Could free software be turned against us?

rsquaredz · Cadet Joined: May 08, 2004 Posts: 1 Location: USA

Hello Security minded individuals that may have stumbled upon this posting,

In light of the increase of spyware and trojan code I am troubled by the ready availability of free or even "legitimately" purchased software that may have alternative long range goals.

Think about the possibility of downloading a free virus scanner or bot removal tool on to your computer. In order for such software to be effective it must be frequently updated. Depending on the mode of update the author could replace wholesale, a piece or the entire program during the update process. Could not then a previously friendly application be replaced with a rogue application that could destroy your PC in the best case scenario or penetrate national security in a worst case scenario. I think if you let your imagination wonder here the possibilities you come up with will begin to give even the most paranoid security freaks a case of the willies that won't soon subside.

On my own computer I use AVG Grisoft (the free edition) and SpyBot. Both applications appear to be good applications and are highly acclaimed Internet wide. Grisoft is based in Czechlosovakia(sp) and the makers of SpyBot hale from Germany with the Mirrors being based in yet other countries. Another application that is used widely in our own government and schools, Sophos, hales from Russia. What an incredible opportunity for a rogue nation or state with hidden intentions to hijack an entire country's security infrastructure simply by offering inexpensive or free "apparently legitimate" software. Now there is a Trojan of epic proportions.

Think about it.

Ron Reyer, Jr.
A paranoid security nut in Holbrook, PA., USA

qwertz · Cadet Joined: May 22, 2004 Posts: 5 Location: Australia

well rsquaredz, i guess we're all going to have to unplug and start developing our own software (similar to computers first released, with each machine having its software tailored for the system.
as for national security, who cares if a couple of schools are affected, serves the comittee of that school right for trusting their network security on "free" software (cheap bastards). most institutions are government funded anyway so software / if not hardware is all up to scratch.
but i guess anythings possible, i would be more concerned about the likelihood of "freeware" applications being bought out by higher commercial corporations on the cash chain and influencing if not adding their own intentions to this "free" provided software.


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