February 26th, 2010

Killer Whale Kills Trainer Actual Footage and a Threat to Computer Security.  Every time a new viral video hits the internet, it’s time to amp up the anti-virus.  The killer whale kills trainer video has replaced the Nodar Kumaritashvili video as the frantic search of the day.

The thing about these videos – and particularly actual footage showing the death of Dawn Brancheau – is that copies are few and far between.  There are literally hundreds of thousands of people, if not millions, that want to see the clip.  There are literally only news broadcasts so far that show footage of Dawn with the creature, but never while she was under attack.

Malicious hackers and those who want to install spyware on to your computer will take advantage of this newfound fame.  They will promise the video in download format, and then use that hook to get you to innocently place malicious software on your computer.

How can you prevent succumbing to the threat?

1)      Download videos only from reliable sources, such as news agencies or YouTube

2)      Always look in your URL line on your browser to make sure it reads that you are on the site you think you are on.  Some very sophisticated hackers set up sites that look surprisingly like the real thing.

3)      Always have your virus scan on and up to date for ultimate protection. If you don’t have a virus scan program, research your alternatives.  It’s worth the money to protect your computer and information.

When the killer whale actual footage is available on a news site or YouTube, we will post a link on the site.  Stay tuned for updates on the Dawn Brancheau tragedy.

To see video footage from a news source, click here.

Photo Credit: Morguefile.com free photo