Oh sure, your clipboard is at your command. You've got the clipboard under your thumb (actually, probably a combination of your left pinky and index finger). With a few simple strokes you cut (Ctrl+x), you paste (Ctrl+v), you even copy (Ctrl +c) to your heart's desire and command your clipboard to do your evil bidding. Yeah, you've got your clipboard under control (or if you use a Mac, "at your command").

But suddenly all that changes in a flash.

Hackers have recently managed to set traps in Flash banner ads that seize control of your clipboard and paste a URL directing you to a fake antivirus program.



And you thought your clipboard only served you. As if flash ads aren't annoying enough! I can't imagine why people would click on those.

• "dancing" people


• Play Now! Generic Bejeweled knockoff


• Win an iPod if you know the difference between Paris Hilton and Angelina Jolie


• Rollover to remove varicose veins


• She Married Him?


• Zwinky, enough said

But unfortunately flash ads are everywhere, and victims of the Flash attack have reported their clipboard being compromised from flash ads on legitimate sites like Digg, MSNBC, and Newsweek. Of course the flash ads on these sites are usually not quite as gimmicky, but still you'll find

• General Motors cars


• Mojave experiment hidden cameras


• Smiling gals wearing snorgtees


• Allergy medicines

Which again, leads me to question, "Why are you clicking these anyway?"

The attack has affected users of Mac, Windows, and Linux. The flash hijack has also given an equal opportunity to all major web browsers, including Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari. Victims have reported that once the malicious URL is in the clipboard, they can't copy anything from anywhere until restarting the computer. This solution is relatively painless and regains the servitude of your clipboard. Unfortunately, it will not eliminate the annoying opportunity for you to click a button to punch, shoot, sumo-wrestle, or drink beer against an opponent. Of course, if you're using your mouse to play a digital drinking game with _insert presidential candidate of your choice_, maintaining control of your clipboard is the least of your problems.

You can check your own level of security by reading our Antivirus Software reviews.

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