Security Patch Update for XP
If you are running Windows, you'll want to install several security patches released on 2/9/05 by Microsoft.
This update represents the largest group of security patches in nearly a year, posting 12 security bulletins encompassing 19 vulnerabilities, 14 of which it marked "Critical."
How To Test Your Firewall
Are you sure your firewall is operating correctly? You can test your firewall at one of the following sites:
Symantec Security: http://security.symantec.com
Gibson Research: http://www.grc.com
(follow the links to Shield's-Up!)
DSL Reports Port Scanner: http://www.dslreports.com/scan
FREE Malicious Software Removal Tool from Microsoft
Microsoft has released A FREE security tool. This tool checks your computer for infection by specific, prevalent malicious software (including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom) and helps to remove the infection if it is found. And according to Microsoft it will be updated on a monthly basis to reflect recent malicious software information.
Available as both and Online Tool and Download.
Is the Free Internet Calling Software Skype Spyware?
Skype is produced by the (in)famous Kazaa peer-to-peer file-sharing program, and is touted as being the first true peer-to-peer telephony program. Essentially, the technology that made Kazaa so successful (and difficult to sue) is being used to power voice communication over the Internet.
SPYW_GATOR.D
This spyware program may be downloaded onto affected systems by other malware already installed on the said machines. It has the capability to download an updated copy of itself without the users' knowledge.
WORM_NETSKY.D
This worm drops a copy of itself as the file WINLOGON.EXE in the Windows folder. It creates a thread for searching email addresses, which it gathers from files with specific extensions, in drives C to Z (except for the CD-ROM drive).
SPYW_GATOR.B
This spyware program monitors the sites visited by the user and forwards the gathered data back to its home company's servers.
It is also capable of carrying out the following routines:
1. Send spam email (e.g. special offers) and other advertisements.
2. Open sites that are capable of modifying the Internet Explorer startup and search pages.
Alias: AdvWare.Gator
Antivirus and Security Tips
What is a virus?
Simply put, a virus is a type of software that "infects" a computer. It's typically inserted into a program, and when that program is executed, the virus activates and attaches itself to other programs in your PC. Viruses can be a simple prank--an annoying pop-up message or blue screen, for instance--but too often a virus is a malicious attempt to outright destroy data and programs.
Protecting Your PC Against Identity Theft
The Internet is a scary place these days and just accessing it can put you at great risk. Identity Theft scams that enter your email disguised as mail from eBay or PayPal aren't your only enemy.
HTML_NETSKY.P
This HTML malware exploits a known vulnerability in Internet Explorer versions 5.01 and 5.5. known as the Automatic Execution of Embedded MIME Type. This vulnerability causes Internet Explorer to automatically run executable file attachments in email messages.
WORM_NETSKY.P
This NETSKY worm spreads by sending out copies of itself as email attachment using its built-in SMTP engine. It gathers target target recipients from certain files found on the affected machine, virtually turning the affected system into a propagation launch pad.
Overall Risk Rating - Medium
Reported Infections - Medium
Damage Potential - High
Distribution Potential - High
Free Windows XP Tools
FREE Antivirus Software... FREE FireWall... FREE Ad-aware...
Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer
Highly recommended.
The MBSA performs an audit of your computer's security, reporting the problems it finds and explaining how to fix them.
Microsoft AntiSpyware - Beta Released - Jan 05
What is Microsoft AntiSpyware?
I downloaded and tested the program this morning, and it found 11 spyware programs that adaware and spybot missed.
The Antispyware program was an easy install, ran without problems, and removed the spyware it found.
6 Signs Your Machine Is Infected
Sometimes we may over look it when our computer starts acting "funny." Most of us have a feeling for how it normally runs and when things change we may be in denial. I can't be infected... know way!
Well... here are 6 things to look for.
TROJ_STARTPAG.AG
This Trojan is actually a .DLL file that is installed onto a system by other programs. Adware, spyware, other malware, or any other program capable of running library files can possibly be used to install it.
Protect Your PC - The Right Way
No amount of protective software will keep spyware, viruses, and worms off of your PC if you don't practice safe computing. Likewise, if your computer isn't protected with a firewall and antivirus software, it will be infected no matter how careful you are. To stay safe, you need to make good decisions and have the right software installed.
COOKIE_1020
Data Miners (Tracking Cookies) are cookies that are used by two or more Web sites to track a user's Web habits for the purpose of providing the user with ads or other material that the user might be interested in.
Similar to adware, data miners can collect a user's information for a third party recipient.
This cookie is installed when you visit the following URL: "doubleclick.net"
COOKIE_45
Data Miners (Tracking Cookies) are cookies that are used by two or more Web sites to track a user's Web habits for the purpose of providing the user with ads or other material that the user might be interested in.
Similar to adware, data miners can collect a user's information for a third party recipient.
This cookie is installed when you visit the following URL: "2o7.net"