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New 'Flame' Virus Found; EU Boosts Iran Sanctions

'Mini-flame' could steal data, control systems: experts

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 15, 2012 6:52 PM CDT

(Newser) – Cyber-security experts have spotted a small but precise "mini-virus" riding on the heels of Flame, the espionage tool designed by Israel and the US to undermine Iran's nuclear facilities, reports YNet News. Dubbed "mini-Flame," the new virus appears "designed to steal data and control infected systems," said the Russian-based Kaspersky Lab. So far the lab has spotted a few dozen mini-Flame infections in computers in Iran, Lebanon, the US, France, and Lithuania.

Also today, the EU amped up its sanctions against industry, shipping, and banking sectors in Iran in an effort to revive talks over the country's nuclear program. "I absolutely do think there is room for negotiations," said the EU's foreign policy chief. But Germany's foreign minister sounded a pessimistic note, saying Iran "is still playing for time." The EU had resisted imposing major industry bans for fear of hurting average Iranian citizens.

In this file photo taken on Saturday, June 21, 2003, the building of Tehran's nuclear research reactor is seen at the Iran's Atomic Energy Organization's headquarters, in Tehran, Iran.
In this file photo taken on Saturday, June 21, 2003, the building of Tehran's nuclear research reactor is seen at the Iran's Atomic Energy Organization's headquarters, in Tehran, Iran.   (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi, File)
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad speaks at a press conference in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad speaks at a press conference in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012.   (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 5 comments
Tology
Oct 16, 2012 3:54 AM CDT
Screw the average Iranian citizens, if they get angry enough they'll oust their idiot leaders.
guvner
Oct 15, 2012 7:13 PM CDT
"The EU had resisted imposing major industry bans for fear of hurting average Iranian citizens." Is there a bigger charade than these so-called sanctions? Consider also that Obama granted exemptions to Iran oil buying to China (Iran's biggest customer), and Japan. Completely useless. The end result will be a nuclear armed Iran. The Saudis and Bahrain have actually as much to lose as Israel from this threat.
 

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