Ron Schenone

Do All Samsung Laptops Come With A Keylogger Installed By The Company?

Posted by on Mar 30, 2011 | 8 Comments

Samsung has learned that the report of their computers have a keylogger installed are false. The company states that the security software VIPER actually gave a false-positive and actually tagged a Microsoft program called Microsoft Live Application as the culprit in the keylogger accusation.

As far as accusations go, this one against Samsung could damage the company’s reputation beyond repair. The accusation is that one person has purchased two different Samsung laptop computers and both had keyloggers installed on them. In the first instance a consumer, while setting up his new Samsung laptop, installed a paid commercial security software on his new system. During the first scan the security program found two instances of a keylogger called StarLogger. The keylogger software was located in c:windowsSL diretory.

What is most disturbing about StarLogger software is that it records every keystroke on the computer — including computers that are password protected. The software can then call home with all of the details it has collected for any of your personal information. This personal information could include all of your emails such as your address book, any document you create on the system, the Web pages you visit, any usernames or passwords you use, and possibly even more.

It does get better. The person who owned the infected computer developed display issues and returned the unit to the store he bought it from. He opted to get a more expensive Samsung laptop and guess what? The same keylogger in the same directory was found on the second Samsung laptop.

It gets even better. According to the article, Samsung representative admits the company has been including the keylogger software to monitor performance of the machine. The information collected also shows how the computer is being used.

Wow! I find this very hard to believe. I think that Samsung has dug itself a huge hole that it may not be able to dig out of. Consumers are going to avoid any Samsung computer if they suspect that the system is being monitored — no matter what the reason.

What do you think?

Comments welcome.

Source - networkworld

  • Andrew Jamison

    I think my decision to start building my own desktop computers to be perfect timing, with regards to Samsung laptops……I will continue to use their other products but now more then ever I will never use a Laptop made by samsung until I can have 100% confirmation that this has been resolved.

    Samsung, there are better ways to track computer performance then logging every key stroke!!!!

  • Jason Pereira

    Samsung had no right to put such a software on their computers its pure infringement of privacy. This cancels any ideas I had of buying their laptops and I better check my mother-in-laws computer cause she just bought a new Samsung Laptop recently better warn her!

  • http://jebers.com Jack Carlson

    This goes far beyond the normal opt-in request for anonymous data collection performed by other companies. If the presence and purpose of this software is not being disclosed to the owner then Samsung is no better than someone who infects your computer with a virus.

    If this is substantiated it should be a blemish on Samsung’s reputation. This is unethical and potentially illegal. Samsung needs to admit their error and immediately take steps to inform owners how to disable and remove this from their system.

    • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

      Hello Jack,
      You are correct. As you stated this must be ‘substantiated’ by other independent sources.
      It is just incredible, if proved true, that Samsung would risk their reputation on something as
      stupid as this.

  • Vaughn Lester

    WOW! I usually like do do a fresh install of Windows to get rid of bloatware etc anyway, but what if this is also true of other devices from Samsung? I’ve been awaiting the release of their Galaxy S II Android mobile phone, but what if they have done something similar to their phones? That’s a bad move Samsung I’m sad to say I just lost a ton of respect for them as a company. I’m probably going to take a second look at competing devices now or be sure that the Galaxy is clean before I buy anything.

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  • Dick

    Wow! I expect lawsuits starting from Samsung laptop owners. I personally would not buy a Samsung laptop. And as far as their other products, I wouldn’t buy them either if I have a choice because I would be supporting this corrupt philosophy. Arrogant asses.

    • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

      Hi Dick,
      I agree. If this proves true, I will not be buying any Samsung product.