Miss Teen USA's 'creepware' ordeal
The FBI announced a major crackdown on malicious software known as Blackshares. It is nicknamed 'creepware,' for a good reason. This program can remotely hijack victims' computers, secretly turning on web cams, compromising hard drives and even capturing every keystroke.
Cassidy Wolf is Miss Teen U.S.A. and she is also a victim of 'creepware.' A former classmate installed Blackshares on her laptop, triggering an unimaginable nightmare. Ms. Wolf had no idea that her attacker was spying on her for about a year. She only learned about the violation when he e-mailed her compromising photos of herself, along with a blackmail threat to make the images public.
He was sentenced to 18-months in prison. Cassidy Wolf spoke to Anderson about her ordeal.
Cassidy Wolf also offered ac360.com her tips to help you stay safe on-line:
– Delete your browsing history and cookies often.
– Make difficult and unique passwords for each account with both symbols and numbers.
– Never click on an unknown link or open an email from an unfamiliar sender.
– Put a sticker over your web cam.
– Always be cautious of what you are doing on and around your computer.
Pamela Brown takes a closer look at Cassidy Wolf's ordeal and the FBI's crackdown on 'creepware.'
|
|
Filed under: FBI • Pamela Brown |
About this Show:
Anderson Cooper goes beyond the headlines to tell stories from many points of view, so you can make up your own mind about the news. Tune in weeknights at 8 and 10 ET on CNN.
Questions or comments? Send an email
Want to know more? Go behind the scenes with AC361°
Subscribe to the podcast
On Twitter
Search the AC360 blog
When I was growing up, the computer had to always be used in a public household place (kitchen or family room/den). I think this is still a very good rule of thumb to follow.