Been done before
This is nothing new, dodgey QT files have been used for years on file sharing networks. I remeber seeing them back when LOTR 2 towers came out
Cybercrooks have begun using booby-trapped QuickTime files to infect internet pirates' computers. Malicious files posing as the recent Angelina Jolie film Salt are now available on file sharing networks. When users attempt to view these poisoned downloads a prompt is generated offering to download "update codecs" - actually …
But as this only affects quicktime for windows, it will probably only hit the one or two really odd windows users, who actually use quicktime.
Unfortunately, the insistence on requiring iTunes and quicktime for an ipod/iphone, means that a much larger number of people will be vulnerable to it than would ever install it if they had a choice.
They can be sent, by bands (and alternatively fake bands as per the exploit) who want them broadcast, aired. Quicktime Data disks are a perfect format for replacing miniDV (both are usually mailed for example), meanwhile, it keeps your camera heads cleaner. etc. It also avoids strong magnetic fields which tend to glitch up audio and video. Also if there's no way to mail it, it can be downloaded in an emergency. ;o)
"Who uses Quicktime ?"
My guess is this:
1, Apple users
2, People with an iPod/iPhone
3, People who have realised that Windows Media Centre is shit and have looked for an alternative...
(yes there are probably better alternatives)
btw. Quicktime movies were playable on my AMIGA - at least 13 years ago...
This is why using the more trustworthy codec packs (K-Lite for instance) is a good idea, nothing should need to download a codec and any its pretty obvious there's a scam if it does happen.
It's a pity so many self appointed 'experts' like to tell everyone that all codec packs are evil.
Saw it at the cinema with the gf... it's not even that good. Wouldn't waste my time downloading it. "Predictable" doesn't even begin to cover it. Not even AJ being the star makes it worthwhile.
Grenade, for the scene on the barge when she kills everyone with 3 grenades and doesn't get a scratch on her.
If you remove the "piracy" stigma, and think, how much longer until free specially crafted .mov are out there.
The only people this is going to screw up is people who produce video, especially if they work with .mov files, especially if they work in Sony Vegas or Avid with .mov files. Since Sony Vegas users can not update quicktime without breaking .mov support on the timeline. Avid ditto.
The good news is that if your smart enough to even be working with quicktime and vegas, any nonsense about updating codecs is already going to be a non-starter. How much damage the scripts telling you to update do.... now there's the unanswered question.
Actually the unanswered question is what did apple do which breaks vegas?
Apple needs to get their heads out of their asses. They used to kick ass, so who keeps making these crappy decisions for them now? If they keep on this path I give em 10 years to drain the company.