Folks, it seems the Bagle (or is it Beagle? I’ve seen both names) virus is not done with us yet. There’s a new version, Bagle.AQ, that turns off your anti-virus, downloads code from malicious websites, and generally messes with your computer. It hasn’t spread very far yet, because most of the so-called malicious
Security
20 Minutes is All It Takes
A recent study from the Internet Storm Center found that an unpatched computer, when connected to the Internet, will be compromised by malware within 20 minutes. I assume that means without a firewall up and running, because otherwise we’d all be unpatched at some point or another.
Here’s a real-life story of what can…
One more password to remember
I have written before that it’s important to choose a strong password for your online activities, because most passwords can be easily broken. Now the prevailing wisdom is that we all need not one, but two passwords to increase your online security. My firm’s remote access application uses two passwords, and it works pretty well.
Viruses and Sven
It’s amazing how one guy can cause so much trouble. Sven Jaschan, who is only 18 years old, is apparently responsible for 70 percent of virus infections in 2004, having created the Netsky and Sasser viruses (and their progeny).
Protect yourself against online organized crime (?)
Late last week a report surfaced that researchers believe online organized crime groups are breaking into web servers and inserting code that, when you visit the site, installs code on your PC that would allow the baddies to take control of your computer.
The infection takes advantage of two flaws in Internet Explorer that…
Plexus on the loose
If you haven’t run Windows Update lately, you might want to think about doing so. A new worm called Plexus is exploiting weaknesses in the Windows operating system to enter your PC, harvest your e-mail addresses, and send out the virus under your name. The virus also spreads through the Kazaa file-sharing network.
Pop-ups on the rise?
CNet reports that pop-up ads are on the rise again, despite the best efforts of tools like the Google Toolbar.
I have noticed a *few* more pop-ups than usual, but nothing that really bothers me. Speaking of which, I am nearing the one-year anniversary of using the Google Toolbar, which as of today…
Watch out for the Jackal today
Viruses are bad no matter when you get them. But many viruses are designed to deliver their payload on a specific date. If you are curious about learning more about this, check out the Virus Calendar over at McAfee.
Better password-keeping practices
How do other computer users protect their passwords? Some share their methods in How To Safely Store and Manage Passwords.
ISP as Phishing Blocker
Gee, Earthlink really has it going on as a proactive ISP, huh? First they offer free spyware auditing services; now they’re introducing a new toolbar called ScamBlocker, which is designed to track and block access to known swindle sites. Unfortunately, services like these are necessary, because sometimes an Internet user’s most dangerous enemy…