Malware News

Microsoft Internet Explorer is prone to a remote code-execution vulnerability. Attackers can exploit this issue to execute arbitrary code in the context of the user running the browser. Successful exploits will compromise the browser and possibly the computer. Failed attacks may cause denial-of-service conditions.

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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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Internet Explorer Critical Vulnerability

July 28, 2009: Microsoft has released 2 out-of-band security bulletins and one security advisory. Addresses code execution vulnerabilities in Microsoft Internet Explorer and is specific to code execution vulnerabilities in Microsoft Visual Studio and Visual C++. An advisory covering the issues in ATL (Active Template Library) can be found here.

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PCWorld
  • Wal-Mart to send automated shopping lists to its mobile app

    Wal-Mart plans to use big data about a customer's usual shopping to automatically create shopping lists for them on its mobile app.

    That's one of the tools the world's largest retailer plans to use to improve the in-store shopping experience as it looks to mobile-influenced purchases outpacing e-commerce sales, said Gibu Thomas, Wal-Mart's global head of mobile, in a CTIA Wireless keynote speech Wednesday.

    "The future of retailing is the history of retailing, of a personalized interactive experience for every customer delivered through a smartphone," Thomas said. Citing independent studies of the U.S. market, Thomas said in-store buying influenced by mobile use was on track to be about twice as big as e-commerce sales by 2016.

    Mobile already drives about one-third of the traffic to Walmart.com, spiking to more than 40 percent during the holiday season late last year, Thomas said. The store's smartphone app also boosts buying: Customers who have the app make more trips to Wal-Mart and spend as much as 40 percent more there, he said. A majority of Wal-Mart's customers have smartphones.

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