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Computer viruses hitch ride to space

The dangers posed by online threats, such as viruses and malicious codes, has been highlighted following revelations that a computer virus is active on the International Space Station (ISS).

It would appear no one is immune to online threats after Nasa confirmed that a virus known as Gammima.AG was transported on an infected laptop carried to the ISS in July.

However, it has been revealed the said laptop belonging to one of the astronauts did not have any anti-virus software installed to protect it against online threats, reports the BBC.

The virus, which first came to light in 2007 reportedly hovers behind the scenes on infected machines and targets popular online games in a bid to steal log-in names and passwords.

According to Nasa's revelation to Wired News, this is not the first time viruses have been taken to the ISS on laptops.

Online security experts recommend having proper, regularly updated anti-virus security, to prevent infection from viruses.

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