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Technical Help & Discussion => General Tech Discussion, News & Q&A => Topic started by: Clive on June 30, 2011, 16:27

Title: Security researchers discover 'indestructible' botnet
Post by: Clive on June 30, 2011, 16:27
More than four million PCs have been enrolled in a botnet security experts say is almost 'indestructible'.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-13973805
Title: Re: Security researchers discover 'indestructible' botnet
Post by: sam on June 30, 2011, 16:49
pretty epic software I say. Well done to the spammers.
Title: Re: Security researchers discover 'indestructible' botnet
Post by: Simon on July 01, 2011, 00:11
I've got a feeling a computer I was asked to fix this afternoon may be infected with that.  :(
Title: Re: Security researchers discover 'indestructible' botnet
Post by: davy51 on July 01, 2011, 01:48
Looks like a lot are and dont know it :bawl:
Title: Re: Security researchers discover 'indestructible' botnet
Post by: sam on July 01, 2011, 06:58
bin hard drive. put new one in. simples.  :devil:
Title: Re: Security researchers discover 'indestructible' botnet
Post by: davy51 on July 01, 2011, 15:21
Naw a reformat and a security over write will clear it from a drive

As we build a better bug trap they will build a better bug
Title: Re: Security researchers discover 'indestructible' botnet
Post by: sam on July 01, 2011, 15:35
Yeah but smashing hdds is fun and tales less time - can you tell I've been gerting hardware from IBM yet lol.

And yeah that's the sensible action.

There always be a hacker smarter than the security folk its the way the world works
Title: Re: Security researchers discover 'indestructible' botnet
Post by: Clive on July 01, 2011, 16:50
How do you go about smashing a HDD Sam?  I have two two trash at the moment - one of my son's and one of mine.  They are not the easiest things in the world to destroy if you don't own an angle grinder.   :dunno:
Title: Re: Security researchers discover 'indestructible' botnet
Post by: GillE on July 01, 2011, 16:53
Won't a hammer and a nail do the job?

:dunno:
Title: Re: Security researchers discover 'indestructible' botnet
Post by: Clive on July 01, 2011, 17:18
They are surprisingly resilient Gill.  I've used a hacksaw in the past but it's a lot of hard work.  Hammers just cause dents and dented HDD's are easily read - apparently.  Council recycling depots are notorious for selling HDD's to criminals.
Title: Re: Security researchers discover 'indestructible' botnet
Post by: Rodders on July 01, 2011, 17:49
I always dismantle my retired/knackered drives.  Here's how:  Once you've peeled the label off, use a Torx screwdriver to undo the screws, then remove the top casing.  Now undo the collar holding the platter(s) and get medieval with them using something pointy.

As an added bonus, you'll find that every drive comes with a free neodymium magnet that's so strong you could stick a family-size saloon car to your fridge door.
Title: Re: Security researchers discover 'indestructible' botnet
Post by: sam on July 01, 2011, 18:21
They are surprisingly resilient Gill.  I've used a hacksaw in the past but it's a lot of hard work.  Hammers just cause dents and dented HDD's are easily read - apparently.  Council recycling depots are notorious for selling HDD's to criminals.


I think easily is the wrong word. It's quite hard to and ur average criminal won't have that kit. Do dents do a good job. But so does a drill and a hacksaw.
Title: Re: Security researchers discover 'indestructible' botnet
Post by: sam on July 01, 2011, 18:22
I always dismantle my retired/knackered drives.  Here's how:  Once you've peeled the label off, use a Torx screwdriver to undo the screws, then remove the top casing.  Now undo the collar holding the platter(s) and get medieval with them using something pointy.

As an added bonus, you'll find that every drive comes with a free neodymium magnet that's so strong you could stick a family-size saloon car to your fridge door.

Lol they do come with a hefty magnet just don't stick ur wallet near it
Title: Re: Security researchers discover 'indestructible' botnet
Post by: Simon on July 01, 2011, 21:50
Would repeatedly driving over one in a family sized saloon car do the trick?  ;D
Title: Re: Security researchers discover 'indestructible' botnet
Post by: sam on July 01, 2011, 22:39
Might not do the tyres any good
Title: Re: Security researchers discover 'indestructible' botnet
Post by: Simon on July 01, 2011, 23:30
True.
Title: Re: Security researchers discover 'indestructible' botnet
Post by: Clive on July 02, 2011, 01:11
I may borrow that angle grinder.  :-)
Title: Re: Security researchers discover 'indestructible' botnet
Post by: Simon on July 02, 2011, 01:26
Congrats on the 44,000!  :welldone:   :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
Title: Re: Security researchers discover 'indestructible' botnet
Post by: Clive on July 02, 2011, 09:04
 :woo:  Thank you Simon. 
Title: Re: Security researchers discover 'indestructible' botnet
Post by: sam on July 05, 2011, 09:32
 That's quite a lot of time away from sheep - good on ya
Title: Re: Security researchers discover 'indestructible' botnet
Post by: Clive on July 05, 2011, 12:10
 :smirks: