Fractured
Jul 19 2005, 08:12 AM
QUOTE
July 17: A virus that originally masqueraded as a DVD copying programme is erasing MP3 files on millions of computers around the world.
The recent outbreak of the W32 or Nopir-B was spread largely through shady sites devoted to exchanging music files.
The virus erases all MP3 files on infected computers and files ending in ".com".
Internet users should avoid downloading software from sites online with which they are not familiar. Exercising such caution can be one's best protection against viruses transmitted online, said Mr Michael Dickopf, security expert at the Office of Information Technology Security (BSI) in Bonn.
Mr Dickopf indicated that the Nopir-B virus is designed to look like a DVD cracking programme that allows users to bypass copyright protections built into DVD discs that prohibit unauthorised copying.
The whole deletion of MP3 files and other data occurs when users attempt to run the programme.
The virus is now being spread by e-mail as well as from direct download. So far the virus has not been deemed to be highly dangerous, since it is not yet widespread, said Mr Dickopf.
He advised all computer users to update their anti-virus signatures to protect the MP3 files from the Nopir-B virus.
hxxp://navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=071812
heh i had thought of this idea a long time ago as a way for the Music Industry to fight back... wonder what took them so long....=P
Yorn
Jul 21 2005, 12:24 PM
Well, the problem is that they can't delete files from your computer.
I know, it sounds wierd, but even copyrighted materials stored on your computer can't be deleted. You can be held liable and forced to delete them, but the MPAA and RIAA can't delete them for you.
slynx
Jul 21 2005, 12:44 PM
QUOTE
I know, it sounds wierd, but even copyrighted materials stored on your computer can't be deleted. You can be held liable and forced to delete them, but the MPAA and RIAA can't delete them for you.
...not legally, anyway. i have my theories.....
Yorn
Jul 21 2005, 12:47 PM
Yeah, good point. If they want to sue you, they can't delete them. But maybe if they don't want to sue, then they'll just release software that deletes them.
slynx
Jul 21 2005, 12:52 PM
welcome to my world of thinking.....
doesn't it suck thinking everyone and everything's out to get you?
:-p
Cyberbob
Jul 21 2005, 01:09 PM
The virus creators just want us to think it's the RIAA...
It's really microsoft trying to promote thier superior WMA fromat.
We're onto you Bill Gates
slynx
Jul 21 2005, 01:35 PM
....i never even thought about that possibility.... damn they're good
seriously though; who would do something like this? i mean, anyone using a computer (which the virus writer obviously was) at some point or another listens to an mp3 file, so why write something to delete mp3s??
if they had any self-respect, their virus would steal everyone's mp3 files instead of deleting them....
.... not to give anyone ideas or anything though.....
Cyberbob
Jul 21 2005, 01:46 PM
...Well like most virus writers, these people enjoy destroying things and causing chaos.
When most people get hit by some trojan or spyware they either delete it or reinstall, then move on. But waking up one mourning and finding your 1,678 mp3 songs missing and no back-up can cause any sane-minded person to curl up into a ball in the corner and mutter the lyrics to their favorite Bruce Springsteen song
I think it is a good idea, if I were a virus writer because most home user's most important files are probably music.
slynx
Jul 21 2005, 01:50 PM
You know.... there have been quite a few very talented virus writers. It's amazing the best thing they can think of to do is cause needless destruction.
And that's all I have to say. Thanks for bringing this up, Fractured.
slynx
Jul 21 2005, 01:52 PM
wait a minute......
so, uhh.... Cyberbob....
http://www.sophos.com/virusinfo/analyses/w32nopirb.html[Click Advanced tab, picture displayed by Nopir-B]
Coincidence?
AdmiralB
Jul 21 2005, 06:41 PM
since all the music companys are now cooperating to fight music piracy...i do believe in the possibility they illegal ask for virus writers to erm *cough* even the odds
myth
Jul 21 2005, 10:31 PM
My bloody god, its not a f-ing conspiracy against downloaders.
Its probably some guy in a band that hates it when people download mp3's, so he wrote a quick program that'll delete them.
Its not hard to write a program to search for *.mp3 then rd *.mp3 and bind it to another program or just fill up the data space with useless junk...
aelphaeis_mangarae
Jul 21 2005, 11:32 PM
This is not suprising to me at all....
I mean I remember hearing about the RIAA having contact with hacker groups such as "Gobbles" and how they say these groups would be helping them.
Obviously this is illegal and these guys should be punished....wouldn't be suprised if some virus writer counters them by creating a virus which destroys this one and DDoS's there website(s).
cd_room
Jul 23 2005, 10:44 AM
Hi, everyone.
I just finished reading the decriptions of Nopir-B virus and i have to say, that is quiet a impressive virus.
And about the writer of this virus, well i think i could be anyone, group or government agent or both.
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