Computer Security
New Mac OS X malware in the wild
Mar 21st
The new malware variant, OSX/Imuler-B, uses images of supermodel Irina Shayk in an attempt to trick end users into execution the malicious application. The malware relies on the fact that by default, Mac OS X doesn’t display full file extensions, and therefore is attempting to trick users into thinking that they’re about the view a JPG image file.
Once the file is executed the malware will delete the original infection file and only leave an image file of Irina Shayk. It will also open a backdoor on the infected host, transferring private information from the infected host to a remote Web More >
Firefox Vulnerability Allows Hacking Through Images
Feb 21st
It is a long standing notion between the techies of the world that Firefox is an overall better web browser than IE, but that does not mean that Firefox doesn’t have any issues. No software package can be fully secure. In the last week, Mozilla (creators of Firefox) have patched major problems with their web browser.
This vulnerability has been patched. If you run Firefox, be sure that all the updates are installed. They usually come through automatically, so if you have been putting off those auto update alerts, better install them now.
What was the problem? A bug in the Firefox More >
Another Facebook Scam
Jan 27th
You may have seen them already. They are popping up on accounts all over the place. More and more people have them. I’m talking about the new “Timeline” design for Facebook. You can opt in for the new format right now, or wait to be forced into it later. For a lot of people, They opted in early to receive it, only to find out that they don’t like it. But there is no way to go back to the old one. This is where the scams come in.
Scammers heard the complaints and have taken action. Pages and apps are More >
The Return of Zeus
Jan 10th
Besides wielding thunderbolts, Zeus can steal your usernames and passwords. At least, the offspring of the Zeus malware can. “Gameover” is the name of the latest Zeus variant and is called so for good reason. When a computer is infected, it steals your bank account information. Once in the bank account, it is essentially game over.
Lets break Gameover down and see how it works. Infections are usually brought about through phishing scams. These are scams sent through email that try and trick the user into clicking on things that they shouldn’t be clicking on. The emails usually look like they More >
SpyEye Trojan Steals Your Money, Covers Its Tracks
Jan 6th
The original SpyEye Trojan was effective at stealing bank account credentials for online banking. It would also make fraudulent transactions as the user was logged in to the account, allowing them to watch their balance drop to zero. The updated version of SpyEye, discovered by Trusteer, still takes the login credentials, but then adds a twist.
Instead of allowing a user to see the fraudulent transactions being made, it covers its tracks. The Trojan intercepts the communication with the banking website, allowing it to alter transaction records and account balance. So what does this mean? Your bank account could be at More >
Facebook Security Tip!
Nov 16th
If you use Facebook, you will want to read this. If you look at a normal URL it may look something like this:
http://www.somesite.com.
When you browse on a secure connection to a website it will look something like this:
https://www.somesite.com.
Notice the addition of the ‘s’ on the second URL. The ‘s’ means that you are connected to the website through a secure connection. Connecting through https rather than http makes it much harder for someone to steal information being transmitted to and from your computer and the website. So what does this have to do with Facebook?
Facebook has a security More >
9/11: Heartless Hackers and Thieves
Sep 8th
As 9/11 approaches, we look back with a solemn demeanor and with pride in our hearts. America is resilient. For those that lost their lives on that dreadful day and those whose lives were forever changed, we offer our gratitude and our condolences. It is because of the people of America that we are strong.
As America reflects on the events of the past, do not be lured in by heartless hackers and thieves. These malicious individuals are preparing to release malware attacks by taking advantage of your curiosity and your giving heart.
They are targeting social networking sites as well as More >
Raving fan reveals "secret sauce"
May 19th
We get letters of thanks and unsolicited testimonials from raving INVISUS fans every day. This letter caught my eye because it captures some of the essence of who INVISUS is and shows a little about our “secret sauce” behind retaining so many thousands of customers year after year. Read what customer Doug Reid said today about why he’s a raving fan:
“I thought I would get the usual “starred-rating” choices to choose from for rating my recent Invisus service, but instead it spit out an actual email so I can say what I want clearly. I just want to say that, once again, you More >
Major Events Will Spur an Increase in Spam
May 4th
The death of Osama bin Laden is no exception. A major part of the bin Laden spam is coming from emails that look like Facebook updates from friends.
The email looks like it comes from friends and urges the user to cut and paste a string of malicious text in order to access a video of bin Laden’s killing. If a user follows the directions, they are actually granting full access of their accounts to the hackers.
The hackers then use the compromised accounts to further propagate the virus by sending it to the users’ friends.
Other hacker campaigns that exploit bin Laden’s More >
If You Haven't Thought About Mobile Security - Better Start Now
Apr 5th
Smartphones are amazing devices that allow a business to be more productive and lets the personal user have access to information, games, social networking sites, and more at their fingertips. It’s like having a computer in your pocket. Cell providers are watching more people switch to the smartphone for personal use and business. But they are not the only ones keeping an eye on this trend.
Cyber criminals are increasing the sophistication and frequency of attacks on business and government networks, including a shift in focus to mobile devices. Attackers have been waiting for the time when creating malware for smartphones More >