GHOSTNET and the death of privacy

Almost 1300 computers in 103 countries have been hacked by a spy ring, perhaps in China, perhaps enabled by the Chinese government. A Canadian research team, acting on behalf of the Dalai Lama--whose computer had been attacked--found the trail and has uncovered this much so far.

The malware is remarkable both for its sweep — in computer jargon, it has not been merely “phishing” for random consumers’ information, but “whaling” for particular important targets — and for its Big Brother-style capacities. It can, for example, turn on the camera and audio-recording functions of an infected computer, enabling monitors to see and hear what goes on in a room.

This is more than just a bit creepy. We once thought of television being the main channel by which the world of evil infiltrated every home. Now evil people have found a new more perverse way to infiltrate. Strangers who are likely enemies can now turn on the camera and recording functions of your computer.

Want privacy? It may come at the cost of serious personal technological downsizing.