OK, the Sober worm is at it again.

This dangerous email worm has resurfaced and is being spread around by fake emails that purport to be from the FBI or the CIA. These emails warn that you “have been observed visiting illegal web sites” and seeks to induce you to open the attachment.

The attachment is in the form of a .zip file.
DO NOT OPEN THE ATTACHMENT!!!!
DELETE THIS EMAIL IMMEDIATELY!!

Read the rest of this Post »

Microsoft has a new web site, called the Windows Live Safety Center, found at http://safety.live.com

This site provides some online tools for checking your computer. Read the rest of this Post »

We have a few suggestions as to how to enhance the safety of buying items online…
Read the rest of this Post »

Here are ways to reduce your feelings of insecurity on the Internet. Read the rest of this Post »

Once and a while, it’s not a bad idea to scan your computer for viruses and malware in “Safe Mode”, particularly if normal scanning has found some significant bad stuff. In fact, Safe Mode may be required in some instances.

How to Boot in Safe Mode

Also, in some instances, it may be necessary to temporarily disable System Restore in order to prevent certain malware from returning after removal. 

Then, after the malware is confirmed to be removed (after a reboot or two), reactivate System Restore.

How to Disable System Restore

- Practice Safe Computing -

To add insult to embarrassment, the rootkit type copy protection scheme that a number of Sony music CDs install in computers, can be and is being exploited by virus writers and others. Read the rest of this Post »

A great organization that works tirelessly to protect freedom and privacy in a digital age. Highly recommended. They deserve your support.

Link: EFF.org

Quite a firestorm is brewing about the discovery that certain Sony music CD’s install hidden rootkit copy protection. The install this malware on the computers of anyone who inserts the CD with autorun enabled.

We have warned about rootkits in the past, and are not surprised at this development. But we are happy to see this matter is getting considerable media attention. We hope Sony also gets considerable legal attention in the form of lawsuits.

Read the rest of this Post »

Evidently there is a fake XP Service Pack 3 floating around the Internet. (Warning: We would suspect it will install the most dangerous types of malware. ) Read the rest of this Post »

The US Government has several sites that seek to educate consumers about scams and fraud. The FBI has a new one:

http://www.lookstoogoodtobetrue.com/.

There is lots of good info in this site. We recommend it.

Other good anti-fraud and anti-scam sites include:

http://www.ic3.gov/

http://www.ftc.gov/

http://www.usps.com/postalinspectors/

http://pages.ebay.com/securitycenter/mrkt_safety.html