We’re all used to typical spam email, Free iPhones, stock tips or vacations, anyone? The Web is a spammer’s paradise and unfortunately for many of us, we don’t have the proper tools we should have to combat these pesky, potential threats to our PC security. A new wave of spam is emerging, the PDF or Portable Document Format spam, the same PDF files that you are use to receiving from reputable companies.
While the ever popular (with spammers) image spam seems to be on the decline, PDF spam is hot ... for now. So what exactly is this annoying new spam creation? It’s a very large file attachement that contains no information or text within the email itself but the PDF file can contain pages of professional looking advertisements for stock tips or iPhone ... and so on. PDF file attachments are typically much larger than .GIF (image) files, so they can prove hazardous on your memory and maximum email MB’s but it currently appears that is the extent of the threat.
Nearly 30% of all spammed emails now are reportedly PDF-laden and this could potentially put your computer at risk. Take a look at what PDF spam looks like.
The emails themselves do not currently contain any malware or viruses, as hackers and spammers delve into new ways to compromise security, it’s vital to protect your PC’s with comprehensive internet security tools.
As usual, unless you know the sender and that they are sending you a PDF file ... never open these files. ¶ 4:03 PM 0 Comments
Adware, Spyware and Malware...all relate to a program that is downloaded onto your computer, with or without your consent or knowledge. The damage resulting from these programs can vary, depending on the product and your level of protection.
Adware is the least dangerous and is generally a tiny program attached to a free download that generates advertising or "popups". While adware is annoying and slows down your machine, it’s usually not the most destructive of the "wares." Adware is also the easiest to spot, as you will start to receive "popup" advertising from the moment you turn on your computer and connect to the Internet, regardless of your browser status.
Spyware takes you to the dangerous side of the security equation. Spyware is any program that is usually downloaded without the users’ knowledge, as it secretly transmits personal information to a third party. This information is then used for malicious purposes, such as credit card fraud or identity theft.
Malware is the lesser known "ware" and potentially the most dangerous. Again, Malware is generally any programming that is secretly installed on your computer, allowing a third party to use your PC for malicious purposes such as spam, DOS attacks and fraud, all while keeping you in the dark. Most of this activity is continuously running and the user has no idea it is occurring on their computer.
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Almost all Adware, Spyware and Malware removal programs come with some free trial but STOPzilla comes with one of the most effective free trials available. STOPzilla automatically suppresses all types of Spyware and Adware applications including: Messenger Service Ads, Malicious BHOs, Key Loggers, Backdoor Trojans, Browser HiJackers, Web Dialers and more without ever interrupting your surfing in any way. Real-Time "Always-On" Spyware/Adware protection.
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Being secure has plenty of derivatives, such as feeling safe at home, when on the job or even when you’re surfing the Net. Computer and network security go hand in hand, as hackers and phishers are learning the art of breaking in where they certainly don’t belong. This leads us to the notion of social engineering, a phrase that can hardly be summed up in one sentence or even paragraph.
To state it briefly, social engineering revolves around the idea that humans willingly accept what they deem as truthful, tending to follow something they feel is authentic. However, this becomes a problem when someone or something wishes to take advantage of our vulnerability, leaving us robbed or destructing a population or network.
When it comes to PC’s and the information age, social engineering is used to gain access to company networks through fraud, deceit, intrusion or even through entities like viruses and rootkits. You’ve probably heard of telephone company fraud, where shady figures were able to gain access to confidential phone records by posing as an individual they weren’t. Well, this is one route hackers and thieves take, but there are more complicated methods as well.
Social engineering is commonly targeted at telephone help desks, as an individual up to no good can pose as someone they aren’t and fool the customer service rep into handing over vital information. Hackers often target pay phones and ATM’s as well, stealing PINS right and left. It’s a great way for them to snag your credit card or debit PIN without you ever knowing it until it’s too late.
Another method hackers and thieves use to gain inside access to your company’s information is through “dumpster diving.” Imagine the paper trail left in your office’s dumpster (and we know that paper shredder doesn’t see it all.) Calendars, meeting notes, reports and source code print outs can all make their way into the wrong hands if left unguarded.
Let’s not forget e-mail and the hidden truth behind compromised security through your inbox. Hackers have the ability to sneak onto networks and act as the network administrator, an action that can typically be caught, but that some still fall prey to. A hacker knows what they want and use any method of persuasion to coerce you into giving up information you typically guard with your life. Remember, more often than not, there is a real person behind network attacks and this person put some psychological social engineering into their plan.
We have complied a list of tips to ensure that you will not fall victim of social engineering :
- Do not log-in on a unsafe computer
- Do not mix public information with business information
- Do not store information in your cell phone
- Use a shredder to discard mail and business information
- Do not store your passwords near your computer
- Do not use unknown USB drivers
What exactly is a rootkit? To put it simply, a rootkit is a hacker or phisher’s way of stealing your info, taking over your desktop and hiding whilst performing these tasks. A Rootkit is just as it sounds, a password is compromised or a vulnerability is exploited and a hacker gains administrative or root acccess to your system.
No criminal wants to get caught and rootkit useage is a popular tactic cyber criminals use to avoid detection. Rootkits can be used by spyware, viruses, worms and backdoors for malicious purposes.
Rootkits aren’t a threat themselves in essence, but these software tools can be used to cover up malicious activity. For the time being, Rootkits are not the biggest threat online but they are a growing threat that consumers should be aware of.
Are you Protected from Rootkits?
Many antivirus and antispyware products offer Rootkit protection but in general only recent versions of such software. You need to check with your security vendor to see if you have rootkit protection.
The Shield Deluxe and Security Shield 2007 provide rootkit protection. ¶ 4:27 PM 1 Comments
