An antivirus software maker says it has developed a free detection module for a rogue application announced last week by a group of hackers.
Panda Software, a Spanish company, says the addition to their antivirus software detects and deletes BackOrifice, an application that lets a hacker take control of a Windows machine over a network.
Created by "The Cult of the Dead Cow," BackOrifice can be spread as a file attachment or a Trojan horse. Once active, it lets a remote user access file systems, network information, registry procedures, network traffic and keystrokes. It also can reveal passwords to the hackers.
To combat BackOrifice, Panda added a string to its Panda Antivirus software to detect the application.
BackOrifice was unveiled at last week's DefCon hacker convention in Las Vegas.
The software add-on will be available this week on Panda's Web site at pandasoftware.com.
RELATED LINKS
Convention exposes hackers' dark underbelly
Network World, 8/10/98
Learning from Hackers
Dave Kearns gives his take on this year's DefCon. Network World, 8/10/98.
Cult of the Dead Cow
Includes downloadable copy of BackOrifice.
Hacking Culture and the Passion for Knowledge
Writings by Richard Thieme on hacking.
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