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20 Feb 2006
An IT security consultant has developed a program designed to scan corporate networks for sensitive files and automatically transfer them to an iPod.
The 'slurp.exe' application fits on a standard iPod and when activated searches a network for relevant file formats, such as Word and Excel documents.
Consultants at Sharp Ideas wrote the application as a proof of concept and posted it on the corporate website. It has since been hobbled so that it cannot copy files, but just counts how many are available.
"Using slurp.exe on my iPod it took me 65 seconds to copy all document files (*.doc, *.xls, *.htm, *.url, *.xml, *.txt, etc.) off of my computer as a logged in user," said the originator in an article on the topic on the corporate website.
"Without a username and password I was able to use a boot CD Rom to bypass the login password and copy the document files from my hard drive to my iPod in about three minutes 15 seconds."
The company is recommending that iPods are banned from offices and that USB connections to corporate PCs are terminated. Information should also be stored on a central encrypted server rather than on individual PCs.
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Do you agree?
Control is the key
The use of removable media devices should be promoted as they are now a recognised and valuable business tool not just a consumer device. USB flash drives and other removable media devices can act as beneficial business enablers allowing people to carry large volumes of data around with them which contributes hugely to providing a workforce with mobile capabilities. However, devices like memory sticks and mp3 players do need to be carefully managed to mitigate any risk to the business.
Posted by: Andy Campbell, Managing Director, Reflex Magnetics 24 Feb 2006
Paranoid dopes
This is absolute paranoia probably sparked by Microsoft. They will do anything to try and slow the ipod economy because it is a threat to their existence. Maybe Microsoft should work on building an OS as cool as Mac OS then they wouldn't need to be worried. As for all you corporate folks... Just switch! Macs are better anyway. Your productivity will go up and your support time will go down.
Posted by: Brad 21 Feb 2006
Yawn.
I remember doing the same thing with xcopy and a floppy. iPod is evil Captain Crunch device, run for the hills. Just mind the bird flu.
Posted by: Rod Shuffler 20 Feb 2006
Barnum was right
And back in the '80's it was "Consultant shows company how he can copy files from a computer to floppy drive. Recommends company ban floppy drives and hire him to install expensive servers." As far as this article is concerned, someone who is properly logged into their computer can back up their files to an iPod. And this is news?
Posted by: JohnD 20 Feb 2006
USB flash drive is just as big a threat
Why are they picking on the iPod specifically? Any USB flash drive with a scanning program is just as dangerous.
Posted by: none 20 Feb 2006