Firesheep: With the advent of wireless technology, it didn’t take long for the Internet to become available almost everywhere, thanks to Wi-Fi. Desktops and laptops with Wi-Fi receivers can easily access the Web where an open wireless connection is available. It must be heaven for traveling people to have Wi-Fi wherever they go. Well, not quite. Free Wi-Fi also means lots of free wares that are usually transmitted wirelessly and oftentimes damaging to unprotected users. One of these is the Firesheep.

What Is Firesheep and How It Works

It is originally a Firefox browser app created by software engineers Eric Butler and Ian Gallagher. Butler used it to demonstrate how unsecure the Net is, especially with the emerging Wi-Fi technology. The plug-in makes it easy for hackers to gather users’ login information and hack into accounts. Facebook, Twitter, PayPal and Amazon are some of the websites most susceptible to this app.

When a user signs in to, for example, Facebook, the browser sends the login information to a partially encrypted or even an unencrypted website. Firesheep works by listening in on the said traffic going over unsecure Wi-Fi networks. It captures the information in the session cookie, allowing a hacker use it to access the websites visited. When a hacker signs into someone’s vulnerable social network, email or online shopping accounts, he can use that person’s account to send out unauthorized posts or emails or make unauthorized purchases online. That is called sidejacking.

Double-click on someone, and you’re instantly logged in as them, Image Source: http://codebutler.com/firesheep

How to Protect Your System Against Firesheep

The most recommended advice to protect your login information from invasion is avoiding the use of open Wi-Fi networks. However, if circumstances call you to use free wireless right then and there, here are some ways to be on guard when in an unsecure Wi-Fi:

• Use software programs or apps that can block or hinder access in free Wi-Fi environments. Try using Firefox extensions such as Force TLS and HTTP-Everywhere.
• Sign out of websites when you’re finished. This makes the session cookie invalid, but this is no guarantee. Change your passwords habitually.
• Rent a virtual private network (VPN) service to encrypt your Internet activities. Some of these services are AceVPN, StrongVPN and Private WiFi. These make your logins and online traffic invisible to hackers and sidejackers, even when you visit vulnerable websites.

Firesheep has become a plug-in predator and has given major websites a wake-up call to upgrade their security.

Many computer users prefer Kaspersky because of their quality antivirus and internet security suites. Here is a brief Kaspersky Internet Security 2011 review.

System Requirements, File Size, and Licensing
The 2011 suite supports Windows OS from XP to Windows 7 with no additional requirements. File size of its installer is 106.49 MB, which some users might find bulky. This internet security suite is a little costly at $79.95 per year for three PCs and $119.95 for two years.

What is New in Kaspersky Internet Security 2011 Version?

• Supports installation on infected PCs
• Can use installation CD as a bootable rescue disk
• Enhancement through Desktop Security Gadgets
• System Watcher feature for on the spot defense against internet threats
• Safe Desktop, Safe Run, and Safe Surf feature to block suspicious programs and websites
• Allows geo tagging for blocking region-specific contents

They had introduced new tools to ensure that your computer is safe from threats and malicious websites. This set of features compensates for its high cost as well as its bulky file size.

Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware
Its built-in antivirus blocks harmful files by monitoring your HTTP and FTP traffic. One good thing about it is that it instantly blocks potential threats before you can download it from the internet. Other antivirus programs will only block the execution of a harmful file after you downloaded it. Kaspersky Internet Security Suite 2011 will not allow downloading such files, which effectively eliminates the contact between your PC and the harmful file. As a whole, both the antivirus and anti-spyware protection works remarkably well.

Anti-Spam Protection
This is an area where Kaspersky needs improvement. Though it has the capability to distinguish spam from legitimate mails, it sometimes cannot block mails from a blacklisted address. It also failed to block some simulated spam messages and you might need a handful of emails to properly train its anti-spam program.

Parental Control
This is one highlight of the suite. It offers extensive controls and features apart from blocking pornography sites. It allows setting the time when the computer can be used, how long a user can stay logged on, and even blocks internet search of certain words and phrases. However, it does not support remote administration of parental controls as some competitors do.

It is also worth noting that the program has some extras like intelligent firewall and outstanding user interface. There are also many positive Kaspersky Internet Security 2011 review in terms of its added features like Safe Run and Safe Surf.

Kaspersky Internet Security 2011 provides powerful programs for typical and advanced users. It has top of the line features in protecting your computer except for its built in anti-spam. This suite is one of the best choices that you can have in the market today.

Kaspersky Internet Security 2011 Review published by Spyware, Adware and Computer Security News (www.spywarenews.org)
Image and Video Source: Kaspersky Lab

The most common type of fraud in today’s online world is the theft of information and electronic data, which obviously can cause enormous problems for enterprises, even putting some of them out of business altogether.

An increasing number of cybercrimes are targeting small firms, local governments, school districts, churches and non-profits prompting the American Bankers Association and the FBI to advise small and midsize businesses to dedicate a separate PC used exclusively to conduct financial transactions over the Internet. A dedicated PC that’s never used for e-mail or Web browsing is much less likely to encounter a “banking Trojan” – a malicious programs that enable criminals to access and manipulate online accounts. Cybercrimes hit commercial banks and enterprises the hardest

Perhaps the reason for this jump is that online data theft seems so easy. Today’s “crimeware” (malware designed to steal money or information) can be bought and downloaded online as readily and easily as one can buy a new anti-virus program and download an mp3, according to Ray Dickenson, chief technology officer at the Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.-based data loss-prevention solutions provider SafeCentral Inc.

It is important for enterprises to understand where your sensitive data are and who has access to them as well as keep track of who accesses the data and limit it to people who really need access. Businesses should also have a plan in place so the right employees know what to do if a breach occurs. These are easy and inexpensive steps to take to protect your company.

Another way to protect yourself in addition to your regular security measures such as anti virus and anti malware protection, firewalls, and more is SafeCentral’s WebProtection™. Here’s how it works and how it keeps the cybercriminals from accessing your data:

How SafeCentral Works

SafeCentral’s WebProtection™ prevents fraud even if the user’s machine is infected with malware. It actually operates under the assumption that your computers are already infected with malware. It establishes an encrypted, certificate guaranteed link with a secure DNS server keeping the user safe from the local network. It then routes the user directly to the bank’s site through the secure DNS. This ensures that endpoint data cannot be stolen or redirected. WebProtection™ uses SafeCentral’s patented TSX technology to intercept and interpret over 5,000 discrete Windows commands (from write to disk, to save in RAM and beyond) and to block all potentially dangerous activities except those needed for the specific transaction. This protects the user from malicious agents such as keyloggers, screenscrapers, and more. Unlike other tools, WebProtection™ goes down deep into the DNA of the Windows operating system and is able to control all processes during a secured transaction. The software basically acts as a locked down desktop with a simplified browser that works with existing authentication methods to stop phishing and other attacks. Because it works independently of signatures and databases it is always up to date.

SafeCentral’s WebProtection™ is an inexpensive way to keep your business and your customers safe from cybercrime, identity theft, and online banking fraud. Just download the lightweight application and it integrates seamlessly with your traditional desktop security measures and existing authentication efforts.

Published by SafeCentral

Panda Security has released its newest anti-virus developed specifically to defend Apple product Mac OS including the iPod, iPhone and iPad.

Most Mac customers take security too lightly. The fact is, most are quite proud to the fact that they do not run any security at all. As Mac and Apple products usage increases and becomes more common, the risk of viruses raises with it. We’re nearing a tipping point, in which it’ll eventually become financially viable for hacker to focus on their efforts at Mac platform users. Mac isn’t any tougher to break into than the usual Windows PC, the days when you can actually assume that Apple’s products are exempt from harm are gone.

Panda Labs said it has documented about 5,000 strains of malware created particularly to target Apple computers, with around 500 fresh samples each month. This is a small fraction from the 55,000 new threats that reach Panda Labs every day.

Panda Antivirus for Mac includes

• Anti-virus
• Anti-worm
• Anti-spyware
• Anti-adware
• Anti-phishing
• Anti-keylogger
• Anti-hacking
• ID theft protection
• Automatic upgrades
• SafeCD
• and protection for your iPhone, iPod, and iPad

More information on Panda Antivirus for Mac

• Price $49.95 for 12 month
• Mac OS X client 10.5 or later (servers not supported)
• 512MB RAM
• 80MB free hard disk space
• Internet connection for product activation and updates

Free trial available at http://www.pandasecurity.com/usa/homeusers/downloads/

Related Video:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQJQDR5DBxc

Image source: Panda Security
Published by Spyware, Adware and Computer Security News (www.spywarenews.org)

New antivirus hit the web marketplace very often. Most are just rehashes of what already there. However, Panda Cloud Antivirus distinguishes itself by being perhaps the first cloud-based antivirus on the security market.

Panda Cloud Antivirus is the first free cloud based Thin-Client Antivirus. It took almost 3 years to develop. Cloud-based antivirus is an interesting alternative to more conventional computer security solutions. Software is only partially installed on your system (thin-client) while core files reside on PandaLabs’ servers. It utilizes a constantly updated, real-time database of virus signature files retrieved from community users in the cloud in order to identify threats and protect your computer.

What is Cloud-Based Antivirus

Panda Cloud Antivirus is very easy to configure, and use. It scans files through Internet which makes it very light on system. It is extremely light as all the work is done in the cloud, so light that you won’t notice it is there.

Panda Cloud Antivirus is available in Free Edition or Pro Edition. Pro-Edition come with behavioral analysis of running processes, automatic vaccination of USB memory keys and hard drives, automatic and transparent upgrades, VIP support and no nagging screens.

You can download the latest version of Panda Cloud from http://www.cloudantivirus.com.

Published by Spyware, Adware and Computer Security News (www.spywarenews.org)

Certification for antivirus operating on Microsoft Windows 7 has been issued by independent test lab AV-Test. Nineteen antivirus products have been tested for Q2/2010 in term of protection, repair and usability. The full reports can be view here http://www.av-test.org/certifications?order=repair_desc&lang=en

Certified antivirus products were as follows:

Uncertified antivirus products were:

* Total score calculate from AV-Test Product Review and Certification Report – 2010/Q2

Of the 19 security products tested, 13 received AV-Test certification for Windows 7. If you are looking for antivirus to protect your Windows 7, you won’t go wrong with any of the certified ones.

Published by Spyware, Adware and Computer Security News (www.spywarenews.org)

Social networking sites have become very popular among many of you. Among them, Facebook is one such social networking site which has many users and is a nice way to stay in touch with our loved ones and friends. According to a recent survey in USA, many people first check their Facebook status first thing in the morning and then go to the bathroom.

Isn’t that amazing? However there are certain security issues which were recently raked up by many users, like identification theft and the like. Let’s have a look at some of the viruses and how you can stop them. When you try to login to your account, you receive many requests for changing your password.

It is ok, if the question comes once, but not too many times, otherwise it is a hacker who wants to infect your PC or laptop with Koobface virus. If at all this virus is successful then your entire profile details can be leaked to anyone and your PC or laptop can crash.

How your Facebook account can get hacked into

It can get infected or hacked when you go into your friend’s account which has been phished. Hackers do that by posting malicious code within it and you or your friend won’t even know about it until it’s too late.

This is the most common method many of you get your account hacked. You do that by downloading stuff you don’t even know. There are so many applications so make sure you pay close attention to the applications that you are permitted to access to and need.

It is true with Face book you can stay in touch with many friends and relatives, but when you receiving links from someone you don’t know, then it is better to avoid clicking on that or encouraging them to send further links. When you get a link with some nice looking lady, then guys think twice, often they are hackers in disguise waiting to harm your account and system.

Now let’s find out what to do if at all your account has been hacked. The first thing you need to do is change your password as it is known by the hacker by now. The virus will use your profile to message other friends in your account and continue spreading itself. The next step would be to get Face book virus software. You can contact a computer dealer or you can also get lot of information on the internet about social networking antivirus software.

You need to be alert and smart on all occasions for the facebook virus and security issue as hackers are always searching a way to enter through your account.

Image source: facebook.com, flickr user Max-B
Published by Spyware, Adware and Computer Security News (www.spywarenews.org)

The Apple Ipad sure has been a hit among the masses and the proof of that is with the number of ipads disappearing from the shelves in many shops. According to information, the company sold around three thousand ipads on the very first day itself. Now that gives you idea on how popular this device is turning out to be.

source:apple.com

It has some exciting features like it just weighs 1.5 pounds, operates quite fast, has many applications, and most importantly it has an extraordinary battery which can run for ten hours on a single charge. You can go on and on about this device, but in spite of this device having all of the above, there are some serious ipad security issues which you need to be aware of.

How to Protect Your Ipad

If you go through articles in the PC world or other computer related magazines on the internet, you can get an in depth information on the security flaws of the ipad. However I have summed up few and you can benefit from reading this article. Did you know that your handset’s operating system can be corrupted when you run unauthorized software? The reason for that is it increases the risk of downloading malicious applications in the future.

The software I’m referring here is Frash, even though the software company is encouraging users to use their software, security analysts are warning against use of this software. It allows your device to be run third party applications which have not been sanctioned by Apple. That does sound disturbing as it can increase the chance of your ipad getting infected with malware.

The problem here why many users are using this software is, Frash makes your ipad or iphone more attractive when you want to surf for extra web sites. But your device can be easily broken into once you install the software allowing the loading of applications from any source.

The iPad, which usually runs OS 3.2 has the same firmware updates provided in Version 3.1.3, but in spite of all this your data is vulnerable for getting hacked. So think wisely and don’t install software on your ipad which is unauthorized.

Published by Spyware, Adware and Computer Security News (www.spywarenews.org)

By Spyware News (www.spywarenews.org) – Malware creators and third party trojan programs are not a new thing. Ever since the days of Sub7 and its ilk, novice hackers have already used freeware tools and programs that were created by other more experienced cyber criminals. But with the advent of the Trojan Creator named, Turkojan, a commercial malware creator, the cyber criminal world has entered a new era: Cybercrime as a business.

Turkojan allows even beginner malware programmers to create new, undetectable trojans or virus for different operating systems without them having to learn a new computer language or to deal with lengthy manuals and scripts. The malwares they can create are not simple TSR annoyances either, since Turkojan is powerful enough to create trojans that can provide real time screen viewing, keylogging, streaming of audio taken from the microphone, and streaming of webcam signals.

The Trojan creator Turkojan offers three different versions of its malware construction kit, with the gold edition – priced at $249 US dollars – going so far as to offer 24/7 customer support for six months as well as patches and updates in case virus scanners have started detecting and blocking the malwares they created using the Turkojan trojan creator.

There is currently no news yet as to what authorities can do to stop the software makers and its devastating effect on computers all over the world, since there has not been any publicized news on whether they have found the person responsible for Turkojan. This is something I will definitely keep my eye on. – www.spywarenews.org

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By Spyware News (www.spywarenews.org) – It’s fairly easy to protect yourself against identity theft when you’re online, since all you have to do is keep your softwares patched and up to date, install a good antivirus and anti spyware program, and to never visit untrustworthy sites as well as click links on untrustworthy emails. However, very few people know that a lot of identity thieves find their victims offline. Here are some ways you can protect yourself against ID theft:

Tips for Avoiding ID Theft

1. Shred bills, receipts and any documents that may have sensitive information before throwing them away. Lots of identity thieves do something they call “dumpster diving”, which does not literally mean they dive in dumpsters, but they tend to sift through people’s garbages for these things. Sometimes a credit card billing with your name and account number is enough to compromise your account.

2. Do not use universal passwords. Try to keep separate usernames and passwords for your different accounts. If you have trouble memorizing different account details, write all of them down in a single piece of paper, and protect that paper the same way you would protect your credit card. In fact, try to keep both in the same place – your wallet.

3. Check your credit history every once in a while. You may not be aware, due to the fact that you don’t experience your card being used fraudulently, but an identity thief may have used your name and details to sign up for another card and have used it without paying. You won’t be liable for the fraudulent purchases, but it may affect your credit score severely, so you need to be vigilant. – www.spywarenews.org

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