This is another spammers paradise to say the least.
The link that is being sent is dont-miss-this.com that will redirect people to BlockDelete.com
When you get to the site all you have in front of you is a window which states:
‘Quickly and easily learn who blocked you on MSN.
The longly awaited feature for MSN Messenger, completely for free!
Please input your MSN Messenger account information to learn who has blocked you. Our system will login with this information and learn who has blocked you.’
You are presented with a login box and password box.
When you sign in using your passport credentials, they are stored on a server and they collect ALL of your contacts details and start spamming them with messages apparently sent by YOU - a trusted contact requesting that they also visit the site and register!
There is NO Privacy Policy, No way to contact them. You also optin to receive emails from blockdelete.com
If you have been a victim of this scam, please change your Live.com password immediately.
If this fails, uninstall MSN Messenger and re-install, sign in to Live.com and then change your password.
This is very similar to Meet Your Messenger which I wrote about previously.
Anti-virus programs and anti-spyware programs will NOT find this as you do not install anything.
Ensure that you Windows Updates are up to date and run the Malicious Software Removal Tool.
The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool checks computers running Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 2000, and Windows Server 2003 for infections by specific, prevalent malicious software.
Showing posts with label personal information. Show all posts
Showing posts with label personal information. Show all posts
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Skype Targeted With Worm
Skype, the VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is considerably less secure than traditional telephone lines. Many people have switched to using Skype because of the savings they can make, and many have abandoned their traditional telephone lines altogether.
Skype was founded in 2002 and was bought by ebay in 2005 for US$2.5 billion. It has seen a steady rise in the number of subscribers to its service.
However, it still has many pitfalls, including the latest Worm called ‘W32/Ramex.A’.
It spreads through the peer-to-peer instant chat utility and is activated when a user clicks on a link within an instant message asking recipients to download a file.
It is very cleverly disguised within a jpeg image of soap bubbles, one of Windows default built-in wallpapers which has been embedded with a malicious executable code.
This code installs Spyware that can easily steal passwords and other personal information. It may also block users from visiting certain websites and stop programs from running or responding. It also connects to a remote server to download additional malicious code.
It is often titled ‘really funny’ or ‘look at this crazy photo sent to me’ with a clickable link. Once clicked, users who continue to download the file then have the risk of their machine becoming infected, and it then uses Skype’s application program to access files on the infected machine. The worm then attempts to replicate itself and then send out messages to recipients on the users contact list.
Ensure your anti-virus is up-to-date, windows updates are downloaded and installed, especially The Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool, which was last updated September 11th 2007. To remove the worm and its variants go to the link below and Download the file, save it to your Desktop (or location where you store downloaded files) and once the download is complete, select Run and the program will install.
You then have the option of a Quick Scan, Full Scan or Customized Scan.
Select Quick Scan and if any Malicious Software is found you will be prompted to run a Full Scan which may take several hours depending on your machines hard drive capacity but it’s worth it for the safety and security of your PC.
Download Here
Monday, September 03, 2007
Job Scams - What You Really Need To Know
More and more people now use the internet searching for work but those that are also risk putting themselves in jeopardy.
Job scams are on the increase, and with that it also means that those that apply for these jobs are at greater risk of Identity Theft and Fraud.
You may be asked to provide personal information such as your Full Name, Bank Account details, Credit Card information, PayPal information, Social Security Number, Drivers License, Home Address……with this arsenal of information in the wrong hands you could have a serious problem.
Identity Protection is extremely important online for everyone.
For Job Seekers it is even more important as some of the companies that are recruiting offer very attractive salaries, and appear to be genuine and big companies, some with very well known industry names.
But the people behind thse will often recreate a complete website, which to all intents and purposes looks like the real thing…..and then they start a recruitment drive, advertising for employees who may need to relocate, and offer extremely good packages to you.
There are several ways to discover if a job offer is real or a scam, I highly recommend that you head on over to Oil Offshore Marine and read what they have to say about this and also check their list of known scams.
They also offer a Free Checking System where if you get a job offer that you are unsure about, email them the details and they will investigate it to see if the offer is by a genuine company or whether it is a scam.
Oil Offshore Marine is the Worldwide Center of Oil & Gas Jobs.
I highly recommend that you read their blog Beware of Job Scams, it really is an eye opener, and it could save YOU from being duped.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Securing Windows XP
With its default configurations, Windows XP is not very secure. However, by making some simple changes,you can secure your system and data from attackers and viruses.
Automatic Updates
Keeping your system up-to-date is crucial to maintaining security. Microsoft releases security updates and makes them available for download on the Windows Update web site.
Using the Automatic Updates feature, Windows XP can be configured to download and install updates for you automatically at a time that suits you.
Scheduling this task is very simple. In Windows XP, use the following steps to enable this feature:
1. Right click My Computer and select Properties.
2. Click the Automatic Updates tab from the System Properties box.
3. Select the option to Automatically download the updates, and install them on the schedule that I specify.
4. Select the day and the time when you want the updates installed.
5. Click Ok.
Windows Firewall
Windows XP includes the Internet Connection Firewall service. In Windows XP Service Pack 2, the ICF is renamed to Windows Firewall and it is enabled by default. It is designed to protect your computer from intruders while it is connected to the Internet.
Note: if you are setting up a home network, do not enable Windows Firewall on your LAN (Local Area Network)connection. Only enable it on the Internet connection. If you enable it on your LAN connection, it will block File and Printer Sharing.
Important NoteIf you are using Zone Alarm Free Firewall DO NOT enable the Windows Firewall.
User Accounts
Windows XP includes various built-in user accounts. There are certain steps that you should take to ensure they are not compromised.
Disable the Guest Account. The guest account has always been a huge hacker hole and should remain disabled if it is not required.
Require passwords for all user accounts. Obviously, blank passwords are a bad idea if you care about security.Make sure you assign passwords to all accounts, especiallythe Administrator account and any accounts with Administrator privileges. All passwords should be a minimum of eight characters in length.
In Windows XP Home Edition all user accounts have administrative privileges and no password by default.Make sure you close this hole as soon as possible.
Rename the Administrator account. By renaming the administrator account hackers will have to guess the password and the name assigned to the account.
Don’t make it easy for hackers, renaming the Administrator account will stop some hackers in their tracks, and will deter the more determined ones. They won’t know what the group permissions are for an account, so they’ll try to hack any account they find and then try to hack other accounts toimprove their access. If you rename the Administrator account, try not to use the word Admin in its name. Pick something that won’t make it easy for others to guess.
Remote Desktop
Windows XP Professional’s Remote Desktop allows users to connect remotely to your computer.Although it can be useful for obtaining remote assist with troubleshooting problems, it is also an open door for intruders. Remote Desktop should always be disabled and only enabled when it is needed.
To disable Remote Desktop right click on My Computer, select properties then click on the Remote tab and untick the check box beside Allow Remote Assistance invitations to be sent from this computer.
Anti-virus Software
Anti-virus software is a program designed specifically to detect and remove viruses, making it an essential application to install. Once you install anti-virus software,it will scan your computer and clean any viruses it finds.
Some of the more popular antivirus software programs are listed below, though I refuse to pay for these as mentioned below you can get the same protection for free.
1. Trend Micro
2. McAfee
3. F-secure
4. Symantec
5. Computer Associates
6. Panda Software
Most anti-virus software must be purchased or it may be included with the purchase of a new computer for a limited time.
I highly recommend the use of AVG-AntiVirus available fromhttp://free.grisoft.com/doc/avg-anti-virus-free/lng/us/tpl/v5
I have covered this with a tutorial athttp://cotojo.wordpress.com/2007/04/27/avg-anti-virus-installation-guide/
Important note: DO NOT use more than ONE anti-virus program on your pc as this will cause conflicts.
I prefer to use AVG which scans daily and also runs in the background continuously. On a monthly basis I use Trend Micro housecall online.
Screensavers
Ok, so you are sitting at your desk, or left it for a while and suddenly, a nice image appears on your screen. Ok it’s your screensaver. However, screensavers can serve a much more important purpose other than providing us some cool images, and preventing screen burn.
Enabling a screensaver can increase the security on your computer.
Use a password protected screensaver, this stops others from accessing your computer.
You can configure a screensaver to start when your computer has been idle for a specific amount of time (eg: 5minutes). By password protecting the screensaver, the computer is locked when the screensaver starts. This is a simple idea for additional security. You will need to enter the correct password to resume using your pc.
So once a password protected screensaver has been enabled,you can walk away from your computer knowing thateverything is secure. In Windows XP, you can use the steps outlined below to enable a password protected screensaver.
1. Right click a blank area on your your desktop and click Properties.
2. From the Display Properties dialog box, select the Screensaver tab.
3. Use the drop down arrow to select your screensaver of choice.
4. Change the Wait value to specify how long the computer can remain idle before the screensaver is started.
5. Select the On resume, password protect option. If you do not select this option any activity will cause the desktop to appear.
Give your pc a quick tune-up at http://pcpitstop.com
Run the Full Tests from the menu on the left of the page after creating a user account and password.
Go to http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
The Belarc Advisor builds a detailed profile of your installed software and hardware, missing Microsoft hotfixes,anti-virus status, CIS (Center for Internet Security) benchmarks,and displays the results in your Web browser. All of your PC profile information is kept private on your PC and is not sent to any web server. I would recommend that you print off the results page as it contains details of your Drivers and Software License Keys, useful if you have to perform a format.
Scan for any viruses at http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
Check to see if your ports are Open, Closed or in Stealth mode athttps://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2
Check your internet connection speed at
http://www.abeltronica.com/velocimetro/pt/?idioma=uk&newlang=uk
Click the green arrow beside the flag on the top right of the header and select your language. Scroll down to Speedometer and click on Test Now.
Remember to always back-up your system or create a restore point before making any changes.
Safe surfing everyone
cotojo
Automatic Updates
Keeping your system up-to-date is crucial to maintaining security. Microsoft releases security updates and makes them available for download on the Windows Update web site.
Using the Automatic Updates feature, Windows XP can be configured to download and install updates for you automatically at a time that suits you.
Scheduling this task is very simple. In Windows XP, use the following steps to enable this feature:
1. Right click My Computer and select Properties.
2. Click the Automatic Updates tab from the System Properties box.
3. Select the option to Automatically download the updates, and install them on the schedule that I specify.
4. Select the day and the time when you want the updates installed.
5. Click Ok.
Windows Firewall
Windows XP includes the Internet Connection Firewall service. In Windows XP Service Pack 2, the ICF is renamed to Windows Firewall and it is enabled by default. It is designed to protect your computer from intruders while it is connected to the Internet.
Note: if you are setting up a home network, do not enable Windows Firewall on your LAN (Local Area Network)connection. Only enable it on the Internet connection. If you enable it on your LAN connection, it will block File and Printer Sharing.
Important NoteIf you are using Zone Alarm Free Firewall DO NOT enable the Windows Firewall.
User Accounts
Windows XP includes various built-in user accounts. There are certain steps that you should take to ensure they are not compromised.
Disable the Guest Account. The guest account has always been a huge hacker hole and should remain disabled if it is not required.
Require passwords for all user accounts. Obviously, blank passwords are a bad idea if you care about security.Make sure you assign passwords to all accounts, especiallythe Administrator account and any accounts with Administrator privileges. All passwords should be a minimum of eight characters in length.
In Windows XP Home Edition all user accounts have administrative privileges and no password by default.Make sure you close this hole as soon as possible.
Rename the Administrator account. By renaming the administrator account hackers will have to guess the password and the name assigned to the account.
Don’t make it easy for hackers, renaming the Administrator account will stop some hackers in their tracks, and will deter the more determined ones. They won’t know what the group permissions are for an account, so they’ll try to hack any account they find and then try to hack other accounts toimprove their access. If you rename the Administrator account, try not to use the word Admin in its name. Pick something that won’t make it easy for others to guess.
Remote Desktop
Windows XP Professional’s Remote Desktop allows users to connect remotely to your computer.Although it can be useful for obtaining remote assist with troubleshooting problems, it is also an open door for intruders. Remote Desktop should always be disabled and only enabled when it is needed.
To disable Remote Desktop right click on My Computer, select properties then click on the Remote tab and untick the check box beside Allow Remote Assistance invitations to be sent from this computer.
Anti-virus Software
Anti-virus software is a program designed specifically to detect and remove viruses, making it an essential application to install. Once you install anti-virus software,it will scan your computer and clean any viruses it finds.
Some of the more popular antivirus software programs are listed below, though I refuse to pay for these as mentioned below you can get the same protection for free.
1. Trend Micro
2. McAfee
3. F-secure
4. Symantec
5. Computer Associates
6. Panda Software
Most anti-virus software must be purchased or it may be included with the purchase of a new computer for a limited time.
I highly recommend the use of AVG-AntiVirus available fromhttp://free.grisoft.com/doc/avg-anti-virus-free/lng/us/tpl/v5
I have covered this with a tutorial athttp://cotojo.wordpress.com/2007/04/27/avg-anti-virus-installation-guide/
Important note: DO NOT use more than ONE anti-virus program on your pc as this will cause conflicts.
I prefer to use AVG which scans daily and also runs in the background continuously. On a monthly basis I use Trend Micro housecall online.
Screensavers
Ok, so you are sitting at your desk, or left it for a while and suddenly, a nice image appears on your screen. Ok it’s your screensaver. However, screensavers can serve a much more important purpose other than providing us some cool images, and preventing screen burn.
Enabling a screensaver can increase the security on your computer.
Use a password protected screensaver, this stops others from accessing your computer.
You can configure a screensaver to start when your computer has been idle for a specific amount of time (eg: 5minutes). By password protecting the screensaver, the computer is locked when the screensaver starts. This is a simple idea for additional security. You will need to enter the correct password to resume using your pc.
So once a password protected screensaver has been enabled,you can walk away from your computer knowing thateverything is secure. In Windows XP, you can use the steps outlined below to enable a password protected screensaver.
1. Right click a blank area on your your desktop and click Properties.
2. From the Display Properties dialog box, select the Screensaver tab.
3. Use the drop down arrow to select your screensaver of choice.
4. Change the Wait value to specify how long the computer can remain idle before the screensaver is started.
5. Select the On resume, password protect option. If you do not select this option any activity will cause the desktop to appear.
Give your pc a quick tune-up at http://pcpitstop.com
Run the Full Tests from the menu on the left of the page after creating a user account and password.
Go to http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html
The Belarc Advisor builds a detailed profile of your installed software and hardware, missing Microsoft hotfixes,anti-virus status, CIS (Center for Internet Security) benchmarks,and displays the results in your Web browser. All of your PC profile information is kept private on your PC and is not sent to any web server. I would recommend that you print off the results page as it contains details of your Drivers and Software License Keys, useful if you have to perform a format.
Scan for any viruses at http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
Check to see if your ports are Open, Closed or in Stealth mode athttps://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2
Check your internet connection speed at
http://www.abeltronica.com/velocimetro/pt/?idioma=uk&newlang=uk
Click the green arrow beside the flag on the top right of the header and select your language. Scroll down to Speedometer and click on Test Now.
Remember to always back-up your system or create a restore point before making any changes.
Safe surfing everyone
cotojo
Monday, April 23, 2007
Securing Your Computer System
Today, more and more people are using their computers for
everything from communication to online banking and
investing to shopping. As we do these things on a more
regular basis, we open ourselves up to potential hackers,
attackers and crackers. While some may be looking to phish
your personal information and identity for resale, others
simply just want to use your computer as a platform from
which to attack other unknowing targets. Below are a few
easy, cost-effective steps you can take to make your
computer more secure.
1. Always make backups of important information and store
in a safe place separate from your computer.
2. Update and patch your operating system, web browser and
software frequently. If you have a Windows operating
system, start by going to www.windowsupdate.microsoft.com
and running the update wizard. This program will help you
find the latest patches for your Windows computer. Also go
to www.officeupdate.microsoft.com to locate possible
patches for your Office programs.
3. Install a firewall. Without a good firewall, viruses,
worms, Trojans, malware and adware can all easily access
your computer from the Internet. Consideration should be
given to the benefits and differences between hardware and
software based firewall programs.
4. Review your browser and email settings for optimum
security. Why should you do this? Active-X and JavaScript
are often used by hackers to plant malicious programs into
your computers. While cookies are relatively harmless in
terms of security concerns, they do still track your
movements on the Internet to build a profile of you. At a
minimum set your security setting for the “internet zone”
to High, and your “trusted sites zone” to Medium Low.
5. Install antivirus software and set for automatic
updates so that you receive the most current versions.
6. Do not open unknown email attachments. It is simply
not enough that you may recognize the address from which it
originates because many viruses can spread from a familiar
address.
7. Do not run programs from unknown origins. Also, do not
send these types of programs to friends and coworkers
because they contain funny or amusing stories or jokes.
They may contain a Trojans horse waiting to infect a
computer.
8. Disable hidden filename extensions. By default, the
Windows operating system is set to “hide file extensions
for known file types”. Disable this option so that file
extensions display in Windows. Some file extensions will,
by default, continue to remain hidden, but you are more
likely to see any unusual file extensions that do not
belong.
9. Turn off your computer and disconnect from the network
when not using the computer. A hacker can not attack your
computer when you are disconnected from the network or the
computer is off.
10. Consider making a boot disk on a floppy disk in case
your computer is damaged or compromised by a malicious
program. Obviously, you need to take this step before you
experience a hostile breach of your system.
To your safety and security online
cotojo
everything from communication to online banking and
investing to shopping. As we do these things on a more
regular basis, we open ourselves up to potential hackers,
attackers and crackers. While some may be looking to phish
your personal information and identity for resale, others
simply just want to use your computer as a platform from
which to attack other unknowing targets. Below are a few
easy, cost-effective steps you can take to make your
computer more secure.
1. Always make backups of important information and store
in a safe place separate from your computer.
2. Update and patch your operating system, web browser and
software frequently. If you have a Windows operating
system, start by going to www.windowsupdate.microsoft.com
and running the update wizard. This program will help you
find the latest patches for your Windows computer. Also go
to www.officeupdate.microsoft.com to locate possible
patches for your Office programs.
3. Install a firewall. Without a good firewall, viruses,
worms, Trojans, malware and adware can all easily access
your computer from the Internet. Consideration should be
given to the benefits and differences between hardware and
software based firewall programs.
4. Review your browser and email settings for optimum
security. Why should you do this? Active-X and JavaScript
are often used by hackers to plant malicious programs into
your computers. While cookies are relatively harmless in
terms of security concerns, they do still track your
movements on the Internet to build a profile of you. At a
minimum set your security setting for the “internet zone”
to High, and your “trusted sites zone” to Medium Low.
5. Install antivirus software and set for automatic
updates so that you receive the most current versions.
6. Do not open unknown email attachments. It is simply
not enough that you may recognize the address from which it
originates because many viruses can spread from a familiar
address.
7. Do not run programs from unknown origins. Also, do not
send these types of programs to friends and coworkers
because they contain funny or amusing stories or jokes.
They may contain a Trojans horse waiting to infect a
computer.
8. Disable hidden filename extensions. By default, the
Windows operating system is set to “hide file extensions
for known file types”. Disable this option so that file
extensions display in Windows. Some file extensions will,
by default, continue to remain hidden, but you are more
likely to see any unusual file extensions that do not
belong.
9. Turn off your computer and disconnect from the network
when not using the computer. A hacker can not attack your
computer when you are disconnected from the network or the
computer is off.
10. Consider making a boot disk on a floppy disk in case
your computer is damaged or compromised by a malicious
program. Obviously, you need to take this step before you
experience a hostile breach of your system.
To your safety and security online
cotojo
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