Security Alert — Metaverse threat level: Orange
by Alphaville Herald on 06/02/08 at 8:43 am
Has any unknown person asked you to rez anything in-world?
by Security Orb, Metaverse Homeland Security consultant
This afternoon I spoke to a victim in Sandbox Cordova who was given a malicious object disguised as a gun. Normally guns are not malicious devices in Second Life, and are used for harmless pursuits such as pushing, orbiting, or killing other avatars. However, there are some very dangerous guns being distributed that have a secret payload of pain.
The victim (who will remain anonymous per her request) rezzed an object – which then resulted in a self replication object attack that spread across multiple sims. Fortunately, though the creator of the weapon was soon disappeared from the people list, the victim has been untouched.
As a result of this and other similar attacks, the Metaverse Homland Security Agency is issuing a security alert advising residents that one or more griefing groups have an organized a campaign spamming self replicating prims to random individuals. The objects have enticing names to tempt the unwary to rez them in-world. IF YOU RECEIVE AN OBJECT FROM SOMEONE YOU DON’T KNOW DO NOT REZ IT, DELETE IT IMMEDIATELY.
This kind of attack has been going on for quite some time but multiple sources have advised us that it is gaining more popularity among the griefing community. Linden Lab is able to track the objects being transmitted and ban the responsible parties – but please be wary to avoid any confusion that could cause you to temporarily lose access to your account while the Governance Team investigates. If you think that malicious objects are being spammed it is highly recommended that you contact a Linden Lab G-Team member and notify them of the situation.
While some observers speculated the booby-trapped gift guns may be part of a campaign by the SL Objectivists to cripple the SL Communist’s plans for a perfect gift economy – this seems unlikely. But the question remains – could there be some sort of connection between griefers and Objectivists in the metaverse? Do the Objectivists mind that security experts recommend that gift guns be destroyed unopened?
Supercool Sautereau
Feb 6th, 2008
It is totally irresponsible to suggest that the Objectivists would do this on what is likely no evidence.
They don’t want to hurt anyone and, unless we’ve completely misread them, are not at all griefers. They aren’t concerned with any kind of direct action other than holding classes and meetings at their institute. Even though their members weren’t the nicest to us, they’re probably good people.
It does hit back to the gift economy though, since the nature of these gifts means people probably will be less apt to take things for free. We encounter it sometimes when we give things away to people. This is sort of sad because one of our favorite projects has been giving out free, quality guns – not commonly-seen “freebies” – to everyone in the world interested in self-defense. With any luck, this will prove temporary.
MoxZ
Feb 6th, 2008
Holy craps! I say we form a mob and smoke out the teens! It absolutely has to be the immature to reak such a nasty smell upon our grid. And if not, and we find this griefer to be adult, that would place them in the category immature-idiot. Pfft…
Whatever
Feb 6th, 2008
This whole SL Communists thing that SLH is trying to foster lately just isn’t working. And this latest post is so lame, it’s doesn’t deserve comments about how lame it is.
“[C]ould there be some sort of connection between griefers and Objectivists in the metaverse?” You tell us, you’re the one writing this fantasy story, including bringing the previously unknown “enemies” into the story and pitting them against each other.
I’m glad Penny has finally seen the light. Whoever was keeping her here as the SLH’s very own tethered goat should be ashamed of themselves. Pix? Anyway, I’m taking my sockpupptes and going home. It’s time to let the Herald sink.
Kalel Venkman
Feb 6th, 2008
Use of weapons such as those are never harmless. I cannot believe the Herald would stoop so low as to endorse obvious griefing such as that. Rest assured, my team and I will be taking the appropriate measures to defend SL from this threat.
Cai Pirinha
Feb 6th, 2008
+++ Breaking News +++ Second Life: Communist Role Playing Group Distributing Free Weapons To Foster Virtual Peace And Harmony – Prokoy Neva Outraged: There’s No Such Thing As A Free Gun +++ Breaking News +++ China: Rice Bag Fallen Over – Situation Unclear +++ …
DaveOner
Feb 6th, 2008
SAVE US KALEL BECAUSE WE’RE TOO RETARDED TO FIGURE SHIT OUT FOR OURSELVES! Give me a fucking break. If anyone wanted you assholes to do anything about it then someone would have asked you, dumbshit.
And I know what’s going to happen from the threat level rising…badly made avatars with noob skin will be held without representation at Ravenglass as enemy combatants. I just hope they don’t click on the pink waterboarding poseball!
As far as the gift economy idea, I think it’s safe as long as it’s handled in the form of free vendors instead of just walking around and dropping shit on whoever you see randomly. I never take objects from anyone I don’t trust unless I’m buying it from a vendor.
Nobody in Superman underoos taught me THAT!
Corona
Feb 6th, 2008
re
“the Herald would stoop so low as to endorse obvious griefing ”
where in the leading article is there any suggestion of greifing being endorsed ?
reporting the actions of the SL obsessed is not endorsment
Puck Goodliffe
Feb 6th, 2008
The mere fact that Objectivists are allowed to run, unleashed, all over SL ruins a lot of my fun. In other words, their very presence amounts to griefing.
This is my royal decree.
anon
Feb 6th, 2008
Supercool Sautereau: DURR I CAN’T RECOGNIZE TOPICAL HUMOR HAIL STALIN
greefin oh
Feb 6th, 2008
The idea is nothing new. Hell it happened to me almost 2 years ago. Took out 7 sims in less than 2 hours that night. And that was the end of my first avatar. I was hardware banned for that mess. And all because some 4chan nerd was bored, and needed his lulz fix.
And to this day, that is the number one reason why I will never take this game seriously, or treat it like anything else, but a video game.
It’s a complete waste of time, energy, and money. Kudos to those who are making serious dough from this game of course. If I had the talent, money, and time to invest in such a venture, I would too. Why not? I know people pulling in about $1000 US Dollars a week, just from selling female skins, with perky nipples, and sweaty gloss.
As far as this being a plan by the Objectives, I doubt it. It’s an old trick, used by many griefers I know. Noobs don’t know anything sadly about the policies in SL, when they first come in. They don’t know about griefer attacks. Hell some never even heard of the word “Griefer” before. They are the innocent indeed. And that’s why they are used. Disposable Soldiers for the lulz, if you will.
And this is why LL fails at everything they build. Ultimately everyone in the beginning is an enemy of LL, until proven innocent via a fax sheet with your private real life information on it… that’s if you are willing to do it. It’s the only game I’ve played that ever required such information to be passed. And once that Age Verification goes out of public testing to Solid Requirements, that’s the end for many. Unless you enjoy hanging out in Welcome Areas all day long… or you’re a Furry.
The Empire is burning now.. no one sees the smoke, and it’s not those self-replicating lolcubes you see bouncing around. Nope, it’s the smoke from your wallet, as your money burns daily on useless pieces of temporary happiness you willing pay for.’
Guess what happens to all that money you’ve spent, after your avatar is deleted from the system for “accidently crashing a sim”? It stays with Linden Labs. You never get it back. All that inventory you’ve spent hundreds of dollars on…. gone! And God forbid if you owned land. We all know what happens to that. POOF! “Land goes to the highest bidder!”.
I know I know, I’m insane, and these scenarios will never happen to you. Because you play it safe. You don’t cross the lines. Some of you stick to one sim, and have remained there for years, staying out the griefers line of sight. And some of you own your business. You’ve been running it fine for years, making a pretty penny selling your goods.
Well I’m saying, it could happen to you one day. Maybe you won’t fall victim to the old “Here’s a cool ass gun. Rezz it!” trick. But what if someone manages to convince LL that they are an Alt of yours? Well better send in that fax with your ID, Passport, Home Insurance Form, etc. Or else it’s “Frozen State” time for your avatar.
Or what if all your goods are one day showing up in various freebie spots, and being worn on noobs not even a day old? You’re shit out of luck pal. All that hard work you spent making that awesome skimpy dress, down the tubes. Because LL won’t do anything about it, that’s for sure. It’s not their loss. It’s yours.
I’m not writing this to troll people, or start a flame war. I’m just saying that, unless LL wants everyone to take SL seriously, then major things need to change. Their policies are the worst I have ever seen. It’s not benefiting anyone, but them.
Griefers aren’t the threat. It’s the game itself. Because the game allows griefers to be a threat.
Wankerette
Feb 6th, 2008
I was in a sandbox last week, when suddenly 2 different large display boxes of guns appeared not far from my avatar. I ignored them, figuring some noob had rezzed them, and it was none of my business. I looked up a few moments later, and one of the boxes had been moved much closer to me. I continued to ignore it, until several of what appeared to be old-style hand grenades (those with a long handle) began to appear before me and noisily ‘explode’. I thought this was amusingly stupid, and I left. I never clicked on the gun boxes, but, I’m sure some newbie might do so, out of curiosity, and perhaps acquire something that would damage or otherwise attack their avatar. Sigh.
Nacon
Feb 6th, 2008
Oh right… of course don’t rez anything when you got it from a stranger. DUH. Way to start a stirring drama based off on your other piss-ass crap report. Lame.
Kalel Venkman
Feb 6th, 2008
I don’t know who keeps posting in my name, but, apparently we have to go through this again:
I do not issue threats.
I do not idly post on articles in the Herald, further posts in this article’s comments that appear to come from me aren’t mine.
I remind the Herald readership that since the Herald makes no effort whatsoever to verify the identity of anyone posting any comments to any articles, the actual identity of any poster should not be assumed to be as stated.
To prove my point, the next post will be from the Pope.
The Pope
Feb 6th, 2008
I am the Pope, and I approved this message.
RoFLKOPTr
Feb 6th, 2008
@Moxz:
“Holy craps! I say we form a mob and smoke out the teens! It absolutely has to be the immature to reak such a nasty smell upon our grid. And if not, and we find this griefer to be adult, that would place them in the category immature-idiot. Pfft…”
Did you even read your comment before you posted it, or do you set your hands on your keyboard and tell your fingers to write?
@Kalel:
“Use of weapons such as those are never harmless. I cannot believe the Herald would stoop so low as to endorse obvious griefing such as that. Rest assured, my team and I will be taking the appropriate measures to defend SL from this threat.”
Dude…… shut the fuck up.
@Security Orb:
Congrats on winning the award for stupidest article ever. Have fun yiffing your dogcock-shaped trophy.
Witness X
Feb 6th, 2008
In other words, Kalel Fuckwad tried to play the hero, got his ass handed to him, and now pretends to be fake. You don’t post here? Your own record calls bullshit, Gene. Which posts are real and which are fake? Does it really fucking matter? You and your dipshit group have managed to destroy whatever credibility you ever had. Maybe the posts are fake, but they sure sound the fuck like you.
Pope John Paul II
Feb 6th, 2008
I don’t know who just posted in my name, but, apparently we have to go through this:
I did not approve that.
I do not idly post on articles in the Herald, further posts in this article’s comments that appear to come from me aren’t mine.
I remind the Herald readership that since the Herald makes no effort whatsoever to verify the identity of anyone posting any comments to any articles, the actual identity of any poster should not be assumed to be as stated.
To prove my point, the next post will be from Kalel.
Anonymous
Feb 7th, 2008
There is a script to automate this process on the PN website and has been there for a while.
It will automatically hand out inventory along with a message to help convince the user to test the object. Often, as many find out, it may not even be a gun they receive, but just the payload.
Kalel Venkman
Feb 7th, 2008
And……. my post was cockblocked…….. thank you SLH…….. you guys are faggots
Kalel Venkman
Feb 7th, 2008
To Witness X: Anyone with a vendetta (I can think of at least one person with this problem who regularly posts to the Herald – can you?) can pretend to be anyone else in order to discredit them. The day the Herald actually starts verifying posts is the day you’ll be able to trust in the veracity of anything posted here.
Witness X
Feb 7th, 2008
Ahh, right back to the “OMG NIKOLA/PENNY/TIZZERS ALT BAWWWWW” already? I was hoping you’d try to lead with something with a little more integrity. Oh wait, that’s right, it’s not you is it, Gene? After all you said, and I quote just from above:
“I do not idly post on articles in the Herald, further posts in this article’s comments that appear to come from me aren’t mine.”
So either you’re changing your own rules like the douche you are, or you’re lying in at least a couple of these posts.
Which is it, Turnbow, Asshole or Retard?
You pick.
Kalel Venkman
Feb 7th, 2008
Witness X, I am neither. I am merely setting the record straight that I am not posting some of the more vile trip circulating around this rag. I think the Pope agrees with me.
Kalel Venkman
Feb 7th, 2008
@Witness X:
“Which is it, Turnbow, Asshole or Retard?”
Yes.
Witness X
Feb 7th, 2008
“I am merely setting the record straight..”
That’s a first for you, isn’t it? You’re always just setting the record straight. Yeah, making it all agree with you.
New flash: you aren’t fooling anyone, asshole. Retard. Whichever.
Neo Citizen
Feb 8th, 2008
Wait – didn’t this Nikola guy get thrown out of the JLU like, what was it, OVER SIX MONTHS AGO??
And he’s still doing this.
So in six months, he’s had nothing else going on in his life except how bad he feels about getting thrown out. It really must have meant a lot to him, is all I can say, for him to go to all this trouble to hurt Venkman and his people afterwards, and keep it up all this time.
I’m getting tired of reading about it – I don’t give a goddamn about Venkman or Shirakawa or any of you idiots. Venkman can’t do anything about Shirakawa, he’ll write slander articles till he’s old and gray and there’s nothing he can do to stop him. Shirakawa can’t do anything about Venkman, he’s obviously not going anywhere and isn’t taking the bait.
Grow some balls, grow up, both of you, get lives, move on.
Witness X
Feb 8th, 2008
There is no evidence Shirakawa posted anything since his little suicide note. The only reason his name keeps coming up is because Kalel is too retarded to consider that there are other people that don’t like him. In Venkman’s eyes, Nikola is the only non-raiding griefer that speaks against the JLU, and as such must be an alt of Penny Seautereau, Tizzers Foxchase, etc… He’s become more erratic than Prok in recent weeks.
Neo Citizen
Feb 8th, 2008
Meh. Seems to me he’s just being sock puppeted, from what I read above. I do linguistic analysis for a living, and most of the posts in the comments seem to be pretty much all the same guy talking to himself.
anonymous
Feb 8th, 2008
@ greefin oh
+1
Truth.
To be honest, SL makes griefers out as the coming of the anti-christ where really arent that big of a deal.
LL could have fixed the many loopholes that sim crashers take advantage of years ago. They didnt do it because they didnt care until corporate interests got involved.
The real issue is second life itself.
Let me say it short and sweet:
The people who make a big deal about this and blow it out of proportion and make it out as the coming of the anti-christ and think that SL should be run like a totalitarian regime where no one is allowed to do anything because it may offend or piss someone else off; You’re sick. You are seriously fucked up in the head. People like you shouldn’t be playing SL. You should be in therapy. It’s a fake world with fake bullets, fake boxes, fake money, and fake people (in most cases, to the fullest definition of the word.)
You should be having fun with it and creating with it. Not worrying about trolls and griefers. The fact you do worry about them and let them get to you is what takes away the fun. So don’t let them! that simple. Don’t give them attention. just boot them from your land, if they crash your sim, report them for that and be off.
The biggest issue here is people run to the lindens over every little incident when they could deal with it themselves. People are just too spineless to do it themselves so they go running to big brother. Someone causing problems in your sim or land? ban them and go on with life. There wouldnt be much issues in SL if this were true.
That’s what groups like the JLU should be teaching. Most trolls and griefers are people like you and me anyway, most arent evil criminals, most are bored kids or bored college students. I know many who have actually settled down and realized there’s more that they can do with SL. Most of the troublemakers are kids who cant legally play.
DF
Feb 11th, 2008
And now we even got the griefers themselves giving tips on how to deal with griefers. Laugh. Shrug. Move on.
And still, some people dont get it.
To quote from Portal:
“Where did your life go so wrong?!?”
Archie Lukas
Feb 12th, 2008
WARNING WARNING WILL ROBONSON
“Nasty Boy Alert”
“Take extreme cautionary measure”