Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Virus over Friendster

Just recently, I was talking about malicious software intruding computer systems, but I forgot to mention about viruses spreading through social web sites. As most of you may have checked your Friendster account, you could have been a victim of the comment with a girl and a webcam. For those who are interested, they may have clicked the link, and probably downloaded more nasty, evil, malicious scripts or executables without them knowing it!


This is an example of how viruses, trojans and spywares can get into your computer... scary eh? There's Facebook, Tag, Multiply... (and what else??)... and it is up to the operators of these social websites to ensure the security and 'cleanliness' of their servers.

Will the antivirus and antispyware and antitrojan software suffice? This is hard to say, as my PC is currently being invaded by an advertising malware. It is not so serious, only popping up an ad occasionally, and my antivirus would have detected and eliminated it after that. But makes me wonder, is the virus still residing in my PC, or did it come from Facebook, my company webmail server, or a drive-by-download by one of the websites that I have visited?

Monday, January 5, 2009

Food for thought, points to ponder...

2008, as I see it, is a time when cyber security has improved. Attacks of malware still continue, but controllable. I discovered that, searching of hackers tools and websites for malicious methods of attacks has not returned any results. I assume that the relevant parties has taken the steps to eliminate these threats.

What to expect during 2009? With the economic downturn, electronic manufacturers has been adversely affected. Companies are cutting down their expenses, and my guess is that the IT dept will be one the first. This, in turn, with the lack of security in Information Systems in the top management, may trigger the beginning of another wave
of attack in the near future, due to the lack of control and measurement that should be in place. These loopholes in the organization will be discovered, and will be a source for malicious activities.

The Internet has advanced in technology and methods. Web 2.0 (involving social networking and knowledge and resource sharing) and application sharing such as GoogleDocs - will it cause another virus outbreak, or another attack? Would the cyber space be another method of terrorism? hmm... a food for thought....

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Friday, November 21, 2008

What!! Worms, virus, trojans!!!???

Reading from articles and blogs from here, here and here, I realized that the spread of malware (malicious software - software with ill intend) is getting seriously serious, even to the point of unknowingly distributing them in storage devices, productions and the US Military (OMG!!!) The US military is known for its very complex and high security, but simple things like these can actually cause a great havoc! Good thing is the Strategic Commander has passed down a command to ban all external storage until the situation is under control. (I can imagine how the world come to an end through these little worms)

So friends, don't underestimate these little worms... If you do, do not be shocked if one day your bank accounts mysteriously low on $$ or your pictures in the internet (Ooops!!) I guess you know the usual drill: Good antivirus, update antivirus, regular scans... Some people go to the extend of having 2 PCs, one for regular use, and the other for "Private Use" like access bank accounts. (No, that's not me!!)

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Monday, October 20, 2008

Webcam hacked? Is it possible?

I read from somewhere, last few weeks, about a new method of getting your webcam hacked or intruded (can't find back the article, though). But I found a case from a newspaper which can be an answer to the question... click on the link below:

The Inquirer

How to prevent? Usually, hackers (or intruders) would need a software installed into your PC system, that act as a "beacon" to know where your PC is. That software also act as a back door to gain entry into your system, without the PC owner knowing it. And this software is categorized as a trojan... I am sure you have heard of the "trojan horse" story - hackers use the same principle!!

So have a good Antivirus installed, make sure you update it frequently, and it is always working properly (some trojans can even shut down ur Antivirus!!), have your PC scanned often. AVG 8 is a good antivirus, and it is free some more. I have tested it out, and it is more sensitive to many trojans and viruses, compared to its previous versions. And if you are techy enough, you would have already installed a firewall system...

We can't be too careful... the best way is to put a cover over your webcam, and uncover only when u want to use it. Girls.... this is an IMPORTANT advice for you!!!

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Wednesday, October 15, 2008

IT Blog Officially Launched

Yeah!! My new power adapter is at hand!! In fact I am using it now!! Everything becomes smooth and performing...(Even my brain is at top speed!! But are the 2 related???)

My old adapter has something loose inside, it is not giving out enough power - not enough to charge the battery, and even the processing speed is reduced by half!!

So I am launching this blog with this posting, a good start I hope... A new boost to the blog....

Nevertheless, as I clicked on "Publish Post", Blogspot tells me that it is unavailable at the moment.... Grrrr!!!