Wednesday, January 27, 2010

More people falling for fake anti-virus scam - Friendly Computers

If you're on your computer when a pop-up says your computer may be infected and recommends you click "OK" for a free scan, don't do it! - Friendly Computers

Read more below…
You could load a rogue anti-virus program on your computer.

"The bad guys will actually write a program that looks like it's going to help you with viruses," says Bob Sullivan, author of the book Stop Getting Ripped Off. "You download it and install it and you've just volunteered to be a criminal on behalf of the hacker because now they have control of your computer."

Sullivan says once that rogue software is in your computer, the cyber thieves may try to extort money.

"They'll try to charge you $10, $20, $30 to remove the software that they just put on your computer. The scam is widespread, it's growing quickly, it's harder and harder for the average consumer to tell what's real antivirus software and what's rogue antivirus software."

Play it safe and skip the free scans. Most are scams.

Buy your anti-virus software from a reputable retailer, in a shrink wrapped box or downloaded from a trusted site.

There are some good free anti-virus programs. Don't search for them -- go to download.com or pcworld.com so you get the real deal. If you have a PC, you can get Microsoft Security Essentials from Microsoft. It's free and does a good job.


Source: http://www.kpic.com/news/consumertips/82704457.html

Monday, January 25, 2010

ESET NOD32 An Effective Antivirus Solution - Friendly Computers

(OPENPRESS) January 25, 2010 -- Antivirus security has become essential to safeguard computers from any unwanted viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, adware, rootkits, phishing and such. - Friendly Computers

Read more below…
If your computer is only used for writing and printing purposes, excluding the use of internet, the chances of your computer getting affected by the outside Trojans is minimal. Still, some undesired malware may attack your computer, through the use of pendrives, CD, or other transferrable media. So it is wise to install antivirus security like ESET NOD32, to be on the safe side.

When you search for a security program for your computer, you may come across various packages that are offered free of cost. But compared to paid solutions, the efficiency of the free security pack is very low. Alternatively, you can get ESET NOD32 antivirus pack, which is alive constantly on guard, to sense and eliminate any kind of virus, at a very affordable cost. Further, there are multiple packages, which help you to choose according to your need and budget. If you want security just for Windows or Apple Mac or for both, there are program options to suit you.

Personal as well as business computers have some files stored in a corner of the computer, but when a virus invades the computer, it may damage your hard drive and stop the entire working condition of your computer to the point that your machine is incapacitated, requiring a trip to the local computer store, which is an unnecessary extra expense. Further, some of your secrets involved in the business may be stolen via virus and have the risk of tampering the exclusive nature of your product or service. Just paying a nominal amount for antivirus protection like ESET NOD32, can bring you peace of mind, as it is awarded, in the two subsequent years from 2006, as BEST antivirus Solution, by AV-Comparatives.

Apart from the awards, many users of ESET NOD32 have provided testimonials that explain all the efficiencies in protection of a computer. The company has included ThreatSense Technology in the packages, so that the efficacy of detection is much more advanced than other antivirus solution available on the market. Both obvious and mysterious threats to your computer are detected and eliminated with this powerful technology. You can easily download ESET NOD32 to your computer and use it without disturbing other tasks, as it does not require huge memory or other resources.

Virus creation is a business for the virus creators and they take effort and time to design them in such a way that the new ones can override the old defense solutions. Further, the modifications in the making of computers and software installed is constantly changing. Hence, it is crucial to look for the updated versions of antivirus solution. ESET NOD32 can offer you the security with the option of renewing each year, so that every year you get the latest program, according to your computer and to your budget. The updated technology fetches you the facility of automatic early detection and elimination of threats. ESET NOD32 is a great solution for any occasion.


Source: http://www.theopenpress.com/index.php?a=press&id=65848

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Koobface virus plagues students - Friendly Computers

To many people, "Koobface" may sound like a half-witted insult, but to the faculty, staff and students of Capital University, it means something much more. - Friendly Computers

Read more below…
Koobface is a new computer virus that surfaced sometime during Christmas break.

Information Technology does not know for sure when the virus started, but it was first noticed as the faculty and staff returned from break, Andrew Daugherty, student technical assistant in the tech department of IT, said.

"It's a pretty serious virus, and it is definitely one of the most widespread we've seen on campus," Daugherty said.

Koobface is spread mostly through social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace and possibly even Twitter. Supposedly, the virus attacks through external links posted on a person's wall or page, often connecting to a video or photo.

Sometimes the external links or videos will ask a person to update the flash player or download some kind of program that looks legitimate, Rob Ahern, desktop administrator in IT, said.

"I would be wary if you are prompted to download a program while you are on a social networking site," Ahern said. "Even if the link is from someone you know, use your instincts."

"If you're going to download flash go to the actual website, don't trust a link or a pop-up," Daugherty added.

Once a computer is infected with the Koobface virus, it weakens the system and allows for other viruses to infect the computer as well. Once a computer has Koobface, it only gets progressively worse.

The virus is known to have a few common signs, although Ahern says if you're seeing these signs, it is probably already too late.

"The first characteristic of the virus is browser hijacking. At anytime you can be redirected to a page with malicious intent, and it can actually force you to download the virus," Daugherty said. Even safe downloads like Yahoo messenger, for example, can be unknowingly redirected and begin loading Koobface onto your computer.

Daughtery said a second trait of the virus is having multiple Internet Explorers or My Documents windows opening at the same time.

"They can open upwards of 250 windows at once," Daugherty said.

"If Internet Explorer, or the 'blue e' as many people call it, begins to act funny or flaky, get it checked out quickly. If it crashes a lot or even simple Google searches get messed up, it needs to be addressed," Ahern said.

The final known characteristic of the virus is that it can taunt you by name.

"It's really creepy," Daugherty said. "It can actually say something like 'Haha, Andrew, you can't get rid of me!'"

The damages associated with Koobface are similar to other types of viruses. If taken care of quickly there may be no serious damage done to the computer, however if the computer is exposed long enough, it can completely ruin the system and crash the hard drive or other components.

"You might have to re-install windows or even get a new computer completely," Daugherty said. "But hopefully you can catch it in time and simply delete it and have your computer back to normal. The virus is only affecting Windows, it is of no danger to Macs."

The common treatment of Koobface includes running a special virus scan that can take anywhere from ten minutes to over an hour. There is no guarantee that a computer can be fixed or that the data saved on it can be restored to its original form.

Ahern calculated about 15 to 20 faculty cases so far, but is unsure of the number of student cases. Most of the computers IT has fixed have taken 15 to 20 minutes and have been restored to working condition.

Steve Kall, sophomore, is a student affected by the virus. A friend posted a link to his wall telling him to watch himself in a funny video. When Kall clicked on the link, he was prompted to update his flash player and did so. From there, he could not get the windows to close or any other programs to open.

"Internet Explorer kept opening and asking me to run and download programs that weren't even on my computer," Kall said. "I took my computer to IT and they were able to fix it for me. I've had no problems since then."

Daugherty's best advice for avoiding the devastating effects is to back up data onto an external hard drive, even if you have a Mac.

"Most hard drives come with programs to back up data with. Or you can ask IT for help or do a Google search on your own. If you do a web search, be careful of what you download, though, because it might just be a scam to download a virus," Daugherty said.



Source: http://media.www.capitalchimes.com/media/storage/paper1195/news/2010/01/21/News/Koobface.Virus.Plagues.Students-3855430.shtml

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Free antivirus drives AVG to 110M users - Friendly Computers

Free is a good price. Just ask AVG Technologies, which announced today that active users for its antivirus software have now surpassed 110 million. - Friendly Computers

Read more below…
The Amsterdam-based company gives away its antivirus software for free. Most people use the software for free, but they can also pay to upgrade it to a full-featured security software suite. Back in October, the company said it had 85 million users, so the growth rate is impressive.

The company announced today that it will keep J.R. Smith as the chief executive as the company prepares for an initial public offering at an unspecified point in the future.

In each of the last three years, the company has posted a 75 percent increase in revenues. Dale Fuller, chairman of AVG, said that the board was initially looking for a CEO who had experience taking companies through public offerings — an experience that Smith does not have. But after another successful year, Fuller said that Smith’s ability to execute and his vision are far more valuable to the company.

AVG offered its first suite of free software in 2005 and launched its ninth version in October. In 2009, it averaged more than 1.5 million downloads per week, and total downloads in the year surpassed 251 million. Of the 110 million users, it’s not clear exactly how many are paying for premium software.

Microsoft announced last October that it was going to launch its own free antivirus software, Microsoft Security Essentials. While Microsoft is offering bare bones protection for free, AVG has added a lot of protection over the years through the acquisition of startups.

The company makes money by selling a paid version of its software starting at $34.99. With that, you get customer support, protection from infections via instant messenger chat, and a “root kit” that can protect against hidden threats. Future expansion areas include protection for cell phones and Mac computers. AVG was founded more than 18 years ago. In 2006, the company received $52 million in private equity investments from Intel and Enterprise Investors. Benson Oak Capital also owns about 35 percent of the company. Smith joined in 2007 and the company has since managed to fend off challengers and keep growing.


Source: http://venturebeat.com/2010/01/19/free-antivirus-drives-avg-to-110m-users/

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

New Version Of Avast Antivirus Software Introduced - Friendly Computers

A new version of what many people regard as the best free security product available has been released. Avast Free Antivirus Version 5.0 is available, and it comes with more than just a simple upgrade or tweak compared to the previous offering. - Friendly Computers

Read more below…

New Version Of Avast Antivirus Software Introduced


The most noticeable change relates to the interface. Say "goodbye" to the dated design that, for no apparent reason, looked like a music player. The new one has navigation tabs and more text, making it appear much more like the useful computer program it is.

At the same time, Avast worked to make its software less intrusive. The free registration process has been reduced to a single click, saving people from filling out forms and providing their email addresses. A gaming mode's been introduced, too, so that not-critical reminders don't interrupt users' virtual firefights.

And of course, Avast tried to make sure its software keeps folks safe. Vincent Steckler, the CEO of ALWIL Software (which is Avast's developer), wrote on a corporate blog, "[I]n addition to the signature-based AV protection that you would expect, you also get all the modern detection techniques. Central to this is protection against web threats. These are 85% of the threats our users see . . . . There are also heuristic detections, behavioral detections, and just about any type of protection you can think of."

Not a bad deal, considering it's all available at no charge. Avast may well gain additional market share with this new version.



Source: http://www.securitypronews.com/insiderreports/insider/spn-49-20100119NewVersionOfAvastAntivirusSoftwareIntroduced.html

Friday, January 15, 2010

Internet security comes into sharp focus after Google attack - Friendly Computers

Following news that Google's (NASDAQ: GOOG) Gmail service was the target of an attack from Chinese hackers, websites - Google included - are beefing up their security procedures. - Friendly Computers

Read more below…
Google said it would make an encrypted connection the default for Gmail users in a bid to ensure user safety.

Facebook announced this week that it would partner with security software provider McAfee to better protect the popular social networking site. Users with compromised accounts will be able to scan their computers for viruses or malware at no charge.

The goal, said Facebook global communications vice president Elliot Schrage, is "reducing the possibility of threats being brought onto our service by unsuspecting users."

Antimalware software developer BitDefender suggests that social networking sites like Facebook will increasingly become the target of malware developers. The sites' overwhelming popularity - Facebook has an estimated 350 million users - makes them low-hanging fruit for hackers.

Another software company, Kaspersky, predicts that attacks on iPhone and Android mobile platforms will become more prevalent this year. Research firm ABI Research released this week a report on mobile security trends, saying that the market for mobile device security software will grow by a factor of five in the next half-decade.


Source: http://www.nasdaq.com/newscontent/20100115/internet-security-comes-into-sharp-focus-after-google-attack.aspx?storyid=19558991

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Intego Releases VirusBarrier X6 - Much More than Just an Antivirus - Friendly Computers

Austin, TX - Intego, the Mac security specialist, today announced the release of VirusBarrier X6, the latest version of its acclaimed antivirus and anti-malware software that has garnered excellent reviews from the Mac press. VirusBarrier X6 now provides comprehensive protection from both malware and network threats. - Friendly Computers

Read more below…
VirusBarrier X6 is the only antivirus program for Mac that includes full antivirus and anti-malware protection together with a two-way firewall, network protection, anti-phishing, anti-spyware features and more.

As malware changes, protection needs to be reinforced

While viruses, Trojan horses, worms and other forms of malware are a constant threat to computers of all kinds, cyber-criminals are turning to new techniques to infect and control Macs. These new threats come silently, with little warning, over the Internet: in many cases, simply visiting a booby-trapped web page can compromise a Mac. Focusing on malware or network attacks alone is no longer sufficient to protect Macs from the dangers of the Internet.

Comprehensive protection with VirusBarrier X6

VirusBarrier X6, the latest version of Intego's network and malware security program, includes threat-detection techniques, improved methods of detection, combined detection protocols, proactive behavioral analysis, and a full range of defensive functions. VirusBarrier X6 protects Macs from all known network-based threats, as well as all known malware.

Customers spoke, we listened

Intego's customers have told us what they wanted, and we listened. VirusBarrier X6 includes many major changes compared to the X5 version. Here's some of what we've done to make VirusBarrier X6 the best Mac security program:

* New low price: customers told us they wanted lower prices; we made VirusBarrier X6 much less expensive than the X5 version.
* Standard license protects two Macs: many of our customers have both desktop and laptop Macs, and want to be able to use VirusBarrier on both computers. Our standard license now protects up to two Macs.
* Family savings: families with multiple Macs can now buy 5-Mac family packs for just a bit more than standard license to protect their entire family, offering the lowest cost per Mac for multi-Mac users.
* Integrated two-way firewall: an antivirus is no longer enough to protect Macs from the dangers of the Internet. We've added a powerful 2-way firewall to VirusBarrier X6, making it the only antivirus for Mac with comprehensive protection.
* Phishing protection: phishing is one of today's most serious threats, where scammers attempt to fool users into giving up personal information on bogus web sites, and VirusBarrier X6 provides robust protection against this menace.
* Protection against all types of malware: with new threats, Mac users need new protection. VirusBarrier X6 protects against all types of viruses and malware, as well as network threats, phishing, spyware and much more.

More than 100 new features

In addition to being the best defense against viruses and malware for Macs, VirusBarrier X6 adds more than 100 new features that provide hardened security and help protect against the latest threats. Here are some of them:

* Two-way firewall: VirusBarrier X6 now includes a powerful two-way firewall, extending the program's protection beyond detecting and eradicating malware. This firewall offers preset configurations, for most users, and customizable, rule-based settings for advanced users, to protect Macs from dangerous network traffic.
* Antivandal and web threat protection: VirusBarrier X6 protects users from intrusions, attacks and booby-trapped web pages. A full range of features is included to protect against the many new types of threats facing Internet users.
* Dynamic Code Monitoring: Intego's new technology detects suspicious actions carried out by applications that may be malicious, and detects malware by examining its code as it acts in real time.
* Phishing protection: Mac users are protected from phishing web sites that try to trick them into entering personal information, such as a credit card number or a password, on a site that looks exactly like a valid web site.
* New types of malware detected: VirusBarrier X6 detects a wide range of new types of malware, such as scareware (software that tries to trick users into thinking their Mac is infected, in order to get them to pay for software), spyware (including commercial software used as keyloggers or monitoring tools), hacking tools, dialers (software that initiates phone calls to premium-rate phone numbers), proof-of-concept malware (software designed to show how to exploit a vulnerability, which is not circulating "in the wild"), and more.
* Fine-tuned scanning and security policies: choose from a number of detailed options to determine exactly what is scanned and when, and the type of threats that VirusBarrier X6 scans for. There are also basic settings for users who don't need such detailed options.
* Performance control: users can choose a level of CPU time to be allocated to background scans, in order to optimize CPU and disk priorities for malware scans.
* 64-bit software: all of Intego's software is now provided with 64-bit code, fully compatible with Snow Leopard, and ready for the future.

System Requirements:
* Mac OS X 10.5 or 10.6 (Leopard or Snow Leopard)
* Runs on Macs with Intel or PowerPC processors

Pricing and Availability:
VirusBarrier X6 is available now. Standard licenses protect up to 2 Macs. Also available: 5-Mac family packs and multi-seat licenses. For pricing and upgrade information, see Intego online. Also available is Internet Security Barrier X6, which includes VirusBarrier X6 and four other Intego programs, ContentBarrier, Personal Backup, Personal Antispam and FileGuard, providing parental control, backup, antispam, confidential document protection features and much more.

Intego
VirusBarrier X6

Intego develops and sells desktop Internet security and privacy software for Macs. Intego provides the widest range of software to protect users and their Macs from the dangers of the Internet. Intego's multilingual software and support repeatedly receives awards from Mac magazines, and protects more than one million users in over 60 countries. Intego has headquarters in the USA, France and Japan. For further information, please visit them online.


Source: http://prmac.com/release-id-10021.htm

Monday, January 11, 2010

Good boot: If computer is slow, it's most likely something you've done - Friendly Computers

For those who may be wondering who or what contributed most to robbing their computer of its speed, I suggest it's more than likely a who, who did it and the who is you. - Friendly Computers

Read more below…
Perhaps a kinder and gentler way to put it is that although your computing regimen has always been marked by good intentions, because you became less vigilant about safeguarding and cleaning your system, you robbed it of its vitality and transformed it from a sprinter into a dawdler.
And here's how you did it.
You failed to control your addiction to installing junk software that bloated your registry with conflicting information, installed poorly written applications that cluttered your system with unnecessary DLL files and added unnecessary, always-running-in-the-background services.
Obviously listing all the applications I've discovered over the years to be "junk" is not possible, but I can suggest three categories of applications to avoid.
1.Utilities claiming they'll "Optimize Your RAM" or "Speed Up Your Computer". More than likely they'll either slow it down or do nothing at all.
2.Poorly written Explorer plug-in applications. Because they hook directly into Explorer's shell may slow down and in a worst case scenario crash your computer.
3.Registry Cleaners. Unless you're at least a bit beyond novice do not install a Registry cleaner. Novices will often discover that cleaning their Registry is a lot like playing Russian Roulette. And even if you consider yourself a bit beyond novice, do not allow your Registry cleaner to run in the background. Most versions will significantly hog your Windows resources.
Also do not install multiple anti virus applications. Multiple anti virus programs are counter productive and can create serious Registry problems.
And do not select an anti virus program by the number of features its vendor advertises. Bloated anti virus programs like Registry cleaners will make extraordinary demands on your system's resources.
In fact, I suggest you investigate AVG (the free version) and Microsoft's Security Essentials (now offered as a free download).
Beware becoming a junkie of junk applications, but if you've been seduced and your computer has gone from sprinter to a dawdler, I suggest you:
Identify your junk applications and use Revo Uninstaller (revouninstaller.com) to uninstall them and clean your computer of application leftovers.
Better yet, why not start the New Year right by inviting a qualified technician to your home and, with all your peripherals attached, thoroughly purge the junk from your computer.
Here's wishing you a Good Boot


Source: http://www.news-press.com/article/20100111/COLUMNISTS18/1110313/1014/business/Good-boot--If-computer-is-slow--it-s-most-likely-something-you-ve-done

Friday, January 8, 2010

BitDefender 2010 Security Editions Launched - Friendly Computers

BitDefender has introduced latest customized editions of its Internet Security
and Antivirus solutions for its consumers through Unistal. - Friendly Computers
Read more below…

BitDefender Internet Security 2010 locks out viruses, hackers and spam, while providing parental control and firewall protection. BitDefender 2010 features Active Virus Control security system, which constantly monitors all the processes on your PC, blocking any malicious behaviour before it can cause any damage. BitDefender's optimized scanning avoids scanning of files that are known to be safe. As a result, BitDefender 2010 scans your PC in half the time needed by previous versions, while using fewer resources.

BitDefender 2010 also features three dashboard views - Novice, Intermediate, and Expert - to better accommodate users with different levels of PC knowledge.

Even the parental control is better than earlier versions. The Parental Control module features a newly added reporting system allowing parents to view what websites their children visit. Moreover, parents can set specific time intervals in which their children are allowed to access the Internet or use certain applications. BitDefender detects and blocks attempts to change critical system files or registry entries on your PC and warns you about attacks performed by code injection (DLL injection).

BitDefender Antivirus 2010 provides advanced proactive protection against viruses, spyware, phishing attacks and identity theft, without slowing down your PC.

Other features of importance that BitDefender Internet Security 2010 and BitDefender Antivirus 2010 have include the following:


• Blocks spyware programs that track your online activities
•Blocks web pages that attempt to steal your credit card data
•Prevents personal information from leaking via e-mail, Web or instant messaging
•Instant Messaging Encryption keeps your conversations private on Yahoo! and MSN Messenger
•Reduces the system load and avoids requesting user interaction during game play
•Laptop Mode prolongs battery life

Bit Defender Internet Security 2010 - 3 Users - is available for Rs. 1,750 (MRP), while you can get BitDefender Anti Virus 2010 - 1 User - for Rs. 750 (MRP).

For further details on BitDefender 2010, visit www.bitdefender.com/world
You can download the demo from www.unistal.com/bitdefender.html



Source: http://www.techtree.com/India/News/BitDefender_2010_Security_Editions_Launched/551-108545-582.html

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Virus can put child porn on your computer - Friendly Computers

St. Petersburg, Florida - Experts are warning about a new virus that can be used by pedophiles to store child porn on your computer. The worst part is, the victims are not aware that the child porn is being stored on their computers. - Friendly Computers

Read more below…
"It's the worst possible scenario that you could have," said Robert Dobbs with the Geek Squad.

Dobbs tells 10 Connects they have not had any local cases, but says there have been several cases nationally.

The Associated Press recently finished an investigation and found cases in which innocent people were branded as pedophiles because the virus attacked their computer. In the case of Michael Fiola, the AP says he was arrested and charged before he was finally exonerated. Fiola says he spent $250,000 to clear his name.

To best avoid getting the virus, Dobbs says follow these tips:

•Have an antivirus program that automatically scans your harddrive.
•Make sure you empty out your temporary internet files.
•Avoid file sharing websites.


Source: http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=121424&catid=8

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Computer questions answered - Friendly Computers

READERS have raised queries about the need for virus protection while another is off around Australia and wants to keep in touch on the cheap. - Friendly Computers

Read more below…

Q I am running Spybot, Avast and PC Firewall. Do I need any additional protection for my laptop?

A It depends on what you do with the laptop. These free programs are all fine but they are not integrated so viruses and spyware can slip between the cracks. My tip for 2010 is to buy a fully integrated internet security suite like AVG 9.0 or Norton Internet Security. In my opinion the risks are now too great to rely on freeware security programs if you plan to do internet banking or pay your bills online.

Q I have been using AVG 8, Spybot, CleanUp and, occasionally, CCleaner without problems. I took my PC tower for a clean and service and the company removed AVG 8 and installed an Avast anti-virus program. They also reinstalled Spybot, deleting Tea Timer. Their reasoning for the AVG 8 change was that "it hasn't been any good since December and doesn't remove all the viruses". Is there any truth to this?

A There are so many myths out there and most are based on personal preference or bias, not experience. Please refer to the previous question on freeware virus and spyware. I think AVG 9 is one of the best and the free version is certainly more fully featured than most other free programs but it's not enough to cover all contingencies.

Q My wife and I are about to embark on a caravan trip around Australia and would like your advice on the cheapest and most efficient means of keeping in touch via email. Public libraries are useful but are often booked out.

A The best answer, though not the cheapest, is to get a Telstra NextG smartphone that allows tethering (connecting to a PC or laptop via USB) and buy a data pack from Telstra. You can get 150Mb per month for $10 and it will work in most places and should cover monthly email access unless you are sending lots of photos. You don't need to buy a top-end smartphone to get tethering. If you have WiFi in your notebook you can also use it at net cafes but be sure to have a full internet security suite like AVG 9.


Source: http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,26556584-8362,00.html

Monday, January 4, 2010

Expect new, evolving computer viruses in 2010 - Friendly Computers

McAfee is becoming the Nostradamus of the antivirus software world. - Friendly Computers
Read more below…
This week, the Santa Clara, Calif., firm came out with its 2010 threat predictions report. Among the dire predictions — cybercriminals will target social networking sites and third-party applications and use more complex Trojans and botnets to build and execute attacks, according to McAfee Labs.

Still, McAfee Labs also predicts 2010 will be a good year for law enforcement’s fight against cybercrime.

"Over the past decade, we’ve seen a tremendous improvement in the ability to successfully monitor, uncover and stop cybercrime" said Jeff Green, senior vice president of McAfee Labs. "We’re now facing emerging threats from the explosive growth of social networking sites, the exploitation of popular applications and more advanced techniques used by cybercriminals, but we’re confident that 2010 will be a successful year for the cybersecurity community."

Here are some online threats to watch out for:

Social networks will be the vehicle for emerging threats. Facebook, Twitter and third-party applications on those sites will make computers more vulnerable to attacks. Cybercriminals will take advantage of friends trusting friends to get users to click on malicious links. The use of abbreviated URLs on sites like Twitter makes it easier for criminals to lure people onto a bad site.

Malware. Internet surfers will continue to shift their activities away from their desktop to online applications, allowing malware writers to prey on them.

Trojans. Trojans, which can spread bad software to computers, will become more sophisticated in 2010 and easily get around current protections used by banks. New techniques include a Trojan’s ability to silently interrupt a legitimate transaction to make an unauthorized withdrawal and simultaneously check the user’s transaction limits to avoid alerting the bank.

Cybercriminals. They will target popular programs such as Adobe Reader and Flash.

In 2009, McAfee Labs saw an increase in attacks targeting client software. Cybercriminals will target Adobe products, primarily Acrobat Reader and Flash, two of the most widely deployed applications in the world. McAfee Labs expects Adobe product exploitation will likely surpass that of Microsoft Office applications in 2010.

Botnets. The versatile software will spread stolen computing power and bandwidth around the globe.


Source: http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2009/12/expect_new_evolving_computer_v.html