How private are your conversations while you drive in your car?

Experts at last week's What the Hack computer security conference in the Netherlands released software called Car Whisperer, hoping to demonstrate the flaws of Bluetooth.

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Bluetooth is a technology that allows users to join various devises such as PDAs, cellular phones and computers together over a short-range wireless connection. This hands-free technology is installed by manufacturers in some automobiles, often using the same, simple four-digit security code for every car.

While this code is meant to provide secure access to Bluetooth, The Car Whisperer software, developed by the Trifinite Group, exploits Bluetooth's simplicity. Once the code is cracked, the software tricks a passing car's Bluetooth system into connecting with a Linux computer. This connection then gives hackers the ability to eavesdrop on conversations and communicate with drivers.

While the ease at which the Bluetooth system can be hacked has no affect on car safety, such as airbags or brakes, it may be possible for hackers to find out other, more personal information.

Information, Protection and Prevention -- Car Whispering
• Trifinite's Car Whisperer

• Bluetooth

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These are viruses that are currently on the watch lists of major anti-virus software companies.

Name
What the threat is called. We use the name given each virus by Panda Software. Sometimes other anti-virus companies give the same threat a different name. Usually they use similar names.

Type
There are different characteristics associated with different types of threats.
• Virus - has the ability to replicate or infect computers or other programs
• Trojan Horse (or Trojan) - appear to be harmless programs when you get them. They unleash their payload when you double-click, open, or execute them.
• Phishing - a Web site or e-maill message posing as another company - usually one you know to fool you into giving the sender personal information.
• Worm - self replicates onto additional disks, computers or networks
• Spyware - installs on your system to collect information about your activity, preferences or interests
• Hoax - false messages sent by e-maill to mislead the recipient
• Backdoors - opens a security hole that allows outsiders to take control of your computer
• Dialer - uses your telephone to dial an outside number - sometimes a number that costs you money when dialed

Affects
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For each threat listed, we'll post a corresponding link here, so you can get more information to help you recognize, diagnose, prevent, and repair the problem.