Yahoo Messenger Becomes New Target for CryptoLocker

Security, Software, , , , , , ,
19
Feb 2014

A fairly new CryptoLocker malware has been spreading via Yahoo Messenger, and if you’re infected it may cost you a fortune to retrieve your own data.

Look Before You Jump, Steer Clear of YOURS.JPG.exe

The CryptoLocker ransomware has been wreaking havoc among many users, disguising itself as a file named ‘YOURS.JPG.exe’, the malware will encrypt important system files, and basically locking out rightful owners from their computers and documents.

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To regain access, the ransomware—as the name suggests—will demand ransom money from its victims.  In this particular case, the CryptoLocker ransomware demands $400 for a key which will supposedly unlock the encrypted files.  Once the ransom process is initiated, the malware will set off a timer that will destroy the key within a given amount of time if the exploiters don’t receive their fund.

Main Target: Yahoo Messenger Users

If you’re using Yahoo Messenger at home and especially at work, please take the necessary precautions to prevent this form of exploitation from happening to you. Recently CrytpoLocker has been targeting Yahoo Messenger users in the form of image attachments. First, we suggest you install the latest version of CryptoPrevent to keep CryptoLocker from infecting your computers.  It is also highly advisable that you keep your antivirus/antimalware software up-to-date, as this will also shield your computers from various online attacks.

For more tips and tricks on what you can do to prevent these types of intrusions and attacks, please don’t hesitate to contact our IT professionals.

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Windows 8: Bing Records Sensitive System Commands Publicly

Security, Software, , , , ,
05
Feb 2014

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System commands saved by Bing, will show up as ‘search suggestions’.

Windows 8 users need to be aware that Bing will record system commands inputted locally.  This is a big problem for businesses (and even individuals) if the commands are unique and track-able, as the commands are publicly displayed for anyone using the Bing via the ‘search suggestions.’

Pros and Cons

Companies like Google and Microsoft will, one way or another, find ways to track your user data, and it’s crucial that people are aware of what is being extracted from a computer console every time the power switch is flipped on.

By integrating Bing into the OS itself, the results may be beneficial as well as detrimental.  When users search for something on a computer, those same keywords are recorded so that Bing can help other users find things on the internet quicker.  For sensitive and private data (in this case system commands pointing to your network), the threat of hackers obtaining such information can become a major problem.

How to Disable

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How to disable it

To prevent Bing from recording your system command inputs, go to your Search options in Windows 8 by pressing Windows + C, clicking on “Settings”, then “Change PC Settings”, “Search and Apps” and sliding the ‘Use Bing to search online’ to ‘Off.’

For more tips on how you can keep your information safe while using a connected device, contact your office IT professionals.

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Chrome is Number One, and For Good Reasons

Security, Software, , , , , , ,
22
Jan 2014

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Browser share according to W3Counter

The debate about which internet browser is the best has essentially ended.  Personal preferences aside, the consensus among most casual users as well as developers is that Chrome, the Google-backed browser, is number one (for the time being).

Why should you pick Chrome over all other browsers?  First and foremost, let’s consider the fact that the browser is constantly being revamped and tweaked by a huge community of developers worldwide.  Google gave developers the source code for Chrome back in 2008.  Since then, the open source Chomium project has thrived, leading to a robust and constantly updated browser.

A Think Tank is Better Than One Einstein

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AdBlock can be easily integrated into Chrome

What it comes down to is this, Google is allowing outside developers to tinker with Chrome.  Among some of the crucial benefits resulting from the open collaboration of many brilliant minds are these:

  • Exceptional security measures as developers are constantly debugging and patching up vulnerabilities
  • Add-ons built around the Chrome browser allows for a highly customizable surfing experience.  For instance, the adblock plugin lets surfers select which site is allowed to have ads or popups.
  • Convenience.  Users can sync their browsing history, usernames, passwords, and etc. across multiple platforms.  By simply logging into one’s Google account, he/she can have access to all his past browsing history, and save his present browsing experience for future syncing on other platforms.

It Can Always Be Better

Google, with its involvement in adding parts to the Internet of Things (IoT), has greatly improved the browsing experience for most average internet surfers.  Much of the work done in the development of Chrome (past, present, and future) ultimately serves as medium for Google to grow and profit.  However, Google is taking input from outside developers, and thus it has given the search giant an edge in the browser war over its competitors like Microsoft’s Internet Explorer and Mozilla’s Firefox.

Although Chrome is an exceptional browser for almost everyone and every purpose, a tool for surfing the internet is only a piece of the personal computing experience.  Chrome users will still need to consider what other tools will complement the browser, so that surfing the Internet becomes as secure as possible.

For more ideas and tips on staying safe and secure online, contact your office IT professionals.

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Microsoft Extends Antimalware Updates for Windows XP Until July 2015

Repairs and Upgrades, Security, Software, , , , , ,
18
Jan 2014

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Windows XP, despite its age in the software ecosystem, still controls nearly 30% of worldwide operating system share distribution.  Microsoft announced several months back that it will cease supporting Windows XP as of April 8, 2014.  For consumers, especially those that have already upgraded to Windows 7, the news didn’t mean much.  Businesses that rely on Windows XP for their IT solution, however, the news meant that they will have to either upgrade or find an exemplary IT partner to maintain their infrastructure.

There’s no running away from Windows XP if your business relies heavily on the dated OS to run things like legacy software.  So when Microsoft announced earlier this week that it will continue to provide antimalware signature and engine updates until July 14, 2015, most were relatively happy about the news.

Old Software and Hardware Can’t Keep Up

According to Microsoft, XP users will continue to get antimalware updates because Microsoft wants to ‘help organizations complete their migrations.’  On the enterprise end, the patch updates apply to System Center Endpoint Protection, Forefront Client Security, Forefront Endpoint Protection and Windows Intune.  Casual XP users will continue to receive the antimalware patch as a part of the Microsoft Security Essentials.

Although antimalware support will last for a bit longer, Microsoft recommends that XP users upgrade as soon as possible.  The reason being, old software and hardware may not be capable of keeping up with modern day threats.

What Are the Upgrade Options?

As we’ve already mentioned in a previous post, businesses that have a heavily connected infrastructure should consider upgrading from Windows XP.  When patches and update packages stop coming, the systems will become vulnerable to hackers and other threats on the internet.  Windows 7 still has quite a bit of shelf life left in it, so upgrading to this version of Windows is ideal if businesses are seeking a similar-to-XP experience.

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At the moment, most businesses will probably stay away from Windows 8 as it is a rather new platform that will take some getting used to.

If your business is still running Windows XP, contact our IT professionals for advice on how you can extend the life of the system without official Microsoft support, or how you can leverage your current hardware and save by upgrading to Windows 7.

Lastly, Microsoft also clarified to XP users that as of April 8, 2014, the ‘no longer supported operating system’ means that users will no longer get the official security updates, non-security hotfixes, free or paid assisted support options, or online technical updates.

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