Infected Hardware

I'm a pretty knowledgeable guy when it comes to computer related issues and security. After all.. I work as a professional software engineer. However, I've been the victim of electronic theft, and to this day I have no idea how it was done.

Now, the problems are compounded because of the trends in "outsourcing" the manufacture of computer hardware.

From the AP;

From iPods to navigation systems, some of today's hottest gadgets are landing on store shelves with some unwanted extras from the factory — pre-installed viruses that steal passwords, open doors for hackers and make computers spew spam.

Even those electronic picture frames that you can download photos to have been pre-loaded with a virus. This must stop - but it won't. It's the nature of the technology.

I'm not even sure what can be done, but it infuriates me that some asshole thinks it's a good idea to steal people's identity, or steal money from them electronically.. or any number of other financial crimes. The law enforcement must be dramatically expanded, and the penalties extremely severe.

In fact.. here's an idea. Take the entire DEA and retrain them in electronic crime, and set them loose on the Chinese.