NewsMySpace and Facebook Users Targeted by New Koobface Worm
Posted 08/04/08 at 03:07:27 PM by Mark Edward Soper
MySpace and Facebook users now have bigger worries than whether Wordscraper will stay online: two new worms, known as the Koobface family, are attacking Windows users of these popular social networking (or "Notworking" sites, as our friends at The Inquirer call them). These new worms pose a threat to the peace of mind of people like Zac Koobface (a real Facebook user, by the way).
Kapersky Labs was the first to detect these worms: Net-Worm.Win32.Koobface.a (targets MySpace) and Net-Worm.Win32.Koobface.b (targets Facebook). McAfee refers to both worms as W32/Koobface.worm, while Symantec uses the terms W32.Koobface.A and W32.Koobface.B.
Both worms send comments or messages to other users of the service. The messages or comments contain alleged links to humorous YouTube files (such as "Paris Hilton Tosses Dwarf On The Street"). When the user clicks on the link, the link redirects to a website that displays an error message claiming the user needs an updated codec to enable the Adobe Flash player to play the video. The alleged Flash player update (codecsetup.exe) contain the worm.
When the Koobface.A worm runs, it configures itself to run automatically when the system starts, checks for MySpace cookies, and if it finds them, modifies the user's profile by adding links to malicious sites that contain the worm. To learn more about Koobface.A and Koobface.B, check the McAfee and Symantec links earlier in this article.
If you use Kapersky, McAfee, or Symantec antivirus, the latest virus definitions will detect and stop these worms. If you use other antivirus or anti-malware programs, check for updates daily - and don't click on funny video links from other MySpace or Facebook users. The results just aren't very funny.
Been bugged by these or other social-networking worms? Tell us your story after the jump!
NewsSymantec Releases Public Betas of Norton Internet Security 2009 and Norton Antivirus 2009
Posted 07/17/08 at 03:28:14 PM by Paul Lilly
Ping any enthusiast forum about security software and you'll likely get conflicting recommendations. But one thing most advanced PC users seem to agree on is that there are better, faster alternatives than Symantec's Norton software. With the release of Norton Internet Security and Norton Antivirus 2009, Symantec is telling those users to take another look.
Helping them do that, Symantec today has gone live with public betas for both programs, which the company purports are "designed to set a new industry standard for speed and performance." Symantec calls it their "zero-impact" performances goal and says it has implemented more than 300 improvements running the gamut from scanning engine tweaks to a better user interface. Even the installation looks to waste no time, with Symantec touting a one-minute install time and "less than half the memory usage of the next leading competitor."
Why the sudden interest in speed? "Based on customer feedback, we viewed performance as the key feature for this release. Our goal is to create the fastest security product in the world, hands down," said Rowan Trollope, Senior VP of Consumer Products.
Find out what else is new with Norton 2009 after the jump.
NewsBarracuda Bites Trend Micro Back
Posted 07/03/08 at 08:51:30 AM by Chris Moody
A dispute between security appliance maker Barracuda Networks and Trend Micro started earlier this year when Trend Micro claimed that ClamAV infringes on its patents covering the use of server-based antivirus software on FTP and SMTP gateways. Barracuda has now filed a countersuit against Trend Micro to try and protect the open source ClamAV antivirus program from Trend Micro’s nasty allegations of infringement. Barracuda which is a supporter of open source software was unwilling to simply negotiate a cheap licensing agreement for patent indemnity. This of course also benefits other ClamAV users which include small business, non-profits, and even some governments.
Ars Technica quotes Barracuda CEO Dean Drako as saying, "The reality is that Trend Micro is asking Barracuda Networks to pay for the use of the free and open source ClamAV software.” He goes on to say, “We have asserted all along that Trend Micro's actions are unjust and could have serious implications against the open source community and other free and open source projects."
While Barracuda’s motives aren’t all together altruistic since they use ClamAV in their products, it’s none the less vital for everyone. ClamAV is not a fully featured AntiVirus program, nor is it the best, but it plays an important role. Trend Micro sounds like it is patent fishing for cash, and I am unimpressed. They might run the risk of a consumer backlash if it attempts to go after ClamAV directly. You can learn more about Barracuda’s efforts here.
NewsHotfix Here for Vanishing Device Manager and Network Connection After XP SP3 Upgrade
Posted 07/02/08 at 09:53:57 PM by Mark Edward Soper
Microsoft has always recommended disabling antivirus programs before upgrading Windows. Most of us have smiled, nodded, waved, and done whatever we pleased. Unfortunately, some Windows XP SP3 installs failed because antivirus was running - and some installs "worked," but caused big problems with Device Manager and Network Connections.
To find out why it happened and how to fix your system, catch us after the break.
NewsPerformance and Reliability Fix for Windows Vista SP1
Posted 06/25/08 at 02:20:17 PM by Mark Edward Soper
Running Windows Vista SP1? Here's a fix that cleans up stability issues involving POP email clients, third-party antivirus and antispyware clients, User Accounts, large programs that won't run if the system's been on for a long time, Apple QuickTime preview, and AV stuttering. Download it - today!
NewsFake Microsoft Update Email Can Ruin Your Evening - Stop It Now!
Posted 01/22/08 at 09:25:52 PM by Mark Soper
You know that Microsoft never sends out email messages with links to Microsoft Update or Windows Update. Do your friends, family and co-workers know that? If they don't - be prepared to mop up the mess.
FROM THE ARCHIVEStorm Worm Strikes Again - and Blasts from the Past, Part 1
Posted 12/27/07 at 10:17:27 PM by Mark 'Marcus Soperus' Soper
The bad guys behind the Storm Worm are revving up for another attack. Learn the warning signs of this nasty piece of malware, and revisit the past year's most interesting Windows news stories reported here.
FROM THE ARCHIVEDaily News Brief: Last Minute Geek Gifts
Posted 12/21/07 at 07:41:59 PM by Paul "One4yu2c" Lilly
Geek gift guides galore, new Catalyst drivers, pictures surface of upcoming Radeon videocards, Microsoft, Google and Yahoo settle online gambling suit, and more!
MOST COMMENTED ARTICLES
MOST RECENT COMMENTS
THIS MONTH's ISSUE 
FEATURE The 2008 Dream MachineHOW TO Build a Custom Windows Restore DiscFIRST LOOK ATI's GeForce KillerHISTORY LESSON We celebrate 10 years of Maximum PC
Technology News
Computer Cooling Fans
Computer Cases
PC Game Controllers
PC Games
Computer Hardware
Headphones
MP3 Players
Stream Video
Computer Mouse
Monitors
Motherboards
NAS Storage
Networking
Laptop Computers
DVD Burner
Digital Cameras
Portable Storage
Computer Accessories
Smartphone
Antivirus Software
Sound Cards
Speakers
Computer Systems
Thumb Drives
Video Cameras
Video Card Reviews
Water Cooling
- Keyboards
© 2008 Future US, Inc. All Rights Reserved.