Well, that’s not entirely true — the major anti-virus companies care when new viruses are released. However, the new Sober worm, while having the potential to cause harm to your PC, is moving rather slowly and not having much of an affect on PC users. Still, make sure your anti-virus definitions are up
Security
Phishing for your Citibank account
By Tom Mighell on
Posted in Security
The concept of phishing is on the increase, as more and more scammers try to steal your personal information through legitimate-looking e-mails and websites. The most recent involves an attempt to rob Citibank customers of their account numbers. PC World offers aglimpse into the phisher’s world, and some handy tips for avoiding
Adware, not Spyware
By Tom Mighell on
Recently embattled pop-up ad company Gator is taking action against parties that call its product “spyware” — it’s suing them.
A giant booster shot for your PC
By Tom Mighell on
Microsoft has combined 22 of its critical updates into one combined download, called the Update Rollup 1 for Windows XP. You can download it here. If you keep up with Windows Update, you’re in good shape. But if any of you have missed even one of Microsoft’s critical updates, download this file.
Forcing people to take care of their computers
By Tom Mighell on
Posted in Security
Unfortunate, but true; because people consistently fail (or refuse) to adequately protect their computers against attack, Microsoft is considering whether to make automatic download and installation of security updates the default option for Windows.
As far as security updates are concerned, I agree with this proposed new policy; the truth is that many people…
20 security problems to think about
By Tom Mighell on
Posted in Security
The SANS Institute, a company specializing in computer security training, has identified the twenty most critical Internet security vulnerabilities. This list can be found here, with detailed descriptions of the problems, and how to fix them. The language can get a little dense, but stick with it — we all need to…
Klez, Swen, Randex.Q, and Welchia
By Tom Mighell on
Posted in Security
How do viruses get named by the computer security industry? Do you even care? Virus experts do, and they have been discussing naming conventions, and whether a standard should be set.
Maybe this explains Microsoft’s new strategy…
By Tom Mighell on
Posted in Internet and Technology Law, Security
It was bound to happen…a woman in California has filed suit against Microsoft, alleging that the security holes in its software constitute anunfair and deceptive business practice. Plaintiff’s counsel is trying to get the lawsuit certified as a class action.
Too many holes, not enough fingers to plug them
By Tom Mighell on
Microsoft has acknowledged that its strategy of patching software holes as they appear is not working, and is now concentrating on securing the perimeter.
Sounds like MS is heading towards a bigger stake in the firewall industry.
MS Security Hole of the Day
By Tom Mighell on
Yet another hole in Internet Explorer is being exploited by hackers who use the security weakness to break into your computer. I usually recommend that you head over to Windows Update and download the latest patch. But this time it appears the patch doesn’t plug the hole. Be careful out there, folks.