More fear, uncertainty and doubt

GuyClapperton 0 Tallied Votes 125 Views Share

Here we go again. It seems like only last week (there's probably a reason for that) that I was at my desk talking about the amount of alarmist stuff about malware that's out there on the Internet. You know how it goes; someone proves in a lab that something can be done and before you know it there's a flurry of reportage to say we're all in danger.

This time it's keyboards. It is apparently possible that some people can monitor exactly what you're doing on your computer, the whole time, by checking your keystrokes. This isn't about employers monitoring employees - which is draconian but allowable as you're using their equipment - it's about malware and people actively spying on you.

Except...

All of this has been done in a lab. The scientists are sure it's possible to do it in the wild and what's more they think it could be done better than they've done it. Nevertheless, as of now, there are no reported instances of anyone applying this technology - the report I've seen points to nothing to suggest otherwise.

So, should we worry about people stealing passwords and bank account details online or not? My best guess is 'not' for the moment. I'll be happy to eat my words if they're proven wrong - but will resist doing so if and when any wrongdoers confirm they got the idea from reports about something that had been done in a lab.

jbennet 1,618 Most Valuable Poster Team Colleague Featured Poster

This time it's keyboards. It is apparently possible that some people can monitor exactly what you're doing on your computer, the whole time, by checking your keystrokes

Obvious.

And its not a new idea, its been an issue forever

thats why truly paranoid people use an on screen keyboard that changes position all the time.

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