I felt fear, awe, and even some admiration when I read at CNET about the latest social engineering attack dreamed up by those ingenious Russian hackers.
Those entering online dating forums risk having more than their hearts stolen.
A program that can mimic online flirtation and then extract personal
information from its unsuspecting conversation partners is making the
rounds in Russian chat forums, according to security software firm PC Tools.The artificial intelligence of CyberLover's automated chats is good
enough that victims have a tough time distinguishing the "bot" from a
real potential suitor, PC Tools said. The software can work quickly
too, establishing up to 10 relationships in 30 minutes, PC Tools said.
It compiles a report on every person it meets complete with name,
contact information, and photos.
Then again, there is one particular flaw when it comes to pulling identifiable information in an online dating forum. The flaw? It's a dating forum. I fear that this bot may find out that I'm a CEO of a multi-billion dollar company who likes to fly to the coast on weekends so I can sail one of my many yachts. Oh, I'm also still in my 20s, a chick magnet, and a full head of hair remains on top. Hopefully, the bots will not find this truthful information about me. Hmm, the feelings of fear, awe, and admiration I once felt for these hackers aren't so strong afterall.