Mac OS, Windows, Linux laptops could be targets of ‘root kits’

LAS VEGAS - Some computers with wireless Internet capabilities are vulnerable to malicious software that would let hackers take over the machines even if their owners aren't actually online, researchers announced here Wednesday.

The researchers planned to detail the vulnerability in a demonstration at a computer-security conference, showing how to take complete control of a MacBook from Apple Computer Inc.

But researchers David Maynor and Johnny Ellch said the technique will work on an array of machines, including those that run Microsoft Corp.'s Windows and the free Linux operating system.

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