Samsung notebooks contain keylogger program

(Update: Samsung response) NetworkWorld has found that a brand new Samsung notebook had keylogger software installed on it in what might be an illegal breach of privacy. After running a full system scan by a licensed commercial program, on an R525 notebook in February, it discovered StarLogger. The stealth app records keystrokes made in every window, including password-protected boxes, and could be used by a malicious hacker to get credit card info or other details.

The keylogger is otherwise undetectable and starts up every time the system is powered up. StarLogger can then e-mail its results at specified intervals to any email address. The author, Mohamed Hassan, believed Samsung installed this software, though he didn't have definitive proof.

Problems with the video display driver prompted Hassan to exchange the notebook for an R540 from a different store. It also contained the same StarLogger program and in the same location.

A follow-up article details Hassan's experiences after he let Samsung Support know about the software. The presence of the software was reportedly at first denied, then the blame pointed at Microsoft after being faced with the evidence. The argument was that Samsung simply made the hardware, and had nothing to do with the software.

A supervisor admitted that Samsung did indeed put the software onto the machines, in order to "monitor the performance of the machine and to find out how it is being used," he said.

If a consistent practice, it could lead to lawsuits or other legal action against Samsung as well as an expensive cleanup process.

Update: Samsung has said it's taking the issue "very seriously" and is investigating the keyloggers. More information will come when it's available, the company said.

By Electronista Staff