Using anti-virus and anti-spyware software is an important part of cyber security. But in an attempt to protect yourself, you may unintentionally cause problems.

Isn't it better to have more protection?

Spyware and viruses can interfere with your computer's ability to process information or can modify or destroy data. You may feel that the more anti-virus and anti-spyware programs you install on your computer, the safer you will be. It is true that not all programs are equally effective, and they will not all detect the same malicious code. However, by installing multiple programs in an attempt to catch everything, you may introduce problems.

Posted by Annette King in Virus & AntiVirus News at 16:53

Attackers are continually finding new ways to access computer systems. The use of hidden methods such as rootkits and botnets has increased, and you may be a victim without even realizing it.

What are rootkits and botnets?

A rootkit is a piece of software that can be installed and hidden on your computer without your knowledge. It may be included in a larger software package or installed by an attacker who has been able to take advantage of a vulnerability on your computer or has convinced you to download it (see Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks for more information). Rootkits are not necessarily malicious, but they may hide malicious activities. Attackers may be able to access information, monitor your actions, modify programs, or perform other functions on your computer without being detected.

Botnet is a term derived from the idea of bot networks. In its most basic form, a bot is simply an automated computer program, or robot. In the context of botnets, bots refer to computers that are able to be controlled by one, or many, outside sources. An attacker usually gains control by infecting the computers with a virus or other malicious code that gives the attacker access. Your computer may be part of a botnet even though it appears to be operating normally. Botnets are often used to conduct a range of activities, from distributing spam and viruses to conducting denial-of-service attacks (see Understanding Denial-of-Service Attacks for more information).

Posted by Annette King in Adware, Spyware and Trojans at 16:47

Groups sympathetic to anti-Chinese protesters in Tibet are under assault by cyber attackers who are embedding malware in email that appears to come from trusted colleagues.

The email is being sent to members of human-rights groups. The messages include attachments in PDF, Microsoft Word and Excel formats, that install keyloggers and other types of malware once they're opened. The malicious payloads have been disguised to evade detection by anti-virus scanners.

Posted by Annette King in Adware, Spyware and Trojans at 11:01

 Joseph Bochner didn't know much about Internet crime when his then-girlfriend called him in 2004, frustrated that her computer had become unacceptably slow, almost unusable.

The desktop's CD/DVD drive had popped open, and the monitor displayed a flashing red window screaming "Virus Warning!!!" urging her to click a link and purchase a program to disinfect the machine.

Bochner, a Menlo Park lawyer who handled mostly real estate cases at the time, soon discovered that the PC was infected by malware, malicious software that attacks computers. The program had apparently infected the machine despite anti-virus protection and the latest virus definitions. It piqued Bochner's interest. He sought to track down those responsible and stop the scam.

Posted by Annette King in Virus & AntiVirus News at 10:54