Where computers exist, so does the threat of computer viruses. All over the globe these insidious pieces of software code manage to find their way into desktops and laptops and wreak their havok. Not even outer space is immune. Recently NASA discovered that some computers on the International Space Station had been infected with a virus designed to steal passwords from online gamers.
Detected on July 25, the virus was identified as W32.Gammima.AG. According to California-based retail anti-virus software manufacturer Symantec, it is a Windows-based worm which spreads by copying itself onto removable media such as diskettes, CDs, DVDs, and USB and other external drives. It is capable of stealing passwords for online games and is classified as very low risk, according to Symantec's Web site.
The virus was discovered on several laptops on the space station. It did not infect the ISS's command and control computers, nor any ground-based systems at NASA. The virus is easily dispatched, but NASA is more concerned about how the virus got on board the station in the first place. According to NASA spokesperson Kelly Humphries, "This is basically a nuisance. We'll do our best to track down how it got there and close that gateway. This is not a frequent occurrence, but we have had viruses that have made their way on board before." NASA's interests lie more in plugging any holes in their systems that would allow viruses to enter their computers, especially if said viruses have a diabolical purpose, like disabling flight capabilities and sending the ISS hurtling from the sky to crash on Earth. I can see how a terrorist group might like to use a symbol of international goodwill and cooperation to further its own political and/or religious agenda.
In the meantime, NASA probably needs to check into the gaming habits of its astronauts and their immediate family members. Maybe somebody's son or daughter got impatient waiting his or her turn at the family desktop computer and decided to swipe Dad's work laptop to play a few quick rounds of Worlds of Wonder. An interesting IM from a fellow player about a cool Web site with free hints about the game, a quick visit, a quick download, and voila! Possibly it's the work of a disgruntled employee at NASA who needed a little extra cash and thought that he could pilfer a few passwords from the astronauts while they were playing in space (after all, it's not like they have work to do up there or anything). Or maybe my imagination is getting the better of me and it was just a plain old ordinary accident.
On the other hand, I'm a sucker for a conspiracy theory...!
