Gornichem, January, 29th, 2007 - IT security firm Sophos has reminded users of the necessity to run up-to-date anti-virus software as new reports reveal that a number of TomTom GO 910 satellite navigation devices for car drivers have been shipped with malware pre-installed.
An internet posting by British technology journalist Davey Winder contains a statement by the makers of the dashboard-mounted SatNav units acknowledging the incident, although at the time of writing there is no advisory on TomTom's website. According to Sophos, TomTom SatNav devices are Linux-based, and cannot be infected by the malware. However, Windows users who connect to the device via their USB port risk running the malicious code and infecting their desktop computers.
Marnix van Meer, Director Sophos Benelux explains: “Many devices have been proven to be vulnerable before, like the Apple Ipod, MP3 players and now TomTom devices. Both vendors and users need to protect themselves against malware infections. The level of security drops as soon as one of them is failing in this approach and then it could lead to a dead end street.”
Experts at Sophos recommend that any storage device which is attached to a computer is checked for virus and other malware before use. Floppy disks, CD ROMs, USB keys, external hard drives and other devices are all capable of carrying malicious code that could infect the computers of innocent users.
Sophos notes that this is not the first time that manufacturers have accidentally distributed malicious code to their customers on hardware devices. In October last year it was discovered that some Apple video iPods had shipped with the Troj/Bdoor-DIJ Trojan horse, and that the
Japanese subsidiary of McDonald's was recalling 10,000 MP3 players after discovering that a spyware Trojan horse was contained on the devices.
Sophos continues to recommend that computer users ensure their anti-virus software is up-to-date, and that companies protect themselves with a consolidated solution which can defend them from the threats of viruses, spyware and spam.
Further information can be found at:
www.sophos.com/pressoffice/news/articles/2007/01/tomtom.htmlAbout Sophos Benelux
Sophos Benelux, a Sophos distributorship located in Gorinchem, is dedicated to providing Sophos solutions and services to its partners, resellers and customers in the Benelux region. Sophos is a world leader in integrated threat management solutions, developing protection against viruses, spyware, spam and policy abuse for business, education and government.
About Sophos
Sophos is a world leader in integrated threat management solutions, developing protection against viruses, spyware, spam and policy abuse for business, education and government. Sophos’s reliably-engineered, easy-to-operate products protect more than 35 million users in more than 150 countries. Through 20 years’ experience and a global network of threat analysis centers, the company responds rapidly to emerging threats – no matter how complex – and achieves the highest levels of customer satisfaction in the industry.
For more information, please contact:
Sophos
Marnix van Meer
Tel: +31 655700255
m.vanmeer(at)sophosbenelux.com
Creative Strategies
Elke De Ridder
Tel: +32 2 267 41 60
ederidder(at)creative-strategies.be