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Hackers Target Bloggers in Cyber-Faceoff

Viral gang sends users infected downloads in major web sweep affecting thousands

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 30, 2007 3:54 PM CDT

(Newser) – Hackers are attacking Google’s Blogger site and planting links to downloads potentially laden with viruses, the BBC reports. Some blogs have been updated with innocent-looking links promising news or digital greeting cards. But clicking on the links could give away users' private data or invite harmful spam messages. Google hasn't commented on the attack or how the site was penetrated.

The hackers are thought to be behind a storm of spam attacks that began in January; an industry analyst called them “experts at exploiting social engineering” to distribute viruses. The group—which remotely hijacks PCs from which to mount its attacks—has infected 1M computers this year by one estimate, and might be responsible for up to 6% of junk messages.

KRT BUSINESS STORY SLUGGED: WRK-CORPTERRORISM KRT PHOTOGRAPH BY CHARLES TRAINOR JR/MIAMI HERALD
KRT BUSINESS STORY SLUGGED: WRK-CORPTERRORISM KRT PHOTOGRAPH BY CHARLES TRAINOR JR/MIAMI HERALD   (KRT Photos)
Russian hackers have proved themselves a viable threat against first corporate, and now increasingly political targets.
Russian hackers have proved themselves a viable threat against first corporate, and now increasingly political targets.   (Shutterstock.com)
Russian hackers have proved themselves a viable threat against first corporate, and now increasingly political targets.
Russian hackers have proved themselves a viable threat against first corporate, and now increasingly political targets.   (Shutterstock.com)
For low-budget candidates, a few keystrokes from an anonymous volunteer can be a quick and dirty weapon.
For low-budget candidates, a few keystrokes from an anonymous volunteer can be a quick and dirty weapon.   (Shutterstock.com)
Russian hackers have proved themselves a viable threat against first corporate, and now increasingly political targets.
Russian hackers have proved themselves a viable threat against first corporate, and now increasingly political targets.   (Shutterstock.com)
Kia
Kia   ((c) Katie@!)
Macbook Pro Keyboard
Macbook Pro Keyboard   ((c) Tscherno)
Russian hackers have proved themselves a viable threat against first corporate, and now increasingly political targets.
Russian hackers have proved themselves a viable threat against first corporate, and now increasingly political targets.   (Shutterstock.com)
Proxy sites, like Proxy.org can circumvent company blocks, that keep workers unhappily on task.
Proxy sites, like Proxy.org can circumvent company blocks, that keep workers unhappily on task.   (Shutterstock.com)
The nations of Kazakhstan and Georgia have been accused of indulging in Soviet-era spy mania in their efforts at hindering online journalism in the name of national security.
The nations of Kazakhstan and Georgia have been accused of indulging in Soviet-era "spy mania" in their efforts at hindering online journalism in the name of national security.   (Shutterstock.com)
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Google • hacker • blog • virus • storm worm • blogger

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