Malware

Protect Your Computer from the Osama Bin Laden Cyber Threats


PC Tools Internet Security 2011 screenshot

Don't let your curiosity destroy your PC or leave your bank account vulnerable to attack.

According to online security experts at PC Tools, the death of Osama bin Laden has led to one of the largest and fastest surges of cybercrime attacks in recent news. Almost immediately following President Obama's announcement, cybercriminals targeted people around the world, who were actively searching for news, photos, videos and information.

PC Tools expects increase in related malware and social engineered threats (found in popular online social, shopping and search sites) to appear, as more copycat hackers unleash their cyber attacks. The security company warns consumers to be careful where they click and which sites they visit in order to protect their personal data, privacy and financial information. Read on for five online security protection tips.

1. VISIT ONLY TRUSTED AND RELIABLE SITES

  • Don't search for "Osama bin Laden" related news, photos or videos. If you do, go to trusted websites and type in the link. Avoid clicking on embedded news links, ads, fake search pages or web sites in foreign countries as it may attach malware or bots.
Read more

Hot Selling Devices Spell Great Insecurity Opportunities


The Bodyguard Warner Bros (1992)

"No matter how incompetent the assassins, no matter how much they miss their target, there's always one person who always gets hit." – Frank Farmer (Kevin Kostner), "The Bodyguard," Warner Bros (1992)

The growing list of mobile device options is exhilarating! You can be in touch with anyone, anywhere--all the time. And anyone, anywhere can be in touch with you.

It doesn't matter if you're at home, in the office, in class, at a party, thinking about a party, talking about a party…

Doing, thinking anything you tap, post it, BAM!! you're sharing…with the virtual world.

Wait a minute, you don't want to share it with "them?"

Don't want them to tap into your device…your home…your business? Tough! Privacy is invaded all of the time. Read more

Beware of Online Music Threats at SXSW 2011

by jessica on Tue, 2011-03-15 11:06


Acer Aspire AS8950G-9839

SXSW, the annual music, film, and interactive conference and festival is taking place in Austin, TX this week and PC Tools discovered that SXSW festival acts like Cee Lo Green, The Strokes and Duran Duran are being targeted by cybercriminals. As fans search for music downloads, concert videos and photos of their favorite artists, they may be hit with viruses or malware. These scams are particularly malicious because they look – and feel – like legitimate websites. Here are some scams to watch out for:

Bogus Music Downloads: This new search-related scam involves legitimate-looking websites offering free or discounted music downloads. A search for "Cee Lo Green, Forget You" turned up free download sites that either tricked users into providing their credit card information or convinced people to install fake antivirus software by telling them their computer was infected.

Search Results Virus Scam: Cybercriminals are using new search-related scams by buying online ads or key search words so their sites appear as high-ranked results. In a search for SXSW's headliner "Duran Duran," the top results featured legitimate-looking advertisements that redirected people to fake antivirus malware sites like "Get free lyrics," "Take this quiz to win," or "Enter to win contest." This technique of seeding search and seeding ad results dupes users and attacks systems with viruses and malware. Read more

Harry Potter Movie Fans Should Watch Out for Cybercriminals

by jessica on Sat, 2010-11-13 05:00


Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows threat screengrab

The November 19th release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is set to be one of the biggest films of the year in a dramatic end to one of Hollywood's largest franchises, but security software company PC Tools warns fans – be careful when you search.

Cybercriminals are targeting unsuspecting fans for identity fraud and spam with websites popping up in online searches promising to offer a free download of the movie, and fake users of the sites are posting attractive blog comments like "Me and my wife watched this movie here. This movie is great =)"

Here's how the scam works:

  • First, a user searches for previews and other release information for Harry Potter online
  • Results claiming to offer a free download of the new movie appear
  • Users are directed to complete "offers" asking them to give away personal information or download a potentially malicious toolbar that may collect personal IDs and passwords.
  • Here, users are asked to fill in personal details and are informed they may also be able to win an iPad
  • Once personal details are entered and the registration is activated, users are then asked to enter a survey, after which the web page remains stuck in a "checking for completion" phase
Read more

5 Ways to Avoid Adware and Malware


computer

Beware! New adware and malware threats are identified all the time, and even regular browsing can leave computers exposed. Here’s what to do

Most people have systems in place to protect their computers and vital information when they’re browsing the Internet. However, with new adware and malware threats identified regularly, any browsing can leave a computer exposed, especially if the user is unaware of what to look out for. Since adware and malware removal are more difficult than prevention, it makes sense to be educated and prevent a malware infection before it happens.

First, it’s important to distinguish between adware and ad-supported software. Ad-supported software is considered a legitimate alternative for consumers who do not wish to pay for software such as games and utilities. With ad-supported software, the ad is actually part of the software application and the user clearly understands they will be presented advertisements in exchange for free use of the software. Read more

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