Topic: Security researchers discover 'indestructible' botnet

[Clive]

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

[sam]

pretty epic software I say. Well done to the spammers.

[Simon]

I've got a feeling a computer I was asked to fix this afternoon may be infected with that. 

[davy51]

Looks like a lot are and dont know it

[sam]

bin hard drive. put new one in. simples. 

[davy51]

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

[sam]

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

[Clive]

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.   

[GillE]

Won't a hammer and a nail do the job?

[Clive]

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.

[Rodders]

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.

[sam]

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.

[sam]

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

[Simon]

Would repeatedly driving over one in a family sized saloon car do the trick? 

[sam]

Might not do the tyres any good