25% of PC users disable antivirus software

A new survey from antivirus and computer security firm finds that about one in four PC users admit to turning off virus protection on their PCs because they thought the programs were slowing down their computers.

The 2 Biggest Security Threats: ScareWare & You

Without a doubt the largest threat to the security of your computer and consequently your identity, and bank account is YOU, followed closely by ScareWare. The best firewalls and most effective antivirus won't help a bit if you, the user, click on Rogue Security Software and fake warnings. Known also as Scareware, this thief is fooling you big time. When it knocks, do not open the door.

How can I know if my computer is infected?

Users are often advised to use an antivirus to check if their systems are infected, but with the current cyber-crime scenario, this is simply not enough.While many of today’s threats are designed specifically to go undetected, there are still some tell-tale signs that a system has been compromised.

Wireshark Antivirus - Rogue Badware

Wireshark Antivirus is a fake anti-malware application. These so-called "rogues" use intentional false positives to convince users that their systems have been compromised. Then they try to sell you their software, claiming it will remove these threats. In extreme cases the false threats are actually the very trojans that advertise or even directly install the rogue.

All indigoGUARD clients: The application has been added to your block list.

If you think you have been infected please contact us. CALL 358-6305

Is Your Copier A Security Threat? Other network Devices?

Any device attached to your network poses potential risks, in terms of stuff on the network, computers -- desktops, notebooks, and servers -- tend to get the lion's share of press as tempting cyberattack targets, along with unsecured web sites, gullible/careless users, CD/DVD-ROMs, USB flash drives, PDF files, smartphones, VoIP PBXs and a few other things, not all of which, to be sure.

Searching for "Virus Removal" Tools Can Lead to an Even Worse Outcome

Many people tend to trust well known companies such as Google and Yahoo, but sometimes these search companies serve up some troubling links in their search results. There are many people who use these search sites to find out information about how to remove viruses, etc., but if a user types in “Security Tool Removal,” they are served up dangerous links that go to malicious websites. These websites can create even more of a security risk without the user even knowing.

Photo Printing Kiosks can share malware and viruses

A common place that a lot of people probably do not think getting a virus from is digital photo kiosks. These places are prime distribution points for infections. Think about it, if you were up to no good with some know-how, you could infect the photo kiosk computers then sit back and laugh as literally thousands upon thousands of people walk in and insert their memory cards.

Safe Internet Browsing Habits

We have found that when we say “practice safe browsing habits” many people have no idea what we are talking about. This is an unfortunate truth in our world, and we hope that by writing this post that we can educate some of you on how to stay safe on the Internet, so that more people will know and practice safe browsing habits.

Attacks on the Windows Help and Support Center

Microsoft has been monitoring for active attacks on the Windows Help and Support Center vulnerability (CVE-2010-1885) since the advisory was released on June 10th. At first, they only saw legitimate researchers testing innocuous proof-of-concepts. Then, early on June 15th, the first real public exploits emerged. Those initial exploits were targeted and fairly limited. In the past week, however, attacks have picked up and are no longer limited to specific geographies or targets, and we would like to ensure that you are aware of this broader distribution.

Things to do NOW!

Facebook Click-Jacking Attack distributed Through “Likes”

A new worm is being distributed through Facebook via the “Like” feature. The attack has hit hundreds of thousands of users and uses a combination of social engineering and click-jacking to make it appear as if a user has “liked” a link.

Protect yourself against computer security threats

Can you, as an average user, instinctively recognize security threats well enough to avoid them? Let’s take a closer look at ways to do just that.

What are the symptoms of an infected computer?

It’s hard to tell if your computer has been compromised. The authors of viruses, worms, Trojans and spyware are going to great lengths to hide their code and conceal what their programs are doing on an infected computer. It’s very difficult to provide a list of characteristic symptoms of a compromised computer because the same symptoms can also be caused by hardware and/or software problems.

Facebook 'sexiest video' malware spreading virally

If you get a posting on your Facebook wall saying something like "this is without doubt the sexiest video ever! :P :P :P" which might be accompanied by a video titled "Candid Camera Prank" DON"T click on the video: it's a lead-in to malware.

Facebook ranks fourth in the Top 10 most popular phishing targets

The number of phishing attacks on social networking sites has increased. Facebook unexpectedly became one of the most popular targets for the phishers. “This was the first time since we started monitoring that attacks on a social networking site have been so prolific,” stated the report’s authors. Spammers have learned to exploit the new Internet platforms such as blogs and social networks for their own ends.

Get protected today! Contact BWS Technologies 358-6305

What is Spyware? How Does it Work?

If your computer starts slowing down, crashing or behaving in a strange manner then it may have been infected by spyware, but what is it and how does it work?

How Malware Can Sneak Into Your Life and How to Deal with IT

There are myriad ways that viruses, trojans and other types of malicious code can cause you a lot of grief and it pays to be up on all of them. Completely disconnecting access to the Internet would go a long way towards keeping viruses and other malware out of your life, but it wouldn’t make a whole lot of sense. So you need to be aware of, and take steps to protect yourself from the ways the bad guys get access to your valuable information.

Malware Sent via PDF Attachment

A new attack has been detected that attempts to spread data-stealing malicious code via an email with the subject “setting for your mailbox are changed.” Users should not open this email or the attachment. The email includes an infected PDF attachment called “doc.pdf,” which, when opened, runs a set of scripts and executables on the recipient’s computer that infect or spoof various Windows programs and services. The methods used do not require JavaScript in order to execute. Once infected, the machine will then periodically contact malicious Web locations to download and update itself with any of the latest malicious and data-stealing viruses.

If you have IndigoGUARD you are protected.

If you do not have IndigoGUARD please contact BWS Technologies.

Fake anti-virus software

Fake anti-virus software that infect PCs with malicious code are a growing threat, according to a study by Google. Its analysis of 240m web pages over 13 months showed that fake anti-virus programs accounted for 15% of all malicious software.

Scammers trick people into downloading programs by convincing them that their PC is infected with a virus. Once installed, the software may steal data or force people to make a payment to register the fake product.

Do I need a hardware firewall/router?

YES. YES. YES. If you have an "always on" cable or DSL broadband connection, you need one.

What does a router (hardware) do?
It sits between your modem and your computer or your network. It is hard to hack your computer or a network when it is hidden behind a hardware box.

Cyber criminals targeting small businesses

Cyber criminals are increasingly targeting small and medium-sized businesses that don't have the resources to keep updating their computer security, according to federal authorities. MSNC: Cyber criminals targeting small businesses