ThreatLevel

XP Antivirus

noreply@blogger.com (Arthur) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 19:00:00 +0000

We have spoken extensively on this blog and at PCSecurityShield about the fake "antivirus" software, XP Antivirus and similar products. It seems now that the developers and marketers of these products have been identified ... but not yet caught. The scheme is profitable and clever ... although in a somewhat twisted way.

Some articles on the latest information about this fakeware. From Darkreading and from SC Magazine.

We will keep you update as more information becomes available.

More on Phony Security Software

noreply@blogger.com (Arthur) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:26:00 +0000

The newest and greatest threat today to consumers is phony security software and the developers of these fakes are good. They resemble any standard antivirus or they use the Google Toolbar or the Windows Security Center ... everything is not as it seems.

The only suggestion that we have is never, ever click on a popup even with your system ... even a PCSecurityShield popup. If you think it is time to renew your software go to your Start Menu and open the product from there. Then you are controlling the product and not some random popup.

Here is an interesting and revealing article from Yahoo.

ConsumerConfidence Toolbar - Free Download

noreply@blogger.com (Arthur) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:48:00 +0000

Before you shop online, use ConsumerConfidence or download the Consumer Confidence Toolbar for Firefox or Internet Explorer. Consumer Confidence is a completely Free Toolbar with no advertising or adware that provides you with thousands of merchant profiles about on your favorite shopping sites. Information about site safety, customer service and other pertinent information you need before you shop online.

As we head into the holiday season, Consumer Confidence will provide you with valuable information about 1,000s of websites.

Download Consumer Confidence Today

ID ten T Error

noreply@blogger.com (Arthur) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:26:00 +0000

I was having trouble with my computer. So I called Richard, the 11 year old
next door whose bedroom looks like Mission Control, and asked him to come
over.

Richard clicked a couple of buttons and solved the problem.

As he was walking away, I called after him, "So, what was wrong?" He
Replied, "It was an 'ID ten T' error."

I didn't want to appear stupid, but nonetheless inquired, "An, 'ID ten T'
Error? What's that? In case I need to fix it again."

Richard grinned ... "Haven't you ever heard of an 'ID ten T' error before?"

"No," I replied. "Write it down," he said, "and I think you'll figure it
out."

So I wrote down: I D 1 0 T ... I used to like the kid ...

Beta Testers Wanted

noreply@blogger.com (Arthur) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:58:00 +0000

PCSecurityShield has launched a Free Toolbar that provides consumers with Merchant Profiles of 1000's or retail websites. Information including when the business started, their customer service hours and phone numbers along with security information about the sites. Consumer Confidence is a Free Toolbar and currently ONLY available for Firefox with a version for Internet Explorer to follow in the next 7-10 days.

We are looking for beta testers and input. Visit ConsumerConfidence.net or you can download the Firefox Toolbar here.

Please note that there is NO Cost, NO Adware and No Advertising for third party products.

Storm Worm Virus

noreply@blogger.com (Arthur) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:54:00 +0000

07/30/08 — Be on the lookout for spam e-mail spreading malicious software (malware) which mentions "F.B.I. vs. facebook." The e-mail directs the recipient to click on a link to view an article about the FBI and Facebook. Once the user clicks on the link, the "Storm Worm" malware is downloaded to the Internet-connected device, causing it to become infected with the virus and part of the Storm Worm botnet. A botnet is a network of compromised machines under the control of a single user. Botnets are typically set up to facilitate criminal activity such as spam e-mail, identity theft, denial of service attacks, and spreading malware to other machines on the Internet.

The Storm Worm virus has capitalized on various holidays and fictitious world events in the last year by sending millions of e-mails advertising an e-card link within the text of the spam e-mail.

more on this story from the FBI

PCSecurityShield Virus Update Notice

noreply@blogger.com (Arthur) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 11:47:00 +0000

On Sunday, July 28th we experienced update issues associated with The Shield Deluxe and Security Shield. The issue has been corrected and users simply need to run updates on those products.

To do this, open Security Shield or The Shield Deluxe and click the Update button. This process will take 3-4 minutes to run and you have not completed your product updates.

"Buy flight ticket Online"

noreply@blogger.com (Arthur) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:15:00 +0000

A new delivery method for viruses and this one nearly got me this morning as I have tickets on Delta Airlines for an upcoming flight. In the end this is no different than the emails related to eBay accounts or your Bank of America account (when you don't bank at BoA).

Of course two emails below this one was my ticket on Airtran.

Adobe Flash Player Vulnerability

noreply@blogger.com (Arthur) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 11:38:00 +0000

If you visit a webpage that contains SWF files from Adobe Flash Player vulnerability, the malicious scripts or codes will be downloaded and executed on your system.

In this moment, this kind of malicious codes are spreading fast. Therefore, we recommend to update Adobe Flash Player to latest version 9.0.124.0).

How do I secure my PC?
You can check the Adobe Flash Player version from below site:

http://www.macromedia.com/software/flash/about/

Please click "Player Download Center" to download the latest version from that page.

Anti-Virus Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Arthur) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:42:00 +0000

If you are always cautious, you can prevent unexpected incidents of security breaches though viruses or worms. The preventive methods for different malicious programs are different in individual cases but the following statements describe the general rules to prevent viruses. Protect your network with virus protection tips provided by PCSecurityShield.

Using computer virus vaccines is a must.
A virus is dangerous for itself. But more and more people use viruses as a hacking tool to attack other unsuspecting users systems. So you should always use the latest engine to proactively prevent viruses that are the sources of trouble. Especially one of the functions in the vaccine program that makes it possible to check whether e-mail attachments are infected or not is a sure way to prevent spreading viruses through e-mail.

Check if security patch programs are installed.
The recent trends about viruses or hacking with viruses are to attack security holes of various operating systems. In fact, periodic installation of patch programs will assure you a higher chance of preventing malicious programs; even through you are not using vaccine programs.
Always check the information provided by companies for your software, and keep up with the dates for the latest version of patch.

Check the level of folder sharing.
In a corporate environment, people share their data through a LAN. The recent viruses have the capability to spread through Read/ Write shared folders on a network, Minimize the use of shared folders. And if you have to share your information with others, always enable the "Read Only" and set a password to your system. When the data transmission is completed, disable the shared function to prevent attacks from viruses or intrusions of malicious hackers.

Always be cautious when opening an e-mail message.
E-mail is the fastest means to spread various harmful programs to the majority of people. So always be cautious when opening e-mail messages, even the ones from your friends. Especially if you receive e-mail messages with English header or body (in Korea), scan the message first with a vaccine program without opening an attachment. Many viruses can be infected even though you can only preview the messages. Disable the "Preview" function in the configuration of Outlook Express. The solution to this is to download and install security patches from Microsoft. .

Establish the mind-set for virus protection.
There are more traditional and basic virus prevention rules. Those include 'always use legal copy', 'start a new program after scanning it with the latest vaccine if you download from PC communications', 'do not open e-mail attachments', 'do not open macros that you do not create' These rules are so basic these days, people think of these as standard procedures for using computers.
Security companies, including virus vaccine companies provide information about viruses or harmful programs through their homepages in real time. Visit their homepages often or receive e-mail newsletters from these companies to have virus related information in advance.

Of course, these rules do not guarantee 100% protection from malicious programs.
It is not a short term, but a long term commitment to protect your system from viruses. You need to have the will to protect your precious information by yourself. As we need to keep our bodies and souls clean to prevent diseases, we need to keep our computers healthy to prevent damages and information loses.

Thanks to Hauri for these Antivirus Tips.

Virus.Win32.Gpcode.ak

noreply@blogger.com (Arthur) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 12:41:00 +0000

Virus.Win32.Gpcode.ak
06.05.08 14:37 GMT

Status : moderate risk
Kaspersky Lab has detected a new version of the ‘malicious blackmailer’ Gpcode — Virus.Win32.Gpcode.ak.

The new Gpcode variant encrypts files with extensions DOC, TXT, PDF, XLS, JPG, PNG, CPP, H etc. on hard drives using an RSA algorithm with a 1024-bit key.

After encrypting files, the virus leaves a text file in the folder next to the encrypted files with following message:
Your files are encrypted with RSA-1024 algorithm.
To recovery your files you need to buy our decryptor.
To buy decrypting tool contact us at: ********@yahoo.com

Currently, we detect the new variant, but we are unable to crack the 1024-bit key. Our analysts are continuing to work on both the key and the virus to resolve this issue.

We recommend that all Internet users enable maximum protection from malicious code and network attacks on their computers and refrain from executing suspicious programs received from untrustworthy sources.

Detection of Virus.Win32.Gpcode.ak was added to Shield Deluxe signature databases yesterday, on June 4th, at 15:39 GMT. Please make sure to update if you haven’t already.

Internet Security On Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (Arthur) — Mon, 12 May 2008 13:02:00 +0000

PCSecurityShield is sponsoring a Facebook group called Internet Security. This Facebook group will open up a platform for open exchange of internet security questions and ideas.

Visit the Facebook Internet Security Group.

New Product Release - Parental Control 5.0 Adds To PCSecurityShield's Line if Security Software

noreply@blogger.com (Arthur) — Thu, 08 May 2008 13:24:00 +0000

Delray Beach, FL (PRWEB) April 29, 2008 -- PCSecurityShield, an Internet security company once again partnered with a top-technology provider to bring its customers the best in Internet security products. This time that product is an advanced content recognition application designed to keep kids safe on the Web.

According to a recent poll by the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, many parents feel that the Internet poses more of a threat to children than school violence, STDs, abuse and neglect do. With Internet-facilitated kidnappings making headlines, parents are more worried than ever. PCSecurityShield has partnered with PureSight to do something about that.

Powered by PureSight's technology, PCSecurityShield's new Parent Control 5.0 is an active content recognition application. When running on a child's PC the software filters out specific websites based on tagged categories, a blacklist of websites and a network static list.

"We are delighted that PCSecurityShield has become one of our OEM partners," said Nick Outteridge, VP of Business Development for PureSight. "This has provided an opportunity to for PCSS to expand its portfolio of Internet security products into the child protection market, an area that we both recognize as vitally important if today's children are to grow up 'on line' and 'safe.'"

"As part of our commitment to providing the highest quality security software, we have partnered with one of the top companies in the content recognition field",say Arthur Frischman, President of PCSecurityShield, "Puresight brings the top parental control software technology to our valued customers."

Because PCSecurityShield is dedicated to providing comprehensive Internet security products to its customers, it was only natural that a parental control application be added to its software lineup. Now, in addition to keeping their computers and files safe, customers can use PCSecurityShield's software to keep their children safe as well.

Excellent Article On A Healthy COmputer

noreply@blogger.com (Arthur) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 17:35:00 +0000

I just ran across this article from an outfit called Radio World Newspaper. It is clear and simple for even amateur computer users.

10 Tips to a Faster, Healthier Computer

PCSecurityShield Top Partner in Desktop Security

noreply@blogger.com (Arthur) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:41:00 +0000

Kaspersky Lab Names PCSecurityShield as Award Recipient at
The 2008 Technology Partner Session
PCSecurityShield Top Partner in Desktop Security

Delray Beach, FL, April 21st, 2008 – PCSecurityShield, an Internet security company headquartered in Delray Beach, Florida, was named Kaspersky Lab's "Best Technology Partner" in the area of Desktop Security at this year's Technology Partner Session. At this event Eugene Kaspersky, the founder and CEO of Kaspersky Lab, talked about current malware trends and the new solutions being made available by Kaspersky Lab to combat those trends.

PCSecurityShield licenses a variety of Internet security technologies and offers consumers a comprehensive line of computer protection products. Their top-of-the-line Internet security product, The Shield Deluxe 2008, is powered by Kaspersky Lab's cutting-edge antivirus technology.

more ...

Senior Citizen Fraud - How to protect yourself!

noreply@blogger.com (Arthur) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 12:10:00 +0000

The threat to seniors is growing…and changing. Baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) are now the largest segment of our population—about 78 million people. That means that the number of senior citizens is rising. Many younger boomers also have considerable computer skills, so criminals are modifying their targeting techniques—using not only traditional telephone calls and mass mailings but also online scams like phishing and e-mail spamming.

more from the FBI

The Best In Tech 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Arthur) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 21:30:00 +0000

Computer Shopper released its Best in Tech for 2007 a few months back and PCSecurityShield has the technology powering two of the top security software products.

Spyware24x7 is powered by Lavasoft which is the top anti-spyware product of 2007 and The Shield Deluxe is powered by Kaspersky which is the top antivirus product of 2007.

We are looking forward to the 2008 results.

The Lastest Scam

noreply@blogger.com (Arthur) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:49:00 +0000

It is never a good sign when the FBI's response to the lastest scam is:

So how can prevent your house from getting stolen? Not easily, we’re sorry to say.

read more ...

Statistic: 5.5 Million Malwares Last Year

noreply@blogger.com (Arthur) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:43:00 +0000

5.5 Million malicious programs were released in 2007 as reported by the Seattle Times. That is 4 times that amount that was released in 2006.

Identity Theft Explained

noreply@blogger.com (Arthur) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 14:57:00 +0000

Identity theft is a crime where a person wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal information for economic gain through fraud and deception. In most cases the victims losses are not just the financial losses they sustain but also the time, cost and effort it takes for the victim to restore their name and reputation. As quickly as identity theft can destroy your credit it can take you years to repair it.

Dumpster diving, shoulder surfing and trash hopping are all popular methods of stealing your personal information along with online methods such as spam, keylogging and spyware. Whether criminals are hacking into your computer or using simpler methods like grabbing "preapproved" credit card information out of your trash, their\ intentions are the same … to make a quick buck at your expense. Their methods keep changing so consumers need to stay alert.

Remember the work "SCAM":
S – be stingy with your personal information
C – check your financial information periodically
A – ask for your credit report every quarter
M – maintain careful records of your financial information

more from the Department of Justice ...

Don’t stop shopping, don’t keep your money under your pillows and don’t seek out 007 tactics to protect your information. Simply pay attention to your credit and your financial information and don’t give out your personal information. Of course, maintain active and updated Security Software like The Shield Deluxe which protects from spyware and viruses but also make sure you monitor your credit.

. . . . . . . . . .

Monitor your credit with a service like IDENTITY GUARD® Total Protection and get comprehensive monitoring of all 3 Credit Bureaus, the Internet and Public Records to fight identity theft.

- credit bureau reports, scores and monitoring every business day
- Email alerts to promptly notify you of certain changes to ensure each inquiry was properly authorized
- Daily Internet monitoring for unlawful use of Social Security numbers, registered credit cards and other sensitive personal and family data
- Daily scan for credit applications fraudulently submitted in your name
- Report on changes to your public record profiles including: addresses, drivers licenses, owned property, civil judgments or other asset listings
- Unlimited toll free personal customer service

Get TOTAL PROTECTION Today!

Is Tax Season is Fraud Season?

noreply@blogger.com (Arthur) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:36:00 +0000

With over 76 million consumers filing taxes online already in 2008, the opportunities for fraud and theft are enormous. Just a the time of the year that consumers are putting more and more personal and financial data, virus and spyware writers are busy pushing out more variants of their malicious code. So what is a consumer to do?

First of all if you are filing your Federal taxes online, do not file links that are emailed to you to file taxes, type in www.irs.gov into your browser.

Even if you are not filing taxes online but are preparing your taxes on your PC, you still need to maintain your antivirus and antispyware software. Open your security software and go to the Update section and run your updates immediately.

Advice directly from the IRS will tell you that the IRS will not email you or call you requesting information. The IRS will not email you about a Refund, Rebate, Audit or for news regarding the change to tax laws.

So to sum it up, be careful where you file your taxes, the IRS will not email you and make sure that your security software is updated!

Anti-virus scam aimed at unwary users

noreply@blogger.com (Arthur) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 14:47:00 +0000

A Trojan called 'MonaRonaDona' is being used to sell fake anti-virus software, security company Kaspersky has warned. (more)

Over the last week there has been an enormous upsurge in reports of so called "MonaRonaDona" malware.

When MonaRonaDona is installed on the system it shows the user an alert:

Another Holiday, Another Virus

noreply@blogger.com (Arthur) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:53:00 +0000

With Valentines Day right around the corner another opportunity to spread viruses and malware arises. The FBI and security organizations around the world are warning internet surfers to be on the lookout and be careful. The culprit this time is the Storm Worm and it is diguised as an innocent Valentines Day e-Card. Once you click on the link to get "your card" malware is downloaded onto your machine ... and you get no love from the malware. Instead, you are part of the Storm Worm Botnet. Botnets are typically set up to facilitate criminal activity such as spam e-mail, identity theft, denial of service attacks, and spreading malware to other machines on the Internet.

Why Valentines Day?
The Storm Worm uses holidays and special events to expand their network when internet surfers are most susceptable to these "innocent" emails. This type of attack is common during anytime of the year when users let their guards down.

What do I do to protect myself?

If you don't know who an email is from, do NOT open it.

Make sure you have active anti-virus and anti-malware software on your computer

Run your Windows updates AND your security updates

Do not use multiple anti-virus or anti-malware products as they can interfere with each other.

Gold Anti-Rootkit Protection Award

noreply@blogger.com (Arthur) — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 11:17:00 +0000

The Shield Deluxe 2008 uses The Kaspersky Labs Engine to power it's security protection. We are extremely please to announce that Kaspersky Anti-Virus 7.0 Earns Top Award from Anti-Malware Test Lab for Rootkit Detection.

The Press Release

The Award

What are rootkits?

Awards

FBI Identifies Recurring Fraudulent Email Scam

noreply@blogger.com (Arthur) — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 19:33:00 +0000

02/01/08 — The FBI has recently developed information indicating cyber-criminals are attempting to once again send fraudulent e-mails to unsuspecting recipients stating that someone has filed a complaint against them or their company with the Department of Justice or another organization such as the Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration, or the Better Business Bureau.

more