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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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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Mozilla Firefox 3.5 'TraceMonkey' Vulnerability

Mozilla Firefox is prone to a remote code-execution vulnerability. Successful exploits may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the context of the user running the affected application. Failed attempts will likely result in denial-of-service conditions. The issue affects Firefox 3.5; other versions may also be vulnerable. NOTE: Remote code execution was confirmed in Firefox 3.5 running on Microsoft Windows XP SP2.

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PCWorld
  • Yahoo revamps Flickr and offers a terabyte of free storage

    Yahoo has made some radical changes to its Flickr photo sharing service, which now has a more photo-filled interface and comes with a free terabyte of storage so that users can upload images at their original resolution.

    The changes were announced Monday evening at an event in Manhattan and follow Yahoo's news earlier in the day that it will buy the blogging site Tumblr for US$1.1 billion.

    Since acquiring Flickr in 2005, Yahoo has been criticized for allowing the service to languish with few major improvements. Flickr has seen its popularity wane with the rise of competitors like Instagram, and of social media sites generally, though it still has about 89 million users.

    The changes announced Monday are designed to "make Flickr awesome again," CEO Marissa Mayer said several times during Monday's event.

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