Malware Found On Brand-New Windows Netbook

An anonymous reader alerts us to an interesting development that Kaspersky Labs stumbled across. They purchased a new M&A Companion Touch netbook in order to test a new anti-virus product targeted at the netbook segment, and discovered three pieces of malware on the factory-sealed netbook. A little sleuthing turned up the likely infection scenario — at the factory, someone was updating Intel drivers using a USB flash drive that was infected with a variant of the AutoRun worm. "Installed along with the worm was a rootkit and a password stealer that harvests log-in credentials for online games such as World of Warcraft. ... To ensure that a new PC is malware-free, [Kaspersky] recommended that before users connect the machine to the Internet, they install security software, update it by retrieving the latest definition file on another computer, and transferring that update to the new system, then running a full antivirus scan."

Convenience!

[clang_jangle]

I'm so glad to see this innovative feature finally being boldly embraced by an OEM. Until now, it's been sheer drudgery, waiting the twelve minutes or so it takes to get a new Windows install infected just felt like forEVar!

Re:Or...

[Anarchduke]

I like that idea. Of course, I like it because I could charge those people to install their operating system for them at 60 bucks an hour.

3?

[Anonymous Coward]

Autorun worm, Windows...thats only 2...where is the third malware item?

Redundant headline?

[noidentity]

Malware Found On Brand-New Windows Netbook

You repeat yourself.

Re:Ha ha.

[Anonymous Coward]

I'd hate to find windows on a brand-new malware netbook.

I didn't get any malware

[Provocateur]

so I am returning mine. Why do THEY get all the good stuff?? You mean I have to go ONLINE and download this 'malware' myself?? And they get 3 out of the box!

DON'T even THINK about making me pay for shipping the return!!

Comment removed

[account_deleted]

Comment removed based on user account deletion

Re:Ha ha.

[The Grim Reefer2]

Yeah. Also, how come every time I buy batteries, they aren't included?

Stephen Wright, is that you?

True user experience

[Anonymous Coward]

Well, the factory clearly provides a superior level of service. Users can get the true Windows Experience right out of the box.

Re:Right.....

[TheP4st]

You insensitive clod, I am a 40 year old virgin and moved out of the basement a year ago!