Hacker releases Symantec source code

A hacker released the source code for antivirus firm Symantec's pcAnywhere utility on Tuesday, raising fears that others could find security holes in the product and attempt takeovers of customer computers.
The release followed failed email negotiations over a $50,000 payout to the hacker calling himself YamaTough to destroy the code.

$50,000 to keep PCAnywhere and Norton Antivirus code private

As part of a sting operation, Symantec told a hacker group that it would pay $50,000 to keep the source code for some of its flagship security products off the internet, the company confirmed to CNET on Monday evening.

Symantec warns users to disable PCAnywhere software from getting hacked.

Several years after the theft of source code for several of its security products, Symantec has recommended that users of pcAnywhere, which allows users to remotely connect to another computer, disable the software until further notice. In a security white paper (PDF), the company said it believes a 2006 security breach exposed source code for several programs, including the corporate version of its popular Norton Antivirus software. However, only pcAnywhere is considered at risk of someone finding and exploiting vulnerabilities in the software. Symantec says that unless pcAnywhere use is absolutely vital, customers should block the ports that accept pcAnywhere connections and avoid using the software until "until Symantec releases a final set of software updates that resolve currently known vulnerability risks."

Hacker to Release Symantec's PCAnywhere Source Code

YamaTough tweeted:

" Heil to our brothers @#antisec who support us. PCAnywhere code is being released to blackhat community for 0d expltin!" along with "We've decided not to release code to the public until we get full of it =) 1st we'll own evrthn we can by 0din' the sym code & pour mayhem."