security

A recently released security report from Microsoft warns that cyber crooks are digging deeper into computers in order to steal and control data. The Security Intelligence Report reveals that rogue security software ("scareware") was the biggest ... threat during the first half of this year. Worm Activity on the Rise In a recent report, Jeff Williams, Microsoft's Malware Protection Center principal architect noted that rogue security software is no longer the primary tool for hackers and that worm activity, particularly the Conficker and Taterf worm, are on the rise. Scareware usually ... (view more)

One of the most visible changes in Windows 7 is that the User Account Control (UAC) system has been made less irritating than with Vista. However, a security firm says that less hassle comes with a price. The UAC system, which debuted in Vista, ... means that once installed, software is not automatically able to run without restraint. Instead, when it wants to perform an action which will change Windows itself, a pop-up box asks the user for permission. The user must be logged in under an administrator account to give this permission. Vista Users: UAC Most Annoying The idea was to put a block on ... (view more)

Comodo Internet Security Comodo Internet Security (CIS) is a free, multi-layered security application that keeps hackers out of your PC. Built from the ground up with your security in mind, CIS offers 360 degrees of protection by combining powerful ... antivirus support, an enterprise class packet filtering firewall, and an advanced host intrusion prevention system called Defense+. Unlike the stripped down versions of commercial software that other software vendors offer for free, this is the full, completely functional version of the product. http://www.comodo.com Dotmobi Make your page ... (view more)

One of the most anticipated aspects of the forthcoming Windows 7 will be its security features . According to Andrew Storms, director of security operations of nCircle Network Security, three specific security facets are the hot items to look for ... when first experimenting with Windows 7, due to be released tomorrow. More Secure, Less Bothersome The first new security improvement can be seen in the presentation of security measures. With Vista, people were always being asked to review their decisions via an "are you sure?" window request. With Windows 7, the user controls the extent with which ... (view more)

GSmartControl GSmartControl is a useful open source tool designed for the prevention of hard drive failure. Essentially a S.M.A.R.T. frontend client, GSmartControl will give you a close-up look at your disks, and predict 64% of failures before the ... drive fulfills its destiny as a paper-weight. http://www.freewarepharmacy.com Microsoft Security Essentials Microsoft Security Essentials provides real-time protection for your home PC and guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. Microsoft Security Essentials is always kept up to date so you can be assured your PC is protected ... (view more)

It's not often you hear about smartphones being infiltrated by hackers using phishing schemes, but a recent Research in Motion security fix is designed to prevent just that kind of issue. The Waterloo, Ontario-based Research in Motion, which ... produces the extremely popular BlackBerry smartphone, late last week issued a patch for a reported vulnerability which left many of its users susceptible to attack by phishing hackers. According to reports, the flaw could allow a remote hacker to fool a BlackBerry owner into visiting a malicious website with their handheld multimedia device. A BlackBerry ... (view more)

IObit Security 360 IObit Security 360 is an advanced malware and spyware removal utility that detects and removes deep infections, while helping to protecting your PC from future spyware outbreaks. With its unique Dual-Core engine and heuristic ... malware detection, Security 360 is able to detect complex malware quickly and efficiently. Other features include real-time malware protection and frequent automatic updating for prevention of zero-day security threats. Works with existing antivirus and anti-spyware utilities, offering an extra layer of protection. 100% freeware. http://download.iobit. ... (view more)

A zero-day or "0day" attack is a computer threat that tries to exploit computer application vulnerabilities for which no security fix is yet available. Zero-day exploits are used by attackers before the software vendor knows about the vulnerability. ... The term derives from the age of the exploit. When a vendor becomes aware of a security hole, there is a race to close it before attackers discover it or the vulnerability becomes public. A "zero day" attack occurs on or before the first or "zeroth" day of vendor awareness, meaning the vendor has not had any opportunity to disseminate a security ... (view more)

Microsoft yesterday released a package of five Security Bulletins offering fixes for a total of eight vulnerabilities. While it's news worth celebrating, unfortunately the software company has also failed to address three other zero-day ... vulnerabilities . Browse And Get Owned, Drive-By Attacks Addressed All five of the Security Bulletins Microsoft has addressed were outlined in September and deemed "critical" -- the highest level of concern. Three out of five of the issues taken care of by Microsoft fix issues associated with "browse-and-get-owned" attacks, otherwise known as " drive-by" ... (view more)

In an effort to expedite stolen personal identities and financial records of unsuspecting users, online deviants are using an Instant Messaging component of their attack software, coupled malware. According to RSA Security, the Zeus Trojan informs ... hackers when their desired information has been poached. With Zeus, hackers can act faster in completing their time-sensitive illegal acts, which could lead to even more victims being targeted. Internet security firms are very familiar with the Zeus Trojan, blaming it for an endless trail of online bank account heists. Most believe Zeus is the ... (view more)