Everybody loves free stuff on the web but once in a while, well, most of the time that is, we get duped for something that describes itself to be a free virus/malware removal tool ending up with more malware and viruses. These scams are all over the internet with many still falling for their lure of being what else, FREE.

These tools have flooded the internet and even with common knowledge that it is best to trust only programs and offers from reputable brands, many still fall victim. They can either be anti-virus or malware removal tools that are being offered as swift response to remove them from your computer system.

Big names in the Anti-virus and Malware removal development industry have known about this and they even advice that one not to trust programs even from them that are not from their own secure sites. Though they produce some of the most sophisticated virus removal and repair software but who knows what can be done if a hidden script was run while downloading their programs from unauthorized sites. McAfee, Symantec, Kaspersky are some of the most successful developers of such software that have stood the test of time. Even they are finding it hard to remove and repair the damage done by such malicious code due to the many forms and strains they are taking.

Sites that offer them without the authorization of the developer can include malicious code within the download causing more damage than you started with. For someone who depends totally on a computer system, it would be best to subscribe or purchase a virus/malware protection software which are now evolving into security systems that are customized based on a user’s needs. One can purchase them out of the box at computer retail stores or order and download them straight from their secure sites once subscriptions are done. Old software is available for renewal or discounted for re-purchase of newer versions which gives you the latest protection available based on their development. Updates are usually done online and can be done automatically is configured to do so. So to best protect yourself from identity theft, Intrusion, virus damage and malware damage install one right away for if you remain open to attack no one knows what could happen.

[tags]Computer Viruses, malware, Free Tools[/tags]

Tags: anti-virus, Malware-removal, Malware-Scams, Security-Software, Tools

Categories: Cryptography, General, IT Security Basics, Malware, Network Security, Operating Systems, Physical Security, Privacy & Anonymity, Real-World Issues, Security Policies, Spyware

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This has been proven true by incidents broadcast around the world in minutes or hours after they have happened. Many have suffered the consequences of such incidents in the UK, US and mostly each and every place on earth where people have had their information taken and used for no good before there was even a sign that there was a problem.

Big business has been reminded again and again that complacency is it’s worst enemy and they have failed again and again at the area. Why? Well first, total protection is almost always imperfect and somebody out there with enough intent and resources can break-in however expensive the protection methods may be. Next is that the best systems for protection is always the ones that cost too much yet they still remain vulnerable and hackable. Contrary to most ad’s you see in print, the internet or your Television there is no one true solution to protection, for if the hardware and software measures succeed in protecting you, the human behind the computer/s are always the biggest risk. That is why even the most expensive solutions are used in conjunction with other solutions to provide the best of both worlds combining physical and software solutions hoping that combination will be enough protection from the continuous influx of attacks from the web and elsewhere. Encryption is nice but it takes a lot of computing power to implement making it too expensive for implementation on all levels of the company. All of these high-tech solutions and hardware would be nothing if the people using the various computer systems in the said organization fail to use them so the weakest link in every system is still the human. Strict adherence and compliance is the key with systems that process information somewhat autonomously already in use doing the searching and classification of information without the user’s input. This uses the latest in Artificial Intelligence with minimal intervention or input from the users.

Tags: IT Security Basics

Categories: Cryptography, General, IT Security Basics, Network Security, Physical Security, Privacy & Anonymity, Real-World Issues, Security Policies

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USB has been around for quite sometime and was designed to replace the interface capabilities of the old legacy standard. Today, most PC’s, Laptops and other peripherals have USB ports or have the capability of connecting to one such as keyboards, mice, digitizing pads, digital camera’s, video camera’s, flash disks and the device types goes on and on. They have become so common that many security experts warnings on their danger have gone unheeded, till now that is. Recent security holes and other problems associated with malware and viruses that have been transmitted through the USB port have risen to the point security people had to listen. These interface ports are quite convenient and easy to use that even the most beginner can plug an infected device such as a flash disk loaded with malware or viruses that they easily get through standard security. They are so small that physically banning them can be next to impossible and I’m sure you’ve read the several articles regarding the iPod which was connected to the corporate network…etc. Expert’s advice that to minimize their use for no good, disable them on-board or do not bother connecting them at all at the hardware level. This would render them truly unusable for some people however innocent of the workings of a PC or other computer type can enable them in the control panel easily. Unbeknownst to many, most devices that have flash memory can be used to store files other than video or pictures for they can be formatted using the operating system’s format utility or the propriety software such as iPod’s iTunes which can have even the most basic iPod Shuffle function as a flash disk allowing transport of say documents and other such files.

Tags: Flash-Drives, USB-devices, USB-Dongles

Categories: Backups, General, IT Security Basics, Malware, Network Security, Operating Systems, Physical Security, Security Policies, Storage, Tips

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The field of IT security has been working with biometrics for quite sometime and has successfully added a layer of security for computer users out there. The heaviest users of such technology are large businesses who aim to have the need for protection due to technology breakthroughs, corporate information and other vital security issues such as in government military offices. Though the technology has spanned most of the human physiology ( Fingerprint, cornea scanning, palm scanning, face recognition and many others) none have focused much on the area of speech or voice recognition technology. Your voice is as unique as a fingerprint and even between twins there are subtle differences in their make-up, tone, pitch, and many other voice characteristics are being studied in conjunction with other biometrics technologies for access control to data sensitive areas such as government intelligence offices, tax office and other such areas that need protection. With many people using headsets and other devices, why not voice recognition. Even walking patterns are being studied by analysts in Sweden which have been working on security devices for cellular phones which can detect if the user has changed and shuts itself down preventing use. This is done to discourage theft of cellular devices which has seen a sudden rise in the past years. The voice recognition can replace password which, as today’s technology sees it is quite inefficient. Other technologies of the future may have your DNA as your password which has been highlighted by sci-fi movies such as the Minority Report where retinal scanning was used to identify people. The Futuristic world of Gattaca where people are selected for their genes rather than personality and abilities. The future of biometrics is indeed heading that way for the ultimate identification system is your DNA which is unique in all aspects to each and every individual.

Tags: Biometrics, DNA, Fingerprint-Scanning, Gait-Id, Voice-Recognition

Categories: General, IT Security Basics, Network Security, Physical Security, Privacy & Anonymity, Real-World Issues, Security Policies

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They are not only growing in numbers, but growing in complexity that they are en-likened to their real-life counterparts that mutate and give doctors and geneticists a hard time to treat. Major software developers mainly in the anti-virus/malware area have been finding it very difficult to remove and provide cures for the damage they do. This may be a sign of hard times to come when it comes to viruses and other forms of malware that have more than one instances in their databases. This has become so much of a danger that a single virus may have a hundred or so variants all having individual differences with the damage they cause rising exponentially. The initial discovery of a virus may be the first time it encounters virus detection experts who dissect them and find out how they work from the inside out allowing them to provide updates to already installed protection software allowing detection and removal. The instances when these software use the Quarantine facility is when the damage is too severe and cannot be repaired or that the software recognizes it but is not quite sure which one it is. That is why these software have facilities to submit these errant files to their rapid response centers where they are studied and feedback is sent back to you to show you what the infection was and what happened to your beloved file.

They might simply be code but they are evolving everyday and they are doing so in ever complex ways. The initial code might have little resemblance to their variants and so is the damage they cause. Advice for the millions of users out there, keep your anti-virus updated as much as possible, also keep your operating system updated which has updates released to correct vulnerabilities that are discovered and if you do not have an anti virus software installed, better get one or you might be surprised to see a lot of garbage on your hard disk where your hard earned documents and other vital files used to be leaving you crying your pants out in utter disgust sending you towards endless overtime to re-do all the stuff you lost. Get email you don’t know the sender or am not expecting don’t open it.

Tags: Malware, Strains, Variants, virus

Categories: General, IT Security Basics, Malware, Network Security, Operating Systems, Privacy & Anonymity, Real-World Issues, Security Policies, Spyware

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Research has shown that a survey conducted within a large company shows that although telecommuting is very much productive for many firms it tends to be on the downside for those employees who do stay within the physical office itself. This can be in the areas of personal assistants/secretaries and other office workers who are left to run the office in the absence of their counterparts/coworkers. This leads to dissatisfaction in the workplace hence lowering productivity and encouraging home-bodies to engage in dangerous liaisons from within and outside of the office.

The hatred felt is seen in the rising occurrences of these same people becoming the entry point for attacks on corporate networks when they visit social sites to pass on the otherwise boring day. This is also counterproductive for their attention to work and the other nuances such as physical security and IT security is so much a threat that it is under study on how to improve the working conditions for these people. They are distracted and left to do almost anything they please which is where the security gap seems to be, using the corporate network to access social sites to which they are members of. Even the installation of hardware and software security measures cannot guarantee security coverage at all angles for the main security risk is still the human behind the keyboard who does the typing and not on the structure of the system itself. It might be helpful to get them out more often to allow their facilities more practice letting the steam and pressures/boredom to dissipate. Role rotation may be a key but is not always feasible for there are certain knowledge associated issues that have to be addressed to be able to do that. Training and re-training people allows them to sharpen skills and add new knowledge to their already bored lives.

Tags: Mobile-Workforce, Telecommuting

Categories: General, IT Security Basics, Instant Messaging, Malware, Network Security, Physical Security, Privacy & Anonymity, Real-World Issues, Security Policies

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LG, one of Korea’s leading industry giants has announced the release of its Vaccine Flash Disk which will come in 512 to 8 Gigabyte models. The said hardware based protection is the company’s bet at getting it’s fair share of the Consumer Electronics market mainly in the computing industry. The said flash disk is pre-loaded with an anti-virus, malware protection which scans the system it is connected to removing and preventing further infection. The concept of hardware based malware protection has been in the works for quite sometime with motherboards that have anti-virus protection and hard disks that do the same. Flash disks have replaced the good old floppy in being the most prolific means of spreading of malware on earth. Being discreet and having ever larger capacities, they have been involved in infecting innocent computers and networks to corporate espionage and identity theft for their portability and small footprint being their worst trait.

Viruses and malware have long wreaked havoc on the computing industry since they were created in the 80’s and today’s viruses have gotten so sophisticated that even the FBI, CIA and other security and law enforcement agencies have become involved setting up their respective IT crimes divisions. The law has also caught up with steeper penalties and fines to offenders who do intentionally infect and create these malicious code that have caused millions of dollars in lost business revenue all over the globe. We should expect more of these hardware based-protection systems in the coming future for they might be the only way to protect media and other vulnerable Information Technology resources from attack.

Tags: Flash-disks, Vaccine-Flash-from-LG

Categories: General, IT Security Basics, Malware, Network Security, News, Real-World Issues, Security Policies, Storage

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The US government is leading the global scene with it’s many states placing requirements for inter-agency, inter-operable information systems that would allow the various agencies in law enforcement, public service and homeland security to communicate through voice and data allowing faster information dissemination thus improving performance. This allows these various state and federal agencies to have common channels of communication and information systems that can communicate through the internet diffusing the time it takes to distribute relevant and vital information to all concerned agencies. This gives faster response times and better public service on the forefront of their goals. State governments are expected to shell out millions upon millions into technology for IT security and Communication that must not only be secure but robust enough to stand the test of time. Industries in the said areas are hustling in providing these services opening opportunities for new business fronts which is always good for their respective businesses.

The entry of the New Year heralds the need for new budgets and upgrading of current systems to keep pace with crime and other degrading IT infrastructure. Governments have already spent and are planning to do more in hopes of getting people the protection they need from better weather forecasting and information dissemination, to fast crime reporting systems allowing both local and state policing agencies to fast get on the track to solving and curbing crime. Inter-Operable communications and Information systems would be a major costs in the upcoming budget hearing and industry has taken notice developing better and more innovative products for the public service sector.

Tags: Inter-Operable-Systems, Multi-agency-Cooperation

Categories: General, IT Security Basics, Network Security, Physical Security, Privacy & Anonymity, Security Policies

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It has happened again, information with vital importance getting stolen lost into oblivion but not as grave as the incidents with the UK government, this time in a US Public School. This has been the second break-in in the said school since November last year and it is causing disgust with all concerned, students, teachers and staff alike. The school, Dorothy Hains Elementary school has been broken into twice in a span of a few months when vandals broke in, burning walls and other school equipment. The recent exploit also has office equipment, namely an administration computer which has the social security numbers of all the students and teachers. The principal has expresses utter disgust and desperately wants the disks back so as not to cause more disruption in the school’s operation.

IT Security is now getting on all the to headlines for with more and more information being centralized it becomes easier to loose vital information in so little a crime as petty theft. The recent blunders of the UK government with thousands of constituent information such as tax data and other financially important information highlights the need for more security and may call for more strict control and security on information, it’s use, storage and transport. The FBI, one of the world’s premier crime fighting agencies of the US suffers attacks on various levels through the internet considering the fact that it employs some of the most sophisticated counter-intelligence systems in the world how would an elementary school fare? You be the judge, and let us demand for better control and security of information from governments that it be guarded and kept. One way to curb this would be to impose more strict policing and penalties for violators to deter future venture into the area of IT Security that is Identity Theft.

Tags: data-security, Employee-Records, Social-Security-Information

Categories: General, IT Security Basics, Physical Security, Privacy & Anonymity, Real-World Issues, Security Policies

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Many have been victimized by identity theft and no other area has been so affected as the banking industry. Investment in upgrading and purchasing newer technology and software is one of the most expensive costs for the banking sector which has one of the highest losses when it comes to IT security. Banks and other financial institutions are expected to pour billions of dollars into buffing up their defenses in hopes of staying one step ahead of fraudulent claims and users. The culprit, the internet, the internet has become one of the most dangerous territories on earth for anywhere financial information is transmitted and used, it can be intercepted and misused. True to the dilemma, health industry leaders have also begun to recognize the rising costs associated with identity theft related medical claims. This has already been in the forefront of the battle in the US and is fast spreading around the world and company after company is falling victim to the said crime. The internet also makes it easy to get away with the crime for use of public access which can be traced but the user may be any of the millions of users at one time. Hackers can also turn to call bouncing options which is more akin to spy movies but is really possible. The banking industry has long been a target of ID theft more so in their credit card divisions where billions are lost annually to fraudulent claims and use. Technology is the only security these establishments have as defense but technology as we know it costs a lot but there may be no other choice for them. Buy or bust is the dilemma and they are surely buying.

Tags: Banking-Industry, identity-theft, It-Security-Trends

Categories: Cryptography, General, IT Security Basics, Malware, Network Security, News, Physical Security, Privacy & Anonymity, Real-World Issues, Security Policies, Spyware

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