Sep082010

ALERT! New scareware scheme

This news just in from AV solution provider Sunbelt Software:

Security researchers have uncovered a new scareware attack named MSIL/Zeven, which lures users into downloading a fake antivirus software.

The malware identifies users' browsers and displays an authentic-looking version of the browsers' malware warning page, as a way of convincing individuals that the alert is real. When users click on the link presented in the fake warning page, they are directed to a website where they can purchase antivirus software known at "Win7 AV."

The site that offers the antivirus software is designed to look identical to a legitimate Microsoft website, though security experts warn users that the page is fake. To defend against these malicious crimes, leaders in the field advise users to be skeptical of what they download from off the internet, as well as install the latest malware protections.

Many researchers have found the new attack website's design is so close to the real thing, even skilled professionals have a difficult time deducing whether it's a fake.

Recently, security analysts uncovered scareware malware loaded onto a computer at a major airport in England. The presence of malware on public terminals could be a dangerous signal for web users, who may be giving their private information to cyber crooks without even realizing it.



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Aug052009

This is a test!

Can you spot the warning signs in the screen capture below?

It's a sneaky malware attack designed to sucker you into installing "security" software designed to extort money from you (much like other products I've talked about previously).

The threat discovered by Sunbelt Security is very real and very tricky since most casual PC users may have never encountered a BSOD. Read about what Sunbelt says about the threat here

Fake BSOD

Your first clue should be that a Windows "STOP" error, also known as a BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) does NOT happen inside a web browser window.

Your second clue should be that in the event of a real STOP error, there is never an option to repair anything.

Remember, it's a nasty jungle online. Surf safe and smart.

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Apr092009

Conficker - What now?

Now that the news media and computer security firms have managed to stir the entire computing world into an almost out of control frenzy, what's really going on?  The dreaded Conficker evolution of April 1 was, for most US users, a big yawn right up there with the feared Y2K meltdown.  That is not to say you have nothing to fear and there is no danger of your computer becoming infected with this or some other form of malware.

There's good and bad to come from both the Conficker and Y2K hype.  On the upside, any news that heightens awareness among computer users of their computing environment and the potential dangers and methods used by the bad guys is a good thing.  The downside is, anytime an event is so overly hyped, it's easy to become complacent when nothing bad happens in our immediate little universe.

I've talked about dangers of fake Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware products in the past.  I mention this because it appears the underlying plan of Conficker's payload is to ultimately sucker you into the same kind of trap.  Security firm Trend Micro says some machines have recently been updated  with fake antivirus software in an apparent attempt by Conficker's authors to profit from their massive botnet.

Consider yourself warned, if you receive ANY messages on screen from anything other than your already installed security solution claiming your computer is infected, it could be Conficker, or any of the many other rogue programs out there designed to make your computing life hell while extorting your money.

If you suspect your computer may be infected, don't wait and wonder, contact the St. George PC Doctor today.



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Mar312009

Conficker Worm update

See this link for a great collection of Conficker detection and removal tools.



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