Kaspersky finds ASUS PCs hit by backdoors sneaked into software updates

[Space Lynx]

https://arstechnica.com/information...stalled-backdoor-on-at-least-0-5-million-pcs/

Over 57,000 Kaspersky users have downloaded and installed the backdoored version of ASUS Live Update at some point in time... We are not able to calculate the total count of affected users based only on our data; however, we estimate that the real scale of the problem is much bigger and is possibly affecting over a million users worldwide.


LOL that is all I have to say... and since Asus has been doing BIOS level software installs (even on clean installs of Z390 mobo's).... so glad I went with MSI!!! and even with MSI I do manual updates... rofl I love companies like ASUS who are like here enjoy our RGB software and Live Updates!!! we promise it's safe! we have high level people working on it!!!

 

[Argyr]

Excellent thread, until the part where you started shilling for MSI

When getting my current setup, I tried to be more open and researched MSI mobos too this time. MSI's offering in my price bracket was $10 cheaper, but infinitely more meager in features, build quality and even looks. Asus has extremely good offerings.

Anyway, this issue only affects those lazy people who actually use EZ Update to update Asus software. I have EZ update service disabled, as well as the task manager entry and even removed the startup entry manually. I only update through the official ASUS site, issue solved.

ASUS is probably the most successful mobo brand in regards of sales so it's natural that they're getting the hacking love

 

[biffzinker]

Thread is over here: https://www.techpowerup.com/forums/...u-have-updater-installed.254054/#post-4019390

 

[Space Lynx]

Excellent thread, until the part where you started shilling for MSI

When getting my current setup, I tried to be more open and researched MSI mobos too this time. MSI's offering in my price bracket was $10 cheaper, but infinitely more meager in features, build quality and even looks. Asus has extremely good offerings.

Anyway, this issue only affects those lazy people who actually use EZ Update to update Asus software. I have EZ update service disabled, as well as the task manager entry and even removed the startup entry manually. I only update through the official ASUS site, issue solved.

ASUS is probably the most successful mobo brand in regards of sales so it's natural that they're getting the hacking love

how am I shilling for MSI? I prefer their BIOS layout better, I was able to OC my ram to 13-14-14-31 at 3200 on samsung b-die, the VRM's have been excellent for cooling even on Z370 mobos they were better in VRM cooling than any other budget board. higher end boards they still competed toe to toe with Asus.

eh its not shilling, I just have had good luck with MSI and I genuinely prefer their BIOS layout

 

[R-T-B]

The backdoored version must be manually downloaded as it is modified. I don't see how that has anything to do with the one that ships with board bioses which is likely signed.

 

[Argyr]

I just have had good luck with MSI and I genuinely prefer their BIOS layout

I feel the same, except for ASUS. I really love their BIOS layout, everything else seems chinese to me.

yep, MSI mobos are decent. But I owe ASUS: My z97-A saved my PC from 2 serious storm power surges (while my modem router got fried) On that day I said... yep... thanks ASUS

 

[John Naylor]

Tho I love Asus BIOS better than anyone else's, try getting tech support from Asus these days ... with the way they avoid answering a question and respond by answering a question you never asked, they all have a future career as politicians or WH spokespersons. I still use their TUF series but not the ROG line.

As to the problem ... I'd recommend never let any program, utility, or OS install hardware drivers.

 

[freeagent]

Just a few years ago MSI was junk. Bottom tier stuff. Right down there with Assrock, chain tech, and other garbage.Their boards may be ok now only because overclocking is so simple these days, it’s just up to the cpu. Throw some disco lights on them and now they are awesome! Luckily I don’t use that automated stuff, I prefer the old fashioned way.