Best Buy sold malware-laden digital picture frames

US ELECTRONICS retailer Best Buy recently admitted that it sold digital picture frames over the holidays containing malicious software targetting Windows PCs. The LCD panels were "contaminated with a computer virus during the manufacturing process," the company said.

The company said that only a "limited number" of the malware infested digital picture frames were sold, but it hasn't revealed how many. The offending digital picture frames were Best Buy's house brand Insignia 10.4 inch items with part number NS-DPF10A. They have been discontinued and pulled, Best Buy said.

The company didn't reveal whether the malicious software is a mere virus or a more dangerous trojan, rootkit, bot or self-replicating worm. It said that only Windows PCs are vulnerable and that the malware payload would be detected by up-to-date antivirus software.

Best Buy said it's continuing to investigate the problem and is "connecting with our customers who may have been impacted."

Best Buy published a special toll-free help desk phone number for customers.

"We apologise for the inconvenience that has been caused as a result of this incident," it said in a statement posted online at its Insignia brand website.

Its PR department reportedly did not return a phone call requesting comment. µ

L'INQ
ComputerWorld