Malware News

Unlike viruses, trojans do not self-replicate. They are spread manually, often under the premise that they are beneficial or wanted. The most common installation methods involve system or security exploitation, and unsuspecting users manually executing unknown programs. Distribution channels include email, malicious or hacked web pages, Internet Relay Chat (IRC), peer-to-peer networks, etc.

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Common Threats

iTunes Hacking

Microsoft launches online security patch

Microsoft has released an emergency online security patch following the discovery of a potential glitch in its technology. The software giant announced that the online security update will automatically be installed for Internet Explorer customers. Microsoft released the patch after a vulnerability in the company's Active Template Library was discovered. The software is used to build ActiveX controls and other web application components.

Web users should be cautious of fake anti-virus programs

A new report has highlighted that malware posing as anti-virus software is spreading across tens of millions of computers each month. According to research by PandaLabs, over 1,000 examples of fake anti-virus software were found in the first quarter of 2008 alone. The program works by issuing false warnings of infections, persuading web users to buy software they do not need, and can also download Trojans or malware.

Spammers translating messages cause global security issues

Spam email is becoming a growing threat in non-English speaking nations, according to a new study. Research by MessageLabs highlights that spammers are now using free online translation sites to write messages in a variety of languages and target a greater number of people across the globe. As a result, some nations which previously enjoyed a high level of internet security are now falling victim to rising levels of spam.

Malware 'the greatest threat'

The greatest threat to computer networks is malware, meaning people should be wary of introducing unnecessary software to their machines, an expert has stated. Writing for his risk management blog hosted by online publication ComputerWeekly.com, Stuart King warned that some people are reporting that their new digital picture frames and gadgets such as MP3 players are infected with viruses.

Sun Java Runtime Environment Vulnerabilities

Sun Java Runtime Environment and Java Development Kit are prone to multiple security vulnerabilities. Successful exploits may allow attackers to violate the same-origin policy, obtain sensitive information, bypass security restrictions, run untrusted applets with elevated privileges, and cause denial-of-service conditions. This may result in a compromise of affected computers.

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iTunes Hacking

PCWorld
  • Review: Connectify Dispatch combines network adapters to increase speed and reliability

    Beyond the Hotspot software that comprises the bulk of their business, Connectify Inc. makes another utility for laptop enthusiasts: Dispatch.

    The adapters list appears at the bottom of the main interface window, and a handy graph provides throughput information over time.

    Connectify Dispatch works by simultaneously leveraging the multiple network adapters and high-speed USB ports available on modern systems to boost bandwidth and reliability. Each Internet connection you add to Dispatch's list of active adapters increases potential download speeds and provides automatic failover in the case one of the connections fails. For the most part, this works swimmingly. However, there's a bit of the devil in the details.

    Setup is straightforward and largely automatic. Users are presented with a window that lists available adapters and indicates whether or not they are bound to Dispatch. A graph charts the combined bandwidth on tap, and settings allow for customized application routing, bandwidth caps for metered Internet feeds, and various routing strategies that maximize efficiency in marginal networking situations.

    The first prerequisite is an obvious one: You need access to multiple, separate Internet connections for Dispatch to work as advertised. The hidden detail here is that combined bandwidth isn't directly additive. Two 20 Mbs connections won't yield a 40 Mbs single-socket download, for example, but they will allow for loads to be balanced and intelligently routed to an available adapter with the most suitable bandwidth. BitTorrents and other software that utilize multiple sockets will allow downloads to reach full combined speeds, however.

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