TechRevu : Seti@Home v3.08: now you're protected against alien invaders too.

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Precautionary security release 3.08 for several platforms is available. For more information about version 3.08, click here.

Title: Seti@Home: now you're protected against alien invaders too.
Reporter: Ernest Lilley
Date: 04/07/03 Rating:
Seti@home Website

Summary: Seti@home is a screensaver that takes unused processor time from PCs whose owners want to help out in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence and shares it across the web. Because it sends data back and forth over the internet, it isn't too surprising that sooner or later someone would find a hole in their security.

Closing the hole didn't call for a visit from the Men in Black,  just a quick software upgrade from the Berkley lab that hosts the program. Program Director David Anderson told TechRevu: "One of our users found a security vulnerability in the SETI@home client. This vulnerability is hard to exploit even if you know what it is; in fact, it's never been exploited. Anyway, version 3.08 eliminates this vulnerability."

So there you have it. Once again you can prowl the heavens in search of alien intelligence...safe from hostile invasions of your computer. Just remember: If you succeed, and guys in black suits show up at your door, you're on your own.
Specs/Features (from product website)

System Requirements: For Windows systems (95/98/NT) you'll need a computer with at least 32 MB of RAM, the ability to display 8-bit graphics in 800x600 resolution, 10 MB of disk space, and an Internet connection (dialup is OK). For Macintosh systems you'll need the above, as well as a PowerPC processor and Mac OS 7.5.5 or later. You can use SETI@home on a laptop that is connected sporadically. We also support many versions of UNIX, including Linux on various CPUs. We hope to eventually support other systems such as OS/2 and BeOS. We won't support WebTV. There are no CPU speed or modem speed requirements. It doesn't matter where in the world you live.