Video gaming consoles viruses/ trojan horse exist?

[Raidou]

Folks, I was wondering if there is such a thing known as the "Video gaming consoles viruses/ trojan horse"? I'm a bit sceptical of using my PSP to surf the Internet. I know some of you like Liz likes to post from her PS3, and FE likes to use his Wii to roam around the Internet.

So, guys izzit safe to be surfing from your video gaming consoles? Viruses/ trojan horse of exist or not? Your experience encountering one of these viruses/ feedback/ opinions/ expertise on this matter is most welcome in this thread.

If you do know their names, threats, articles related to this matter, do share the link with everyone. I'm sure other posters who yet to surf from their video gaming consoles would like to know more details about this too.

Thanks in advance.

[Atlas]

I have no idea, Raidou, but if I used all my brain power to be presumptuous, I'd say it's a definite possiblity. Anything with an internet connection could be at risk I would imagine.

[Matron]

But I imagine it wouldn't be as risky, as most viruses seem to be written with PCs in mind. Although not virus proof, I've always heard that stuff like Macs were safer, just because of that reason- they concentrate more on PCs because that's what everyone has. I don't see people spending much time writing viruses for something people probably won't spend a lot of time online with.

[Sibek]

As long as the console has an available browser and an open connection, it is susceptible to an attack. Homebrewing a virus for a Wii might not be an easy thing to do but certainly can be done. If you brick your Wii because of a virus, chances are that the warranty won't be in effect because it is usually an act of the user over a manufacturer defect.

Obviously, if you use the browser, follow the same rules you do with any machine. Avoid e-mails with html encoding, avoid opening unknown attachments, go to safe sites that you know are malware free.

Just because viruses tend to be associated with PCs, Macs are far from immune. OSX is relying on portions code that is almost 20 years old and that have only have been partially fixed. Not to mention that Quicktime, iTunes, and flash are among the most commonly exploited programs on systems today. Giving people a Mac who tend to get virii on their PCs are most likely going to get something on their Macs. Proper browsing habits can alleviate more problems than a firewall or antivirus can do. period.

[Matron]

Oh I never meant to imply that anything was immune, just that maybe the risk wasn't as great as with a PC. Of course always use simple internet common sense while online.:)

[ChibiKawase]

It's happened previously, at least with the PSP. However, this run of villainy was short-lived, as the virus either died down, or owners moved to newer firmware. I believe the PSP is at least immune to total bricking, since Pandora's Battery proves you can bring the dead back to life. Now I just hope none of them are actually game-eating zombies.

[Raidou]

Sibek, I do understand that you need stuffs like firewall program and anti-viruses software but the problem is there isnt any readily available such softwares for the PSP, Wii, PS3, or Xbox360!

Chibi, are you sure updating the firmware regularly will help? I don't think so since it will only invite more problems. For example the latest firmware version 4.0 supports some additional media file extensions such as SWF that will only put your console into greater risks than before the upgrade.

[Sibek]

Sibek, I do understand that you need stuffs like firewall program and anti-viruses software but the problem is there isnt any readily available such softwares for the PSP, Wii, PS3, or Xbox360!

Actually you somewhat missed my point. The point is that the only way to not get a trojan horse or virus is to not ask for it no amount of software will alleviate it. I know several people who do not use anti-virus programs because of proper browsing habits. If you want to take your console online and google stuff, go for it. If you want to willy nilly look for porn or other material, don't risk the price of your console for it.

Also, I'm fairly sure that there is a software firewall running on the three consoles but in a high security mode and hidden mode.

[Raidou]

Actually you somewhat missed my point. The point is that the only way to not get a trojan horse or virus is to not ask for it no amount of software will alleviate it. I know several people who do not use anti-virus programs because of proper browsing habits. If you want to take your console online and google stuff, go for it. If you want to willy nilly look for porn or other material, don't risk the price of your console for it.

Also, I'm fairly sure that there is a software firewall running on the three consoles but in a high security mode and hidden mode.

Hidden firewall program??

p.s: I won't use it surf for porn, only dudes like Phakiel will do that.

[ChibiKawase]

I know several people who do not use anti-virus programs because of proper browsing habits.

Umm, but even without porn, aren't there massive security flaws in a number of Microsoft-built programs-- exploited by way of having an internets connection alone? That does not allow the protection against the malcontents.

For example the latest firmware version 4.0 supports some additional media file extensions such as SWF that will only put your console into greater risks than before the upgrade.

As stated earlier, there'd have to be a virus that would have to be able to get to the core of a console, and that ain't terribly easy. Also, Pandora's Battery = total firmware overwrite. Dead virus would be dead, due to...justice.

[Sibek]

Umm, but even without porn, aren't there massive security flaws in Any program-- exploited by way of having an internets connection alone? That does not allow the protection against the malcontents.

fixed.

Also, most of those exploits occur if the users grants access to it, which usually occurs though improper browsing habits, or improper network configurations (poor wireless security settings, etc.)

As I've said before, the most popular applications that are exploited today are Quicktime, Flash, and iTunes because they are much more widely used daily as an extension to other internet programs and stand-alone internet programs.