11.18.03

New Microsoft partner offers free anti-virus, firewall

Posted in security at 2:35 pm by Jordana

Microsoft has announced a new partnership in its “Protect Your PC” campaign with Computer Associates, makers of eTrust EZ Armor Security Suite. This desktop security software bundle includes an anti-virus scanner with daily virus definition updates and a firewall with pop-up blocking capabilities and will be offered free for one year as part of the campaign to improve home PC security. Visit [url=http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/]Microsoft’s “Protect Your PC” web site[/url] to find out more.

11.17.03

Gates touts anti-spam technology, “seamless computing” at conference

Posted in security at 11:13 am by Jordana

At this year’s COMDEX conference in Las Vegas, Bill Gates confirmed Microsoft’s continued commitment to security and improving user experiences during his keynote speech. Highlights included his vision of “seamless computing” along with revealing new network security and anti-spam technologies. Read the rest of this entry »

Fake Paypal email spreads new virus

Posted in security at 10:10 am by Jordana

Last Friday, antivirus companies reported that a new virus began spreading on home users’ PCs. This virus is a variant of Mimail, which has previously spread itself by masquerading as a Microsoft security advisory email. Once it has infected the user’s computer, it asks for credit card information, which is sent to the attacker. Read the rest of this entry »

11.13.03

Microsoft releases November security patches

Posted in security at 1:53 pm by Jordana

Microsoft released several security patches for Windows and MS Office on Tuesday, some of which are rated “critical.” If you haven’t yet, go to [url=http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com]windowsupdate.microsoft.com[/url] to check what patches are available for your version of Windows. Read the rest of this entry »

Windows Messenger spam to stop, says Microsoft

Posted in security at 1:44 pm by Jordana

Bill Gates announced on Monday that the upcoming Windows XP Service Pack 2 will either disable or make considerable changes to Windows Messenger to help improve security and prevent spam. Read the rest of this entry »

New WinXP “flaw” requires physical access to computer

Posted in security at 12:32 pm by Jordana

Recently, it has been discovered that anyone that is physically at a Windows XP machine can bypass all passwords and gain access to all programs and files by simply booting up the system using a Windows 2000 CD and going to the Windows 2000 Recovery Mode. Read the rest of this entry »

New bill may help protect against identity theft

Posted in security at 11:58 am by Jordana

A new bill in the Senate, S.1350, authored by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-California) would require companies to inform customers whenever their personal data (including SSN, driver’s license, and credit or debit card numbers) is stolen by criminals hacking or otherwise gaining unauthorized access to company databases. Read the rest of this entry »

Cyber-extortion results from poor security practices

Posted in security at 11:15 am by Jordana

Spammers, hackers and blackmailers are working together to take over the ever-increasing number of home PCs with broadband Internet access but poor security measures. These computers become zombie spam-relay machines that power a new method of extortion. Read the rest of this entry »

Spam an ever increasing problem, says security firm

Posted in security at 11:00 am by Jordana

Have you noticed more spam in your inbox lately? You’re not the only one.

Prevalence of spam is on the rise, according to an email security firm called FrontBridge. In January, 48 percent of the email they analyzed was spam. By October, spam had increased to nearly 70 percent of all email. And these rates show no signs of slowing. Read the rest of this entry »