A rather worrying computer virus has hit Japan which allows hackers to take control of another person's machine and use it for whatever means they wish.
This virus has already claimed its first high-profile victim in the shape of animator Masaki Kitamura, who was arrested (and subsequently released) in July after threats - which came from his PC but were made by a third-party - to kill people in Akihabara, Japan's gaming and 'Otaku' capital.
This second attack relates directly to Nintendo, however. "This week, I'm going to blow up Nintendo headquarters," was the eerie message which anonymously appeared online last month. Japanese police were quick to act on this threat - which also included a bomb attack at the Ise Grand Shrine - and took a 27 year-old man into custody. He was released a week later, when it became apparently that he was a victim of the same virus which affected Kitamura.
[source kotaku.com, via www3.nhk.or.jp]
Comments 23
Well that sounds scary! I wouldn't know what to do with my life if the big Nintendo HQ went down with Shigsy and the rest...
So they found a virus that sends annonymous emails?
I get them every day. It's called spam.
whether it is a bomb threat or some guy telling me I have claim to £1,000,000 & all I need do is send my account details - at the end of the day it's the exact same thing. SPAM.
Huh.. I don't remember hearing about this..
Someone set us up the bomb!
These Bayonetta fanboys just won't quit.
@3dbrains The virus allows the hacker to take control of the victim's machine and post content on the web - such as the "This week, I'm going to blow up Nintendo headquarters" message, which appeared on an online message board. Content is then traced back to the victim's system, and they take the blame.
@Damo
I see. So this wasnt an email to Nintendo but a message board or forum post?
So my pc can be targetted and it would appear as though I said it?
Like a high risk facerape?
Facerape. Definition: To comment on a signed in facebook account not belonging to you. for example "I love cock"
That isn't good.
There are crazies in every corner of the world, its too bad they seem to be getting more and more pub every day.
I'm guessing Sony or Microsoft fanboys. Ugh, there is a reason why PC's have more virus issues. Most of everyone that can make a virus, loves Mac and Linux but hates PC's.
What jokers.
@3dbrains Haha,you could of spared us with that.I'm surprised though that its managed to stay up for more than an hour.Mind there's kids about here
I guess that is da bomb
Thats weird. I didn't hear about this either. Well, glad everything turned out okay so far. We haven't really had a huge run with cyber-terrorists in Japan, I mean, those things exist, but it doesn't happen so often here. From what I understand, the big countries for cyber-terrorism are the US, China (and Hong Kong), Russia and Germany.
Japan had a problem of a different nature for a while (a string of political money-laundering), but I haven't heard of that for a while, especially not since the earthquake. Anyway, that's a conversation for another time. Just glad it was only a prank. People here would be on edge about something like that, and things in general. We usually don't have to worry about any kind of large-scale harmful crime.
No matter how safe the country, we always have to be aware these things can happen anywhere.
@3dbrains Yeah, I mean, most of the users here are adults, but there are some young ones on too. I understand what you mean though. Just find a way to reference things or make jokes while using restraint.
There's a typo in the article's image. You forgot the word "the" before "...only bomber..."
I miss Bomberman:( R.I.P. Hudson Soft
I'm happy and sad at the same time. Happy that the threats weren't carried out, but sad that such a threat was made..
@John-San3 Fixed
Sad thing is, anytime there's a bomb threat, authorities have to act, whether it's lipstick on a bathroom mirror, an anonymous prank call from a payphone, or a Facebook post. Hijacking computers is not a new concept.
That said, there is a squadrun of Bob-ombs currently waiting to explode in Princess Peach'es basement. Yup, I just made a bogus Bob-omb threat on Peach'es castle, and Bowser is waiting in the bushes to make kidnapping as everyone evacuates in the caos. Take that, mushroom retainers!
How about they bomb the Sony and Microsoft headquarters instead? As long as everyone clears the buildings first, I wouldn't mind one bit. Well okay I'm kidding.
Thats a rather eerie though that a virus exists that can allow someone to control your computer from a remote terminal. I'd ask who would be dumb enough to pull such a stunt but that pretty much answers my question.
@3dbrains It's been nearly 3 years and that still hasn't been edited by someone, I am amazed at the sheer chance. (Seriously though, watch the language. Lucky for getting off easy.)
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