Please click our new Thank You Buttons
Please click our new Thank You Buttons!
We have just added our new Thank You Buttons that appear on all blog posts and webpages. If you have found that any of our informative blog posts have been helpful , please click the Thank You Button! As well, on our individual webpages here at our website – Help Center, Threats FAQs, Forensics, PC Help, Wireless, About etc – if you have found information here has been helpful please click the Thank You Button at the bottom of the webpage!
The Thank You Button is a simple counter that increase one number each time clicked. There is NOTHING recorded like IP Numbers – nothing identifiable about the User at all – just a simple counter button.
The BlueCollarPC has been a free Community Help Website since 2005. We have never solicited Donations or charged anything at all. All is personally learned information and all other sources as freely shared help information over the Net.
Again, We thank you for choosing us as an additonal PC Security destination!
Webmaster, free Malware Removal Help since 2005 (former Webmaster of the BlueCollarPC.Net)
We added some new Counters (Visitors Hits etc)
We added some new Counters (Visitors Hits etc)….
Hello all, we have added several Counters again to our site so our Users and Visitors can take a glance at fellow traffic. As mentioned, I was the former webmaster of our original site – BlueCollarPC.Net – since 2005 / closed 2010. The original site had just passed the 6 million Visitors/Users mark before closing. This was added to our main Hits Counter (Visitors / Users) and can be found all the way at the bottom of the homepage on the left. To see our BlueCollarPC.US hits by Visitors and Users, just subtract 6 million.
The gizmo thingamagib towards the top of the homepage on the left shows a kind of static simple count of Today/Yeseterday hits and some more info. This can help show perhaps if there is a spike during times of unique worldwide event type malware outbreak such as the Conficker Worm botmnet not very long ago that even hit TV News stations.
Of course these are simple basic counters with NO identifiable information recorded or tracked of any of our Users and Visitors, naturally. Note that some counters will display IP Numbers of visitors and so on and we do NOT use any of these of course with the amount of cyber crime anymore and those were from a more innocent age years and years ago. The IP Number of a computer (kind of like a Caller ID number) actually have the parts of the number showing country location and is why they would be displayed in ages old times. Just another interesting ditty of viewing Visitor info.
Today, hackers use pinging of IP Numbers to attempt to learn about a PC and perhaps break into one. In emails, the sender IP Number is always included so watch who you send email to! Basically, if you have truly quality paid antimalware installed on your computer – you are good to go.
Webmaster, BlueCollarPC.US
Malware Removal Help Since 2005
BlueCollarPC Passes 8 million vistors
Welcome all, our BlueCollarPC.US (formerly BlueCollarPC.Net) passes the 8 Million Visitors mark!
Our original domain, the BlueCollarPC.Net, had just passed the 6 Million Visitors mark from 2005 until we moved to our present home – the BlueCollarPC.US in 2010. Originally, we started as a spyware information and free removal Commuity Help site in 2005. As malware became even more sophisticated, trojans trojans trojans, botnet infections were increasing and becoming more sophisticated as well.
In response, we simply expanded our site to be the full blown malware information and free removal Community Help Site. The term malware means simply all the catagory threats – both antivirus and antispyware catagories. Traditionally, viruses and worms and most trojans, and then rootkits added, were detected by traditional antivirus. Adware and then various and many spyware pacakages were then in the antispyware catagory of threats and detected, blocked, and removed by same – antispyware products.
So we then transferred our domain to the now BlueCollarPC.US for the new decade with a full emphasis in removal help of botnet infections – the new worst feared infection (massive payloads) surpassing rootkits. The greatest feared malware – rootkits – were unable to run on Windows Vista, but were always a dreaded infection for Windows XP. Now with Windows 8 and the new Secure Boot technology, rootkits are not able to start up and run on Win8. So the great botnet plague is now the worst feared enemy for the community of computer users and including all from Small Business all the way through Corporates etc. These are intensive massive payloads that need much removal diagnosis and help. There is generally always several areas of damage needing repair and resetting. They can even bypass traditional antimalware products if not up on their game – they walk through in seconds like it was not even there!
FROM OUR ABOUT PAGE….. HELP http://bluecollarpc.us/sample-page/
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Webmaster of the BlueCollarPC.US
Former webmaster of BlueCollarPC.Net / BlueCollarPC.Org and BlueCollarPC.Webs.Com. We have moved to www.BlueCollarPC.US for the new decade 2010 ongoing. Data Processor Certificate 1970 (IBM029,Univac026 – Sperry Rand Univac 9200/9300 Series COBAL). Novice to Advanced User to Amatuer Computer Forensics on Windows PC. Advanced Linux User also now.
Location: USA
Website: http://bluecollarpc.us/
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Welcome to the BlueCollarPC …… A Community Help Website
BlueCollarPC.US Launched June 14 2010 Personal Website for General Audiences with Computing Safety and Malware Removal Help and Information as main theme which includes memberships available for live help – at our Groups and Forums. Formerly Webmaster of BlueCollarPC.Net from 2005 -2009 (over 6 million Visitors) and back up BlueCollarPC.Org [closed]
Welcome to the www.BlueCollarPC.US We Thank You for choosing us as your additional Computing Security destination !
For the record….. I began the BlueCollarPC Computing Security Community Website in 2005 at the original .Net website. I believe at that time, the .Com website was actually a PC Repair Shop which I was not connected with. Towards the end of 2009, the BlueCollarPC .Net created by me had enjoyed just over 6 Million Vistors/Users! – and are proud to have helped and indeed actually had “discovery” in the security industry concerning the malware RASautodial registry entries discovered by Yours Truly. Never be afraid to ‘take a look under the hood’ of your PC ! You never know what you’ll find.
How And Where To Report Cyber Crime
REPORT CYBER CRIME
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
http://ic3.gov/
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C). IC3′s mission is to serve as a vehicle to receive, develop, and refer criminal complaints regarding the rapidly expanding arena of cyber crime. The IC3 gives the victims of cyber crime a convenient and easy-to-use reporting mechanism that alerts authorities of suspected criminal or civil violations. For law enforcement and regulatory agencies at the federal, state, local and international level, IC3 provides a central referral mechanism for complaints involving Internet related crimes. read more >> http://ic3.gov/
Federal Trade Commission (USA) Complaint Input Form
https://rn.ftc.gov/pls/dod/widtpubl$.startup?Z_ORG_CODE=PU03
If you believe you have been the victim of identity theft, you may use the form below to send a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The information you provide is up to you. However, if you don’t provide your name or other information, it may be impossible for us to refer, respond to, or investigate your complaint or request. To learn how we use the information you provide, please read our Privacy Policy.
Federal Bureau of Investigation – Cyber Investigations – Cybercrime
http://www.fbi.gov/cyberinvest/cyberhome.htm
Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section
http://www.cybercrime.gov/
WiredSafety.Org
http://www.wiredsafety.org/911/
Our Cyber911 Help tipline is not intended to replace law enforcement emergency 911, 999 and other numbers worldwide. It is to help people know where to get help when they are being victimized online, and to provide help when help is needed. We work closely with law enforcement around the world, and require that when offline threats are involved that local law enforcement be notified before we can offer assistance to the victim or their local law enforcement…
ReportCybercrime.Com (Private)
http://www.reportcybercrime.com/
Also, through our interactive forum you can get opinion of specialist attorneys and lawyers. Each lawyer in practice will give his opinion on matters, which are raised in the forum. You Can post queries view answers from experts and improve upon your knowledge base…
How to Report Cybercrime
http://www.katiesplace.org/report_cybercrime.html
WiredSafety’s Cyber911 Emergency tipline is not intended to replace law enforcement emergency 911, 999 and other numbers worldwide. It is to help people know where to get help when they are being victimized online, and to provide help when help is needed. We work closely with law enforcement around the world, and require that when offline threats are involved that local law enforcement be notified before we can offer assistance to the victim or their local law enforcement.
Take a Bite Out of Cyber Crime
ByteCrime.Org
http://www.bytecrime.org/
Security product vendors
Links to developers and vendors of computer and network security products and services…
http://www.virusbtn.com/resources/links/index?ven
AEC (Trustport)
AVG (formerly Grisoft)
Agnitum (Outpost)
AhnLab (V3Net)
Aladdin (eSafe)
Alwil Software (avast!)
ArcaBit (ArcaVir)
Authentium (Command)
Avira (AntiVir)
BitDefender (formerly Softwin)
Bullguard
CA (Corporate)
CA (Home user)
Central Command (Vexira)
Check Point (ZoneAlarm)
ClamAV (open source)
Comodo (BOClean)
Cybersoft (VFind/VTSK)
Doctor Web
ESET (Nod32)
Ewido
F-Secure
Filseclab (Twister)
Fortinet
Frisk Software (F-PROT)
G DATA (AVK)
Ggreat
HAURI (ViRobot)
IBM ISS (Proventia)
Ikarus
Intego (Mac specialist)
Iolo
K7 Computing
Kaspersky Lab
Kingsoft
Lavasoft (AdAware)
McAfee, Inc. (formerly Network Associates)
MicroWorld Software (eScan)
Microsoft (Forefront)
Microsoft (OneCare)
Moon Secure (open source AV for Windows project)
New Technology Wave Inc. (VirusChaser)
Norman Data Defense Systems
PC Tools (Spyware Doctor)
Panda Software
Per Systems
Proland Software (Protector Plus)
ProtectMac (Mac specialist)
Quick Heal Technologies
Rising
SecureMac (MacScan)
Sophos
SpyBot – Search & Destroy
Sunbelt Software (CounterSpy, Vipre)
Symantec Corporation (Norton)
Trend Micro Inc.
VirusBlokAda (VBA32)
VirusBuster Ltd.
Webroot (Spy Sweeper)
eEye Digital Security (Blink)
Patch Coming Tuesday – Internet Explorer 8 Zero-Day
Patch Coming Tuesday – Internet Explorer 8 Zero-Day
FOLLOW UP…..
As a follow up, there is the expected patch coming for the discovered Internet
Explorer 8 Zero-Day security hole being exploited by malware bad guys.
SEE LINK:
Microsoft Patch Tuesday To Include Critical Internet Explorer Fix
http://www.crn.com/news/security/240154549/microsoft-patch-tuesday-to-include-critical-internet-explorer-fix.htm
Microsoft did not release an anticipated Out-Of-Cycle Emergency Patch as perhaps
the timing just brought it right to the normal Patch Tuesday of Windows Updates,
which is the normal second Tuesday of each month.
NOTES:
Remember if you did apply the Microsoft Fix It for IE8 that you may want to
return and uninstall this before applying the appropriate Windows Updates due
Tuesday.
You can find the link here in a brief write up here….
Where to find Microsoft “Fix It” for Internet Explorer 8 zero day fix
http://bluecollarpc.us/2013/05/11/where-to-find-microsoft-fix-it-for-internet-explorer-8-zero-day-fix/
In Vista things changed as far as Windows stuff in the old Add/Remove Programs
in previous Windows XP. You do not see these in Programs and Features where
installed softwares are listed for performing Repair or Uninstall. If you
upgraded to IE9 (Internet Explorer Version 9) – you can uninstall it at the
Windows Updates section and then install IE8 from the Microsoft download site.
Webmaster,
http://bluecollarpc.us/
Where to find Microsoft “Fix It” for Internet Explorer 8 zero day fix
Where to find Microsoft “Fix It” for Internet Explorer 8 zero day fix ….
As has been lighting up the world web about another rare Internet Explorer “zero day” hole http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/Z/Zero_Day_exploit.html ….
this one for INTERNET EXPLORER VERSION 8 we have just posted a news link here… http://bluecollarpc.us/2013/05/06/internet-explorer-8-zero-daymicrosoft-security-advisory-2847140/
Here is another PRESS item….
Microsoft Issues Temporary Fix For Internet Explorer 8 Zero-Day Flaw – CRN.com
CRN
A successful attack enables a cybercriminal to infect a victim’s machine with additional malware and, if it is not detected, the malware could be used to steal account credentials, documents and other data. “The vulnerability may corrupt memory in a …
http://www.crn.com/news/security/240154557/microsoft-issues-temporary-fix-for-internet-explorer-8-zero-day-flaw.htm
IF NOT FAMILIAR WITH MICROSOFT “FIX IT” — it is free from Microsoft at their sites for odd ball off the norm type little bugs and so on that are fixed with a simple click of “FIX IT” for the exact item only. For instance, one not too long ago was for the Windows Vista Sidebar Gadgets whereby it was possible to infect that system with a third party gadget rigged with malware execution. The Fix It button inserted a basic kind of killbit to stop it from running altogether, thus preventing infection, but was more aimed at corporate/business computers for insured safety. So the Microsoft Fix It is basically a simle short snippet code for the programming to apply a bug fix or patch etc etc etc.
WHERE IS THE INTERNET EXPLORER 8 MICROSOFT FIX IT BUTTON WEBPAGE …..
HERE….
TITLE: Microsoft Security Advisory: Vulnerability in Internet Explorer 8 could allow remote code execution: May 8, 2013
WEBSITE: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2847140#FixItForMe
The several Press releases never included the website link for it ! ! !
Webmaster, BlueCollarPC.US
Forensics: “Unknown Flash Movie Virus”
(((FORENSICS~BUILD)))
Forensics: “Unknown Flash Movie Virus”
For a friend….
ESTIMATE: Embedded Flash Movie Malware Payload
NOTE: Possible Network Attack Associated – Botnet/Botmaster
SEE: Common Types of Network Attacks – TechNet – Microsoft
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc959354.aspx
(According to payload that executed, spoofed PC Identity apparent, unsuccessful)
DEVICE: Windows Vista HP (Home Premium) SP2 (Service Pack 2, Fully Patched) / IE9 (Internet Explorer Version 9) – on Home Network / Microsoft Security Essentials installed/running.
SYMPTOMOLOGY:
Viewing Flash Movie in embedded webpage player. Best description from user was sudden turbulence of browser and disconnection and system crashings and then the WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage) panel pop up on restart identifying PC as an illegitimate copy of Windows was running. Connectivity was not further possible.
SUSPENDED FORENSICS:
A full payload forensics was suspended citing any in-the-wild attack or proof-of-concept – and is not being posted publicly. Operating System was reinstalled to Factory Fresh – wiping the disk – now fully patched to current operation.
HISTORY: New virus first to infect Macromedia Flash (January 8, 2002)
http://news.cnet.com/New-virus-first-to-infect-Macromedia-Flash/2100-1023_3-803829.html
SYNOPSIS:
Apparently malware payload (not just a virus) executed on Windows Vista HP SP2 / IE9 while viewing flash movie in an embedded player at website. This was the only affected computer on a Home Network with other computers unaffected. Other peripherals and router were not affected. This may constitute as specific targeting of the IP via Network Attack. It seems possible a botnet infection was unsuccessful as connectivity was destroyed, yet the operating system was spoofed and identified as now a pirated copy of Windows via WGA technologies apparently. There were no ransomware activities observed http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ransomware_(malware) …thus the spoofing of the Windows OS (operating system) itself as now a pirate copy indicates the WGA notification window/panel was valid and not a fake shell as some ransomware scam. Note it is possible it was simply a targeted payload to simply destroy the system from further use as the intended malware malicious intent.
DIAGNOSIS:
Apparent multi-malware payload executed through infected flash movie possibly originating from Apple/Mac computer as possibly an iFrame Movie.
iFrame (video format)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IFrame_(video_format)
Universally and historically Apple/Mac users are in ‘caveman’ days as not using antimalware. Recently things have changed, as infections have increased dramatically in infancy for this operating system. Linux even more so, their users are now told it is “polite” to use antivirus to protect uploading or exchanging any Windows infecting files from a Linux computer that do not affect Linux – but will infect Windows PCs. Newer Community guidelines. Years ago…..
Microsoft JPEG Vulnerability and the Six New Content Security Requirements
http://whitepapers.silicon.com/0,39024759,60129423p-39000575q,00.htm
In November 2004, a critical Microsoft security vulnerability (MS04-028) was discovered which could allow attackers to embed malicious code inside JPEG image files. Until that time, JPEG image files were considered immune to attack. To effectively deal with this vulnerability, security and IT professionals need to incorporate six new and critical content security requirements into their networks.
…..so that this is the idea with an infected flash movie. Simply visiting a website with the infected picture (JPEG) would infect the unprotected PC. Same with infected flash files is apparent here as source of infection.
REMEDY:
With a multi-malware payload as opposed to just a virus, the operating system was reinstalled / restored to Factory Fresh condition – wiping the disk first of all data. A much higher quality paid subscription antimalware product was installed and absolutely recommended! Note that Microsoft Security Essentials was the installed and active protection on the PC…. HOWEVER:
Is Microsoft Security Essentials adequate protection?
http://bluecollarpc.us/2013/04/21/is-microsoft-security-essentials-adequate-protection/
Review: Microsoft Security Essentials
http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/software/1295698/microsoft-security-essentials
Microsoft Security Essentials bombs AV-TEST, loses certification
http://www.geek.com/articles/geek-pick/microsoft-security-essentials-bombs-av-test-loses-certification-20121129/
Microsoft Security Essentials Fails Tests, Loses Antivirus Certificate
http://www.bit-tech.net/news/bits/2013/01/17/ms-security-av-test/1
Microsoft Security Essentials fails AV-TEST again
http://www.bit-tech.net/news/bits/2013/01/17/ms-security-av-test/1
Microsoft fights back on antivirus certification fail, claims malware tests …
http://www.zdnet.com/microsoft-fights-back-on-antivirus-certification-fail-claims-malware-tests-arent-realistic-7000009998/
PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS….
How to Fix a Flash Virus | eHow.com
http://www.ehow.com/how_5998536_fix-flash-virus.html
Adobe Flash
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adobe_Flash
SWF (ShockWave Flash)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SWF
What Is a Flash Cookie?
http://www.ehow.com/info_10020896_flash-cookie.html
Can Flash Extensions Be Harmful?
http://www.ehow.com/info_12229878_can-flash-extensions-harmful.html
How to Check & Uninstall Flash Cookies
http://www.ehow.com/how_5943906_check-uninstall-flash-cookies.html
How to Clear Macromedia Flash Shared Objects
http://www.ehow.com/how_6182429_clear-macromedia-flash-shared-objects.html
Website Storage Settings panel
http://www.macromedia.com/support/documentation/en/flashplayer/help/settings_manager07.html
Visit the Adobe Flash Player Settings Manager http://www.macromedia.com/support/documentation/en/flashplayer/help/settings_manager06.html
It is recommended to be aggressive here and deny all actually, especially noting that nefarious hackers break into microphones and webcams to spy. If having trouble after choosing to block all from being stored on computer go back and make adjustments. Any ‘faster’ use of allowing storage is antiquated and ancient as pertaining to 56K Dial Up years and years ago – as the vast majority have switched to broadband/dsl where available – not quite everywhere though (rural etc).
WEBMASTER BLUECOLLARPC.US
http://bluecollarpc.us/
The BlueCollarPC.US (and former domain extensions) has always been a free Community Help Site and here is a mock severe billing if able to work from an official PC Repair Shop…… LOL
————
JOB BILL / TICKET #001
# Bench Charge………………….$75.00
# Forensics Basic / Suspended…….$25.00
(Normally $150.00 with full reporting)
Discounted!
# Reinstall Factory Fresh Windows…$50.00
…Discounted !
# Fully Patched and Reinstalled
softwares, 18 hours (Vista SP2)….$100.00
TOTAL ……..$250.00
Internet Explorer 8 Zero-Day,Microsoft Security Advisory (2847140)
Internet Explorer 8 Zero-Day,Microsoft Security Advisory (2847140)
Microsoft Security Advisory (2847140)
Vulnerability in Internet Explorer Could Allow Remote Code Execution
Published: Friday, May 03, 2013
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/security/advisory/2847140
Version: 1.0
Microsoft is investigating public reports of a vulnerability in Internet Explorer 8. Microsoft is aware of attacks that attempt to exploit this vulnerability.
Internet Explorer 6, Internet Explorer 7, Internet Explorer 9, and Internet Explorer 10 are not affected by the vulnerability.
This is a remote code execution vulnerability. The vulnerability exists in the way that Internet Explorer accesses an object in memory that has been deleted or has not been properly ……
[[[ Basically you can upgrade to version 9, or if you want to keep Version 8 then open Internet Options (Tools tab on browser or in Control Panel - click Classic View to see this) and click the Security Tab and shove the slide bar on left all the way up to HIGH which now stops all kinds of scripts at webpages and Active X and embedded autorun media players and etc etc etc. Keep quality antimalware installed and up to date as the only protection then - Real Time Protection heuristics or sometimes called HIPS etc. You can always retrograde back to Version 8 after an Emergency Out Of Cycle Patch/Fix is issued by Microsoft through Windows Updates and then Apply.
gerald philly pa usa ]]]
PRESS:
New Internet Explorer 8 Zero-Day Used in Watering Hole Attack …
www.symantec.com/…/new-internet-explorer-8-zero-day-used-watering-hole-attack
6 hours ago … Symantec helps consumers and organizations secure and manage their
information-driven world. Our software and services protect against …
http://www.symantec.com/connect/blogs/new-internet-explorer-8-zero-day-used-watering-hole-attack
Microsoft admits zero-day bug in IE8, pledges patch – Computerworld
www.computerworld.com/…/Microsoft_admits_zero_day_bug_in_IE8_pledges_patch
18 hours ago … Computerworld – Microsoft late Friday confirmed that a “zero-day,” or unpatched,
vulnerability exists in Internet Explorer 8 (IE8), the company’s …
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9238922/Microsoft_admits_zero_day_bug_in_IE8_pledges_patch
Zero-Day Exploit Enabled Cyber-Attack on U.S. Labor Department – eWeekeWeek
In the latest incident of nation-state cyber-attacks, attackers slipped malware onto the agency’s site, apparently aiming to compromise nuclear-energy officials from the Department of Energy. Hackers compromised the U.S. Department of Labor’s Web site …
http://www.eweek.com/security/zero-day-exploit-enabled-cyber-attack-on-us-labor-department/
Internet Explorer zero-day exploit targets nuclear weapons researchers
Ars TechnicaAttackers exploited a previously unknown and currently unpatched
security bug in Microsoft’s Internet Explorer browser to surreptitiously
install malware on the computers of federal government workers involved
in nuclear weapons research, researchers …
http://arstechnica.com/security/2013/05/internet-explorer-zero-day-exploit-targets-nuclear-weapons-researchers/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+arstechnica%2Findex+
What are Information – Data security threats?
This is from an actual question I fielded as Antibotnet alternate Yahoo ID at yahoo Answers > Security….
QUESTION:
Information security – threat? In information security what do we call a “threat” exactly? Hacker? or action itself aka eavesdropping/ system intrusion? Kinda confused about the concept http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20130420123253AAJSqc2
MY ANSWER AS ANTIBOTNET YAHOO id (ALTERNATE id)
Best Answer – Chosen by Asker
ANSWER:
Not sure if you mean general average user or actual IT Security ? The term threat to the average user computer is several fold.
Threat generally means malware such as a computer virus, worm, trojan, spyware etc. Malware can pose a threat to the actual operating system (Windows etc) as destrutive to the system and even hardware. It can destroy the operating system rendering it inoperable via corruption of files and/or actual deletion of system files such as by a worm.
Threats by spyware are generally referring to comprimising personal information generally always meaning financial information such as account numbers and pins etc that might be stored by a user in a document or text file etc. Another spyware category threat as “keylogger” can record everything being typed such as purchases online etc. Threat here means ultimately as an attempt as ID Theft, but also includes like personal photos and media etc that can be copied and transmitted in stealth from the infected unprotected computer. As well these threats to information includes all email contacts and any information there as a phone number, address, etc. – such as copy/transmitting these via spyware or even some viruses from the Contacts/Address Book information stored in the computer email programs contacts area. When you consider a broad term as “Social Engineering” you can place together additional areas of crime as stalking etc outside the computer system and worldwide web – robberies, kidnaps, and worst – due to threats to information or “data” stored in the computer.
Quality antimalware installed on the computer prevents these.
Threats also mean hackers trying to break into and take over a computer, and an acute looming threat if there is no personal software firewall installed.
Threat may also refer to security holes in the operating system and/or other softwares installed. These get patch/fix/update/upgrade through as example Windows Updates or similar in other operating systems as Linux, Apple/Mac etc.
It is on the enterprise corporate level in IT Security that refers to computer security for Home/Small Businesses all the way up to major companies/corporations etc. These are hired to address computing security for businesses against malware threats and much more. Computer forensics is an additional add-on or hired outside the/for the firm.
Biometrics security refers generally to physical type preventions as voice and retina and fingerprint recognition etc. to even gain entry into like a security firm as a major antivirus company as example. These too may include similar to even access a company computer. Threats to these areas are another area other than malware and an up to date fully patched computer.
SEE Zero Day threats…. also:
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/Z/Zero_Day_exploit.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero-Day_Attack
List of threats to PCs…. http://bluecollarpc.us/threats-faqs/
Source(s):
http://bluecollarpc.us/forensics/
http://bluecollarpc.us/threats-faqs/
Is Microsoft Security Essentials adequate protection?
Is Microsoft Security Essentials adequate protection?
This is from an actual question at Yahoo Answers > Security that I fielded and is some good recent information about MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials) which is FREE to all users offered from Microsoft to the community.
QUESTION:
Is Microsoft Security Essentials adequate? I’m thinking it isn’t because I can’t get rid of CouponDropDown. I know my computer is infected. Thoughts, anyone?
MY ANSWER AS ANTIBOTNET – ALTERNATE YAHOO ID…..
ANSWER:
This year MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials) has taken some bad hits…..
PRESS: (all recently just in the news this year)
Review: Microsoft Security Essentials
http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/software/1295698/microsoft-security-essentials
Microsoft Security Essentials bombs AV-TEST, loses certification
Microsoft Security Essentials Fails Tests, Loses Antivirus Certificate
http://www.bit-tech.net/news/bits/2013/01/17/ms-security-av-test/1
Microsoft Security Essentials fails AV-TEST again
http://www.bit-tech.net/news/bits/2013/01/17/ms-security-av-test/1
Microsoft fights back on antivirus certification fail, claims malware tests …
Now historically, Windows Defender as antispyware was created free from Microsoft to the community as about one of the only in the world with Real Time Protection activated and free. When you buy a security product this is activated, protects 24/7 against malware installations). A guess from memory was they purchased the Giant antispyware company and made it that better.
Windows OneCare was the antivirus you paid for by Microsoft. They added this to the antispyware Windows Defender to create Microsoft Security Essentials – free to the community today. Windows OneCare has been West Coast Labs Certified and has won the VB100 Award ! That means the product has got 100 percent scores. So to be fair, MSE is not a real piece of crap, but there are a good handful of more superior products available for purchase. You get what you pay for.
Check out….. Remove the CouponDropDown Adware (Uninstall Guide)
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/virus-removal/remove-coupondropdown
Note BleepingComputer.Com has been a well known community help site for several years and is staffed. CouponDropDown is being described as a PUP, or potentially unwanted program. Since it is being identified only as a PUP and not malware, would explain why MSE is not detecting it as “adware” which is a threat in the antispyware category not antivirus. Adware gets removed by antispyware products. Note that adware and spyware etc can not be called that legally unless it is or they can sue / libel suit SEE http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm
Source(s): http://bluecollarpc.us/threats-faqs/
Adware Definition: http://searchcio-midmarket.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid183_gci521293,00.html
Challenges extending protection afforded to computer programs?
Challenges extending protection afforded to computer programs?
An actual good question put forth I fielded…. (handle “antibotnet” is a secondary one I use at Yahoo)
Q. What are some challenges with extending the extent of the protection afforded to computer programs? http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20130418173109AALNJvq
My Answer….
Malware has become quite sophisticated over the years because of antimalware programs becoming the more. Briefly, the point is that cyber crimewares and their malicious users (generally for illicit profit) oft times seek “softer targets” then the usual drive-by infection or malware laced email attachments etc.
Some of these have been softwares installed on the PC affording a break in to the system and even install many malwares and to even attempt to disable existing antimalware installed to take over the computer for nefarious reasons.
Those creating software have had to include adding security to them – to create safer programs by code hardening etc.
There is a security company that has offered free to the community (for several years now) a program that completely automates updating softwares installed on the computer. Many times newer established software programs have Update buttons in them to manually check for and apply important updates. These may also include a program Upgrade to a newer version which will be safer security wise, and may include cosmetics/features upgrades or additions.
The “challenges” you ask, to me, would be learning about the computer system and all the many Settings it contains which includes Recommended Security Settings. In short, if you want to really get serious and tweak the system and softwares installed – you may ultimately run into a 100 settings to observe and change to preferences – security minded preferences as recommended.
The challenges as to keeping all installed softwares up to date with patch/fix/update/upgrade has been automated by a very durable program from Secunia – millions of users now. The PSI scans softwares and their creators for any issued. You can choose to automatically or manually update any available. You can choose to run it at start up or manually once every two weeks or monthly etc. Those challenges would be to comb every website the softwares were downloaded from – the product company – to see if there are any messages/notices about Updates available as opposed to Upgrades. These are issued time to time and not always posted on their websites. It becomes all too tedious unless using only a couple wares. Most users end up trying everything under the sun to have fun or productivity on their PCs – what you can do with them. That results in a too painstaking search for keeping things up to date.
I TOTALLY RECOMMEND …. (to automate the challenges safely) …..
Secunia Personal Software Inspector (PSI) The Secunia PSI is a free security tool designed to detect vulnerable and out-dated programs and plug-ins which expose your PC to attacks. http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/personal/
“Free computer security Stay secure by updating insecure programs on your computer with the Secunia PSI
The Secunia Personal Software Inspector (PSI) is a free computer security solution that identifies vulnerabilities in non-Microsoft (third-party) programs which can leave your PC open to attacks. Simply put, it scans software on your system and identifies programs in need of security updates to safeguard your PC against cybercriminals. It then supplies your computer with the necessary software security updates to keep it safe. The Secunia PSI even automates the updates for your insecure programs, making it a lot easier for you to maintain a secure PC. Using a scanner like Secunia PSI 3.0 is complementary to antivirus software, and as a free computer security program, is essential for every home computer.”
There is a total ongoing maintenance you learn by habit of manually “looking under the hood” – inspecting areas like Program Files, System32, Windows Registry, etc. Manually looking for malware entries. After first time spring cleaning of the PC and ongoing use of quality antimalware, this becomes a time to time task. It is good to know the PC like the back of your hand eventually.
Windows Updates of course are most times critical and important to install when issued. This should be set to automatic as recommended for the average user. You can check for missing Windows Updates with a click and quick scan using….
Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=19892
There are many more “power tools” to make you a “power user” . here are a few more….
Belarc Advisor http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
HiJackFree http://www.hijackfree.com/en/
jv16 PowerTools / PowerTools Lite http://www.macecraft.com/powertoolslite2011/
Microsoft Malware Prevention troubleshooter http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2534555
CCleaner http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner
You will find a good short list here http://bluecollarpc.us/pc-help/ of the security technologies Microsoft has developed over the years and incorporated into the Windows Operating System.
Source(s):
http://bluecollarpc.us/windows-registry-help/
http://bluecollarpc.us/help-center/
