1.5K views Feb 2010
A mock news report investigates a late-night computer worm that makes drunken online purchases, sends embarrassing messages, and creates other costly problems.
0:06 Computer experts are warning that a dangerous new cyber worm that works late at night could cost consumers billions of dollars. 0:13 Tech Trends reporter Jeff Tate has more. 0:16 Thanks, Anna. It's spreading like wildfire. The 2 AM worm collects personal credit card information, then visits retail sites, usually between the hours of 2 and 5 AM. 0:26 The worm leaves no trace of its existence, aside from the occasional wine colored stains on a user's keyboard, so most people don't realize they've been infected until their credit card statement arrives, 0:36 showing bizarre charges they have no memory of making. 0:39 The last thing I remember is going to a bar for my friend's bachelor party, and the virus turned on my computer, stole my credit card number, and bought a bunch of Japanese weapons I saw in a movie last week. 0:48 The 2 AM worm makes useless purchases, ranging from expensive handbags to vintage Dukes of Hazzard action figures. 0:55 The worm also infects a computer's address book and will send messages to multiple users, often disguised as a sexual advance or a cry for help. 1:03 This may be how the worm spreads itself. 1:05 I think the worm sent my phone number out because I keep getting messages from guys that I don't ever remember meeting. 1:11 The worm sent my boss a picture of someone's balls from my address. 1:15 Why would it do that? 1:16 Performing Google searches of certain words after midnight seem to trigger the worm, such as Def Leppard concert tics, actress that played Ferris Bueller's girlfriend naked pictures, 1:25 and burritos misspelled with 3 R's. 1:28 During our end of term party, the 2 AM worm uploaded a bunch of doctored photos of me to Facebook. 1:33 Computer science professor Greg Reese formed a group of online security experts dedicated to eliminating the worm after he fell victim to it. 1:40 My point is we need to work fast as the 2 AM worm appears to be evolving the ability to simulate human cognitive processes, like using Google Maps to find directions to an S&M club, 1:50 printing them out, and somehow getting the map into the glove compartment of the user's car. 1:55 And a new cyber threat may be on the horizon. Reports of a virus that causes computers' Microsoft Word program to generate the first 10 pages of a terrible erotic horror screenplay are pouring in from around the country. 2:07 For Tech Trends, I'm Jeff Tate. 2:09 Thanks, Jeff. Experts warn the worm is also wreaking havoc in Europe, but there it strikes as early as 4:00 PM. 2:15 Moving on now, today Congress will debate the cap and trade program for dancing based reality shows. 
