Scammers exploit Apple iPad fever
Security firms have come across attempts to subvert search engines to catch out those seeking more information about the tablet.
Those who follow rogue links are re-directed to pages that scan their computer looking for loopholes and vulnerabilities.
Some scammers are using these to peddle security software and others are trying to steal valuable data.
Apple attack
Before and after the launch of the tablet computer, terms such as "Apple" and "iPad" were among the most popular on search sites and micro-blogging services such as Twitter.
Symantec said it had seen hi-tech criminals tuning booby-trapped webpages to show up near the top of search results when people go looking for more information.
Those visiting such webpages risk losing personal data, Symantec researcher Joji Hamada warned in a blog posting.
Looking for search terms such as "Apple Ipad rumor" or "Apple Ipad size" led people to sites peddling rogue security software, he said.
Methusela Ferrer of software firm CA said she had seen so-called "scraper sites" change to take advantage of iPad interest. Scraper sites are automated pages that grab or "scrape" information from news sites and other sources and combine them to keep their pages at the top of search results.
Scraper sites often sell their services to cyber criminals who create viruses and code to exploit vulnerabilities in browsers and other programs.
She said she had seen a sophisticated site that tuned its attack depending on whether visitors were using an Apple machine or a Windows PC.
Mac users got sent to a site that tried to entice them to use a credit card to pay for pirated movies. On another site users got sent to a site peddling fake Mac security software.
Another iPad-themed attack sends visitors to a site that poses as Google's search page and manipulates the results people see.
To avoid falling victim to hi-tech scams, security firms say people should ensure their machine has all the latest operating system patches, has up to date security software, uses a firewall and exercise caution when visiting unfamiliar sites.
Newsworthy events are regularly targeted by cyber conmen. For instance, the earthquake in Haiti has prompted some to try to trick people into handing over donations to conmen rather than charities.
Big events also often trigger a rash of e-mails that travel with booby-trapped attachments. Those opening the attachment often find their computer is hijacked by a virus and can mean credit card numbers and valuable logins are stolen.
8 Things That Suck About the iPad
A lot of people at Gizmodo are psyched about the iPad. Not me! My god, am I underwhelmed by it. It has some absolutely backbreaking failures that will make buying one the last thing I would want to do. Updated
Big, Ugly Bezel
Have you seen the bezel on this thing?! It's huge! I know you don't want to accidentally input a command when your thumb is holding it, but come on.
No Multitasking
This is a backbreaker. If this is supposed to be a replacement for netbooks, how can it possibly not have multitasking? Are you saying I can't listen to Pandora while writing a document? I can't have my Twitter app open at the same time as my browser? I can't have AIM open at the same time as my email? Are you kidding me? This alone guarantees that I will not buy this product.
No Cameras
No front facing camera is one thing. But no back facing camera either? Why the hell not? I can't imagine what the downside was for including at least one camera. Could this thing not handle video iChat?
Touch Keyboard
So much for Apple revolutionizing tablet inputs; this is the same big, ugly touchscreen keyboard we've seen on other tablets, and unless you're lying on the couch with your knees propping it up, it'll be awkward to use.
No HDMI Out
Want to watch those nice HD videos you downloaded from iTunes on your TV? Too damned bad! If you were truly loyal, you'd just buy an AppleTV already.
The Name iPad
Get ready for Maxi pad jokes, and lots of 'em!
No Flash
No Flash is annoying but not a dealbreaker on the iPhone and iPod Touch. On something that's supposed to be closer to a netbook or laptop? It will leave huge, gaping holes in websites. I hope you don't care about streaming video! God knows not many casual internet users do. Oh wait, nevermind, they all do.
Adapters, Adapters, Adapters
So much for those smooth lines. If you want to plug anything into this, such as a digital camera, you need all sorts of ugly adapters. You need an adapter for USB for god's sake.
Update: Why stop at 8? Here are more things we are discovering that suck about the iPad.
It's Not Widescreen
Widescreen movies look lousy on this thing thanks to its 4:3 screen, according to Blam, who checked out some of Star Trek on one. It's like owning a 4:3 TV all over again!
Doesn't Support T-Mobile 3G
Sure, it's "unlocked." But it won't work on T-Mobile, and it uses microSIMs that literally no one else uses.
A Closed App Ecosystem
The iPad only runs apps from the App Store. The same App Store that is notorious for banning apps for no real reason, such as Google Voice. Sure, netbooks might not have touchscreens, but you can install whatever software you'd like on them. Want to run a different browser on your iPad? Too bad!
A lot of people at Gizmodo are psyched about the iPad. Not me! My god, am I underwhelmed by it. It has some absolutely backbreaking failures that will make buying one the last thing I would want to do.
Source: http://gizmodo.com/5458382/8-things-that-suck-about-the-ipad