus, who is to say they wouldn't try to coax firewall vendors into doing the same? "Put logic in the firewall that always allows both inbound and outbound traffic bearing this pattern..."

 
Regarding AV companies turning away the FBI, I doubt it. They could deny it all they want but the FBI has got a hold on them. When the first guy broke the news to the AV company(unnamed) they reported him to the FBI. Something smells fishy there and I'm not talking about your wife. The feds went to the guy's place within hours to make sure he didn't release to the public any solid facts. So, I know someone is coordinating with the feds.

The FBI has a warrant: nation security. They can practically do what ever they want and that includes forcing AV companies to spy on people. Phone taps have been done left and right and no one is stopping the FBI. What makes you think your computer is the exception.

I don't uses antivirus softwares because I know how to be careful. I have Doctor Mario.
 
Erwin, I ALMOST agree with you, except for the fact that not only do you lack credibility, you OWE credibility after the following line:


<< The Sears Towers is another name for the World Trade Center. If you live in New York you'd know. >>



Let me guess....you don't live in New York, do you?
I don't live in Chicago, but I can tell you that The World Trade Center is NOT another name for The Sears Tower.

That and you're a little more conspiratorial than I can stomach. Based on my previous comments, if the Feds already did have A/V vendors by the balls, why would they have bothered asking monkeybrains for their data? They could just go get it themselves. You'd have to provide a reference to back your statement up.

EDIT: Can I put that line in my sig?
 
The Sears Towers is another name for the World Trade Center. If you live in New York you'd know.
Ya, right.
 
According to chapter 9, section 11 of the Conspiracy Theory Almanac, the Sears Tower is the diabolical twin of the World Trade Center. There have been reports of the two buildings switching spots in the twilight of night, leaving residents of their two respective cities bewildered during the day as to the whereabouts of their prized towers and what is the other building doing in their city. It was only in 1999 that the buildings were finally stapled to their final spot and no more skyscraper switching have been reported.

That's why I was confused. Thanks for schooling me, Jzero. I appreciate it. Feel free to put it in your sig as long as you quote me. I deserve it.

Oh, my, damn. For six years I have linked the Sears Tower to the World Trade Center. I am blushing like an old white lady sun bathing.
 


<< According to chapter 9, section 11 of the Conspiracy Theory Almanac, the Sears Tower is the diabolical twin of the World Trade Center. There have been reports of the two buildings switching spots in the twilight of night, leaving residents of their two respective cities bewildered during the day as to the whereabouts of their prized towers and what is the other building doing in their city. It was only in 1999 that the buildings were finally stapled to their final spot and no more skyscraper switching have been reported. >>



ROFL.....those must have been some staples!



<< That's why I was confused. Thanks for schooling me, Jzero. I appreciate it. Feel free to put it in your sig as long as you quote me. I deserve it.

Oh, my, damn. For six years I have linked the Sears Tower to the World Trade Center. I am blushing like an old white lady sun bathing. >>



Hehehe....I bet that really turns your world upside down.....if I may confuse you further, there actually is a tallish building in the Inner Harbor in Baltimore Maryland that IS called the World Trade Center!
I tip my cap to someone who is tough enough to admit to being confused about something like this for so long. I know I would never have admitted it.
 
About six years ago I lived in a small town in Wisconsin, then we moved to New York: a huge transition in my life. Looking at the picture posted by UnixFreak I can see why I got confused. The topmost tower looks similar to the WTC, even the antenna. I probably saw a similar picture back then and took a quick glance and figured the other tower was behind it and not visible and the smaller towers were separate buildings.
 


<< You know, I used to hear the black helicopters, and I thought they must be outside, but there were'nt any there. Now I realize that the black helicopters are invisible!

Run!!!!

Besides, its too late already. Have you ever had a flu shot? If so the nanomachines that track your movement, position, thoughts, and bowel movements are already in your system!!! Same if you've eaten a twinkie in your life.

Everything is collected in a super computer we call "Beverly" and used to control the common man. >>



DUH!!!
Didn't anyone see the Matrix? We are all actually in a jar of pink goo
 
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