A worm Win32.Worm.Coidung.B disguised as Office Genuine Advantage, a program Microsoft used to validate copies of Microsoft Office was found by BitDefender Antivirus Makers research team.

“Microsoft retired Office Genuine Advantage in December 2010, but that hasn’t stopped the attackers from using it to ensnare victims a year later,” writes SecurityNewsDaily.

“The fraudulent OGA program, labeled ‘office_genuine.exe,’ is spreading via Yahoo Messenger, and once the attachment is downloaded, it opens a portal in people’s computers for remote attackers to control the machines or install more malicious software”

Source: Security News Daily
Source: Malware City

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AdAware is one of the most popular anti-spyware tool that detects and removes malware, spyware and adware on a user’s computer. For more info, check out: AdAware

Here,  I will discuss to you the difference between  - The Free version: AdAware Free and the Paid ones: AdAware Pro.  You may think, Why pay when I  can have one for free ? So I have here a  a short comparison between the two:

First we have Ad-Aware Free, this is an Internet Security that has the basic protection functionality that won’t affect the performance of your computer.

Ad- Aware Free features real-time protection, advanced Genocode detection technology, rootkit protection, automatic updates, and much more. All  to ensure that you have the power to protect yourself online.

Adaware Free Features:

Comprehensive malware protection.Powerful threat detection, removal and repair. Blocks spyware, Trojans, blended malware, and more – plus behavior-based heuristics safeguard against unknown and newly emerging threats.

Anti-Virus.Detection, removal, and repair of traditional virus threats.

Basic real-time protection. Ad-Watch Live! Basic process protection blocks malicious processes and infected programs that try to start or run on your system.

Download protection. Provides an additional layer of protection that lets you download files confidently.

Removes all traces of infections and cookies.Removes all traces of infections that can slow down your computer.

Automatic Updates.Continuous pulse updates to guard your privacy against cyber attacks.

If you need added security and deeper layers of protection, then,  Ad-Aware Pro is a good choice.

Adaware Pro gives you the power to protect your online security and privacy so that you can use the Internet how, when, and where you want. It offers advanced internet security protection.

AdAware Pro Features:

Comprehensive malware protection ,  Anti-Virus,  Basic real-time protection, Download protection, Removes all traces of infections and cookies, PLUS:

Expert real-time protection- Ad-Watch Live! Expert stops threats in real-time by blocking connections to blacklisted IP addresses, malicious processes, registry changes, and malicious files.

Advanced rootkit removal system- Expert level rootkit technology to uncover and remove even the most complex monitoring tools, including user mode & kernel mode rootkits.

Speed up PC start time – Removes unnecessary clutter from your computer’s start-up process.

Do Not Disturb Mode
10 Automatic updates- Continuous pulse updates to guard your privacy against cyber attacks.

Expert Technical Support-Free support whenever you need it. Includes direct, in-product access to the Lavasoft Support Center.

Whether it’s free or paid , important thing  is that it meets the needs of your Pc protection needs and it defends your computer from any  threats and spyware.

For more info, check out: AdAware Pro

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3. Returnil Virtual System Pro 2011

The new version is sees to look very good and a lot of new features has been added.

Read more and download Bitdefender Total Security 2012 Beta

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Microsoft plugs critical security issue

Yesterday Microsoft released three updates that will plug security holes in Windows and office. One of these holes has been classified as critical.

This months update was smaller than usual with only 3 fixes. The critical bugfix cover a hole in Windows Media Player, which protects the user against hackers taking control of the computer.

If you are using windows, make sure you have downloaded this update.

Peter – Your Online Security Guide

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SoftRescue File Transfer Software

In the old days, one computer can only handle a program at a time.  A specialized PC, for example can only function as an accounting tool if it is built for that purpose.  Now, with the emerging trend of limitless PC to software capabilities (and vice versa), the average computer can hold hundreds of applications and run them simultaneously.

From programming, to data processing, to entertainment, the standard workstation can perform these functions in a click.  All it requires is the simplicity of installing your desired software to your PC, and it’ll be upbeat with your command.

All these are pretty much convenient and straightforward.  But of course, change is inevitable.  A time will come when your hardware needs to be upgraded to support your technological needs.  Much like the New Year, you’d have to bid farewell to the past year and welcome the new – without erasing the memories.

Your files and most-loved applications need not go whenever you say goodbye to your old PC.  How?

SofRescue Pro is a technological find aimed to help people setup their new PCs.  It does its share by migrating all your files, applications, and games to your new computer.  This innovation was spearheaded by Ansoft AS to keep up with the technological revolution of today.

Here are some of its features:

Secure. Viruses, worms, hijackers, and spywares are kept out during the process – making the procedure safe, clean, and secure.

Dynamic. Lets you install up to 4 PCs per license and offers free lifetime updates on the latest versions.

Flexible. It has an optional compression level (up to 1:2) ratio, and only moves the primary installer data.

Timesaver. SoftRescue’s Grab& Restore technology is a timesaver that lets you transfer your files without being present.

SoftRescue Pro’s functionality is not limited to setting up new PCs alone.  This is also applicable whenever you reinstall your operating system, improving your PCs performance, and File optimization.

Now, every average PC user has the power of total file mobility and security.

More information about the product

Related posts:

1. Microsoft plugs critical security issue

According to Microsoft, there will be thirteen updates / fixes in total and 8 of them critical. You may have heard about vulnerabilities in Adobe Reader and Acrobat which puts PDF files at risk.

Patches are scheduled for today for Adobe products so make sure you get them. If you have your PC set for automatic updates, they will be installed by themselves.

If you have not, in many cases you will see a yellow shield in the bottom right task tray. You should click on that shield and install the updates. If you do not see the shield, make sure to go to the windows update site and let Microsoft update your computer.

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The world’s leading company in providing the best security solution  Bitdefender has recently released BitDefender 2010.

Proudly answering to to their millions of consumers’ demand – Maximum Protection, Usability at Maximum Speed !

The latest version offers  maximum protection for home  (see new parental reporting system below) or business and secures your PC from the new and fast-evolving internet security threats such as viruses, rootkits, spam and more, gaining a step ahead of the competition.

Whats really new in Bitdefender 2010 you may ask?

1. Active Virus Control NEW!

• Programs running on your computer are monitored 24/7 and any malware-like actions are noted.  If enough malicious behaviors are detected the program that ran them is declared harmful and blocked before it can causes damage to your computer.
  

2. Usage Profiles NEW!

• New user profiles feature  that allows you to choose the profile that best suits your needs  – Typical, Parent or Gamer.  (first in the industry!)

3. Parental Reporting System (Available in Internet Security and Total Security 2010 only) NEW!

• Allows you to view what websites your children visit.

• The monitoring is made more effective as you can receive email alerts concerning each childs activity on the internet.

• You can Set Specific time intervals for your children to use internet or specific applications.
  

4. Intrusion Detection NEW!

• Bitdefender 2010 will detect and block any attempt to change critical system files or registry entries on your PC.

• Warns you about attacks performed by code injection.
  

5. Faster Scanning Time Reduced by Half NEW!

• Bitdefender 2010 now avoids scanning files that are know to be safe. Thus enhancing speed and reducing  System load.  Now achieving scan in half the time of the previous version.

6. Improved In-Product Technical Support

• You can now get answers to the most common support questions or contact technical support directly from the product using its new self-service module.
  

This is what we have all been waiting for a Security program that provides what we really need without slowing us down!

Check out more on  BitDefender 2010 here

Everybody is up for it, don’t miss out and get yourself, your PC, your home or business and your life the superior protection in the land – Purchase or Upgrade to BitDefender 2010 now!

Until Next Time

Peter – Your Online Security Guide

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Hello Friend,

There’s a new malware on the web that is wrecking havoc in every way possible.

This drive-by-download exploit is called, Gumblar.

The latest manner of attack known from Gumblar is when doing searches on Google, it redirects Google search results to malicious sites where it loads more malware on the PC by means of drive-by-download attack that infects via PDF and Adobe Flash. Not only does it install more malwares in the PC, it also steals login details and FTP credentials thus compromising those sites owned and operated by the victim.

Since Gumblar is quite a pervasive virus its victims fall for it without knowing, Cisco came up with tips for websites and enterprises on dealing with the problem.

Tips on dealing with Gumblar Virus from Cisco

1.     Ensure you have Security for your Servers

Make sure security protection is implemented for web servers and web applications. Bitdefender have a very good mail and file server security solution.

2.     Be Aware of Pop-ups

Alert users and visitors to pay attention to pop-ups that leads to a questionnaire site.

3. Gateway Security

Organizations should install gateway security that is capable of drilling down into every Internet access request. Bitdefender Total Security 2009 is recommended.

5. Firewalls that can be analyzed

Make sure perimeters are secured with firewalls that can be analyzed.

Gumblar has outruled Conficker this month, either way, we don’t want any viruses for our systems.

We  encourage you to do timely software updates and and use up-to-date security solutions not only to be Gumblar free but completely virus-free and Safe!

If your security program is out of date you can read more about the latest and up-to date security software available in the market today.

Until Next Time

Peter – Your Online Security Guide

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Several online security experts has warned about the built in attack plan the worm carried. A plan that was supposed to start yesterdan, April 1st.

A major reason for the failure is supposed to be the media attention the worm got.

Perhaps our article here at Online Security Guide helped

Until next time

Peter – Your Online Security Guide

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Phishing is the use of fraudulent e-mails and Web sites to lure consumers into sharing personal and financial information. According to the most recent data from the Anti-Phishing Working Group, there were 1,125 unique attacks in April — a 180 percent increase over March (statistics from 2004). Since then it has only been growing.

Criminals are sending out millions of “urgent” e-mails trying to get unsuspecting consumers to divulge personal information such as their Social Security numbers or the passwords for their online accounts.

Some tell consumers the federal insurance on their savings accounts will be canceled unless they immediately update their personal details. Others claim to be from Internet service providers redoing their billing lists and others say something has gone wrong with a credit card transaction and that additional information is needed or the card will be canceled.

Sometimes they include links both to a website where they want consumers to divulge their information as well as links to the real credit institution website, to seem legitime.

What can you do to protect yourself against Phishing

Consumers can take proactive steps to thwart identity theft, such as:

– Regularly obtaining personal credit reports from all three credit reporting agencies and carefully reviewing the information.

– Question and correct any inaccuracies.

- Try to avoid providing their mother’s maiden name as a security feature. In many cases, identity thieves can find this information with little difficulty. Instead, consumers should substitute a name of personal significance, such as a grandmother’s maiden name, a friend or family member’s nickname, or a favorite author’s name.

– Assigning a separate password for each account requiring one. This step can help limit the amount of damage a criminal can do.

– Shredding documents that contain important personal information such as account numbers or Social Security numbers before discarding.

Examples that I got in my mailbox last week
(Links has been removed)

CitiBank Phishing

From: Citibank [user-supports09@citibank.com]
Subject: 0fficiaI Notice for aII users of Citiban

(Please note, the whole white part above is actually one big picture and one big link and it doesn’t link to the same place that it’s showing.)

From: Fleet [user-support4@fleet.com]
Subject: 0fficial Notice for all FleetBank clients!

(Probably the two examples above is from the same group since they are so similar.)

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