The Scarlet Pimp
Supreme Member
- Apr 2, 2008
- 1,409
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This is gonna cost 'em! 
Samsung Reportedly Installing Keylogger Software On Consumer Laptops, Privacy Advocates Flip
By Darren Murphy
Mar 30th 2011 6:28PM
We'll start by saying that we've reached out to Samsung for a response here, but as of now, no reply has been given -- neither a confirmation nor a refusal of truth.
Why bother mentioning that?
If this here story proves true, Sammy could have a serious problem on its hands -- a problem that'll definitely start with a rash of negative PR, and a quandary that could very well end the outfit up in the courtroom.
According to a report by Mohamed Hassan over at Network World, Samsung allegedly took the initiative to install a keylogger into his recently purchased R525 and R540 laptops.
The app was noticed right away after a security scan on both systems, with StarLogger popping up with the c:\windows\SL directory.
Where things really get strange is on the support line; reportedly, a supervisor informed Mr. Hassan (after an earlier denial) that the company did indeed install the software at the factory in order to "monitor the performance of the machine and to find out how it is being used."
Unfortunately, it's difficult to say if this is a widespread issue, or if the tale is entirely correct, but we get the feeling that Samsung will have little choice but to respond in some form or fashion here shortly.
Naturally, we'll keep you abreast of the situation -- meanwhile, you may want to reconsider that hate-filled comment you're about to bang out on your Samsung laptop.
http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/samsung-reportedly-installing-keylogger-software-on-r525-privac/
Samsung Reportedly Installing Keylogger Software On Consumer Laptops, Privacy Advocates Flip
By Darren Murphy
Mar 30th 2011 6:28PM
We'll start by saying that we've reached out to Samsung for a response here, but as of now, no reply has been given -- neither a confirmation nor a refusal of truth.
Why bother mentioning that?
If this here story proves true, Sammy could have a serious problem on its hands -- a problem that'll definitely start with a rash of negative PR, and a quandary that could very well end the outfit up in the courtroom.
According to a report by Mohamed Hassan over at Network World, Samsung allegedly took the initiative to install a keylogger into his recently purchased R525 and R540 laptops.
The app was noticed right away after a security scan on both systems, with StarLogger popping up with the c:\windows\SL directory.
Where things really get strange is on the support line; reportedly, a supervisor informed Mr. Hassan (after an earlier denial) that the company did indeed install the software at the factory in order to "monitor the performance of the machine and to find out how it is being used."
Unfortunately, it's difficult to say if this is a widespread issue, or if the tale is entirely correct, but we get the feeling that Samsung will have little choice but to respond in some form or fashion here shortly.
Naturally, we'll keep you abreast of the situation -- meanwhile, you may want to reconsider that hate-filled comment you're about to bang out on your Samsung laptop.
http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/samsung-reportedly-installing-keylogger-software-on-r525-privac/
