Viruses and malware issues are far from being a thing of the past. On the contrary, they seem to grow large by numbers as each day passes. Thus the works of security software companies have their work cut out for them. There is not definite date to which such threats and intrusions would wholly be resolved.

For the time being, it would be advisable for people to scan third party storage devices such as diskettes, USB drives and mobile storages to be safe and sound. These wandering viruses can attack at any time and this is a fact anywhere computer related materials are concerned.

Files can go as far as infecting the executable files, hence document, excel and compiled scripts are baits for immediate infection and malicious intrusions. Software applications also have their limits as their development teams cater only to a specific genre for known harmful files. But it is better to lower the risk of intrusion than not having protection at all.

[tags]scan, spyware, virus, infections, spyware, malware, trojans[/tags]

Tags: infections, Malware, scan, Spyware, trojans, virus

Categories: Backups, IT Security Basics, Malware, Network Security, Operating Systems, Programming, Real-World Issues, Security Policies, Spyware, Storage, Tips, Wireless Security

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Cool! But wait – Microsoft is giving away something for FREE? Am I dreaming? You better believe it, though. The software giant is jumping into the freeware fray with their latest security product. Dubbed Microsoft Security Essentials, the program is designed to detect, find, and kill malicious software that might find its way into your computers.

The beta version will be released next week. In the meantime, the company is continuing to develop the full version of the product, which is slated to be released in the fall. The security software is not going to be bundled with Windows 7, as this may provoke anti-trust issues, which Microsoft has had more than its share of. Still, critics have not been slow to point out that the description of the product is flawed and misleading.

David Cole of Symantec has stated that it is NOT an essential security solution. He also pointed out that users still need protection such as firewalls, spam fighters, and other features that are included in subscription products.

So what does Microsoft Security Essentials really offer? According to Theresa Burch, the program will try to spot malicious software, even if it is not part of the database of known threats. Once the suspicion of the software is aroused, it will first check with online servers before allowing the program to run. Users do not have to worry about the program interfering with trusted sources, however, as there will be a list of those, such as Google Toolbar.

I think I’ll see what it has to offer next week.

Categories: General, Malware, News, Spyware

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If there is one thing that a lot of people do but deny doing so, it is buying fake software. This is actually understandable if you think about it. Licensed software is just so expensive and with the way things are going financially right now, people are always looking for ways to save a dime here and there. And if you buy unlicensed software, you will definitely save more than a dime!

Then again, if you are talking about security software, I do not really think that it is such a good idea to buy fake software. After all, you are talking about staying safe here, and who knows where all that fake software comes from?

Microsoft has actually issued statements regarding fake security software. Naturally, many will be skeptical about the statements – it is from the largest software company in the world. Of course they will tell you to stay away from fake products, right?

But they do have a very valid point, one which we will all benefit from. Canada.com has a report on this:

Fake computer security software, created by cyber criminals as smokescreens for viruses, is the No. 1 threat to computer security in Canada, software giant Microsoft said Wednesday in its latest biannual security report.

And experts blame hackers for playing on people’s fears of infectious malicious software, such as the Conficker worm.

According to Microsoft’s report, rogue security software, also called scareware, was found in 5.9 million computers, a rise of 66 per cent in the last six months.

What should you do? Make sure you are buying 100% legit software.

“If you see a message pop up (from a website) no matter how dire it is don’t click on it because almost 100 per cent of the time that message is a fake message,” said Mohammad Akif.

“Norton, Symatec, Microsoft — none of these companies sell their software this way.”

Sounds like a plan to me!

Categories: General, IT Security Basics, Malware, Spyware, Tips

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Seems everybody is out for cheap deals on just about everything and who wouldn’t be in this recession where cash is hard to come by and jobs are being shed by the thousands. Now, there are truly some honest cell phone deals out there but you have to be sure you’re getting the right stuff. Having the latest phone gadget might be one thing but keeping that new phone secure from hacks is another. Sure you can get it cheap from the internet but how sure are you you’re getting the real stuff.
Criminals are becoming craftier than ever and they have even managed to copy branded products complete with all the security stickers and holographic security seals with them. They can also be pre-loaded with malware for the amount of computing power they pack is enough to emulate an ultraportable, in function that is. Just how dangerous are these hacking attempts, for mobile devices using Windows very dangerous for there is a group bent on exacting damage on the software giant.
ensuring you have the latest updates to your operating system is vital to maintaining your ability to fend off attacks. Having intrusion prevention systems installed is also a good thing for like your PC, they also need protection. Given the power of these gadgets and their ability to connect to the internet, they are not immune to attack. Let’s set this as an example, an unprotected PC connected to the internet for the first time will last an average of 15 minutes before it is hacked and compromised. Now you do the math for your mobile!

Categories: Cryptography, E-mail, General, IM, IT Security Basics, Malware, News, Privacy & Anonymity, Real-World Issues, Spyware, Tips, Web browsers, Wireless Security

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One click is all it takes to be infected and for the avid PC user, it would be wise to make sure that you look before you click. Malware issues can come in different forms like:

1. Emails
2. Popups
3. Links via Instant Messaging

In fact, even if you know the person who sent you the link, you cannot entirely rely on your relationship and trust with them as the main reason for clicking on the link. This was done before but today, people have to be aware that there are some accounts that can be easily hacked or even impersonated.

Much of these issues have plagued us through the years. Some have had their share of problems dealing with Malware and Trojans. They are different from viruses but sometimes, they can do more harm compared to the traditional viruses.

Even having anti-virus or anti-spyware protection is not guarantee from being contaminated with them. Remember, a click is all that it takes and all hell will break loose. For most, it is easy to remedy since they can reformat their computer. But think about the files you may lose from the moment you click on these links.

It may be hard to save these files since chances are they have already been infected. With that said, your files and PC are practically good as dead. So the moral of the lesson is, don’t be trigger happy with clicking. You are just raisin the stakes of being infected by doing so.

Tags: Malware, security, Spyware, trojans

Categories: Malware, Spyware

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We know for a fact that the battle towards malicious software and viruses released on the web has caused a lot of pain as far as pinpointing and remedying them but apparently nothing has been done to really resolve them. We buy licensed software but we have to ask ourselves on the extent of their coverage. Are they up to date and can they really save us from all these uncertainties of getting online?

Microsoft has been a prime target, being one of the widely used operating systems we know of today. But while Bill Gates and company are doing their part in being able to address the various intrusions and headaches that they can do with a simple click, you just don’t know who to trust these days. Even the software companies have the ability to manipulate and do some foul work and they are occurring right under our very noses.

Security researchers concede that their efforts are largely an exercise in a game of whack-a-mole because botnets that distribute malware like worms, the programs that can move from computer to computer, are still relatively invisible to commercial antivirus software.

So with all these things set on the table, is the cyber world safe for anyone? We can fend off threats but the question is are we resolving the situation or merely providing a temporary solution to the problem? Sad to say, it is the latter. We are content with detecting them but it is really the cleaning and protection part that needs improvement.

Tags: cyber wars, internet, Malware, trojans

Categories: IT Security Basics, Malware, Security Policies, Spyware

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Emails are supposed to make life easier but sometimes, it may be wise to choose who you give out your email to. Today, a lot of mischief can be done and normally this comes in forms of email attacks or email bombs. In such scenarios, don’t be surprised if you find your email downloading hundred to a thousand emails in one sitting. That is not the best part. You would be lucky if this was done only once since others would schedule it daily.

Why do they do it? One is for trials of these foolish software and the other can perhaps be for malicious reason. It is a fact that while many people on the web cannot be harmed physically, they can create headaches for you in the form of discomforts from the privileges you get from the web. One of the main elements an online user would need to use is his email and by doing these email attacks, it burdens the person on how to get important information usually sent through the web.

One cannot avoid such instances. But the best way to prevent it is to choose the people you give it too. For people you meet on the web, it would be wise to use free mail accounts from Gmail or Yahoo over your personal one. Avoid the troubles of such since it will not only be a discomfort, but a forgettable experience as well.

Tags: emal, explosion, security, spam

Categories: IT Security Basics, Malware, Security Policies, Spyware, Tips

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A lot of the viruses and Trojans today find their way into a network or a computer using emails. They come in the form of links or attachments which are always a risk for anyone especially if they don’t have the proper software to screen these files being sent via email. One good way to go about it is to set limits as far as the main email configuration server is concerned. While it may not be able to screen links in emails, attachments of any sort can be minimized.

A good way to provide manual preventive measures is through memorandums and of course lectures that IT personnel can provide to the people in an organization. Newsletters are another option, warning people of virus alerts and how they can make their way into computers.

Spreading in networks starts from one computer. These are a given. So if network and security administrators want to avoid having to address such issues, it would be best to start by safeguarding workstations and orienting people of the threat of such.

Of course, not all people will be listening to you. As far as they are concerned, it is the duty of IT personnel to block them off even before they reach the individual mailboxes. Petty as it may seem, it would be best to use all precautions necessary. While many people will not cooperate, there are measures a good IT person can do and it all starts with research and beefing up security measures through software and policy declarations.

Tags: email security, space

Categories: IT Security Basics, Network Security, Spyware

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Whether you are downloading a trialware or files from Bittorrent, the chances of cracking or using the full version has severely dwindled in the past months. For one, other than possibly downloading infected software with Trojans and malware, unlocking these supposed protection software has taken a bad hit by the advanced efforts of private software companies to crack down on piracy.

Take for example Kaspersky Internet Security 2009 which has cracked the whip on licenses by blocking them once you start updating the software. While you can install and crack them, they are rendered useless in the end since once you hit that update option, your key is automatically blocked. Worst, malware and Trojans start coming in (a scenario which I don’t understand if it was made on purpose by the vendor in sending malware) infecting the systems folder where Windows is installed.

Before you know it, dozens of files in the form of dll’s start showing and mind you, they are dangerous. So if that was the case, it makes you think if you were better off not using an anti-virus software at all.

But such is the price to pay for trying to pull a fast one. Everyone loves free things and free software is surely to be an eye-catcher. But if the return is tons of viruses and malicious programs that can wreck your computer, you better think twice before downloading them again.

Tags: cracked, kasperksy, Malware, software, trojans, viruses

Categories: Operating Systems, Spyware

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For each PC owner, there will be a preferred setting and software to use. It may depend on the impact and addition of processes or how they protect your computer from malicious intent stemming from viruses and spyware that are spread all over the web. But in the end, you may ask yourself which is the best among these anti-virus software solutions and which can really protect my computer from potent intrusion?

Seriously, there is no definite answer for this. We may see a lot of reviews and best ranked anti-virus software on the web but none of them guarantee 100% protection. Viruses and malware will always find a way and the degree of infection can start from minimal to dangerous at times.

While you can always rely on brand recall, depending on how you understand reviews and features that each software could give, trying them out one by one via their trialware options when you download and evaluation copy would be great. However, beware of some marketing gimmicks such as warning you of infections that may be dangerous to them yet minimal to others.

Anti-virus software selling is still a business and to get the nod of consumers, you have to impress them by showing them something. This is not to say that software companies are actually turning to these low way of marketing their product but why would you purchase an anti-virus software if you have nothing better to show than the price?

That is why you would be better of trying majority of these software programs. For sure you will know which are really needed and which are not.

Tags: Spyware, virus

Categories: IT Security Basics, Malware, Spyware

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