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Harry Waldron - My IT Forums Blog

Sharing Security Developments, and Best Practices for corporate and home users

March 2008 - Posts

  • F-Secure Blacklight enhanced to detect MBR based rootkits

    http://www.f-secure.com/weblog/archives/00001409.html

    QUOTE: A while ago we blogged about the MBR rootkit, which has been getting attention from all the security vendors. We're glad to inform you that the latest version of the F-Secure BlackLight standalone rootkit scanner now detects MBR rootkit infections.

  • Hannaford Supermarket Chain - 4.2 Million Credit Card Numbers Stolen

      Unfortunately, Hannaford experienced a "targeted" attack, which is a growing trend in malware related incidents.  AV controls may or may not handle these uniquely crafted attacks although other layers of defense should helped detect or mitigate this incidentAnother disturbing aspect of this attack was that Hannaford was also rated as being PCI/DSS compliant 

    Hannaford Supermarket Chain - 4.2 Million Credit Card Numbers Stolen
    http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/technology/AP-Retail-Data-Breach.html
    http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,338712,00.html
    http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9068999
    http://www.wmur.com/money/15668396/detail.html
    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23729815/

    Hannaford Supermarket - Press Release
    (What to do if you are a victim)
    http://www.hannaford.com/Contents/News_Events/News/News.shtml
    http://www.hannaford.com/credit_card_security/

    Hannaford may not have to pay banks' breach costs under PCI, says Gartner
    http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9072678

    QUOTE:  PORTLAND, Maine (AP) -- Unauthorized software that was secretly installed on servers in Hannaford Bros. Co.'s supermarkets across the Northeast and in Florida enabled the massive data breach that compromised up to 4.2 million credit and debit cards, the company said Friday.

    The Scarborough, Maine-based grocer confirmed a report in The Boston Globe that it told Massachusetts regulators this week about the link between the breach and the illicit programs, known as malware. The company doesn't know how the malware -- short for malicious software -- got onto nearly all its 271 stores' servers, Hannaford spokeswoman Carol Eleazer said.

    Virtually everything is possible, she said. There are still many, many aspects that we don't totally understand. At least 1,800 cases of fraud have been linked to the data breach, with unauthorized charges showing up as far afield as Mexico, Italy and Bulgaria.

    The breach has prompted concern in the industry because it appeared to be the first large-scale theft of credit and debit card numbers while the information was in transit. Hannaford has said its breach, which occurred between Dec. 7 and March 10, allowed credit and debit card numbers to be stolen as shoppers swiped their cards at checkout line machines and the information was transmitted to banks for approval.

    Even while the Hannaford hack was still going on last month, the company was found to be in compliance with security standards required by the Payment Card Industry, a coalition founded by credit card companies.

  • Safari 3.1 vulnerability - MacBook Air Hacked In Two Minutes

    Computer Tipping Point sponsored a head-to-head contest between laptops using Vista, Linux (Ubuntu distribution), and OS 10.5 recently. The vulnerabilty found was shared privately with Apple so that it can be corrected before exploits develop in the wild.  While I consider OS 10.x well designed and a fairly secure OS, the overall security of any product is only as strong as it's weakest link.  Hopefully both the Mac and Windows vulnerabilities in Safari 3.1 will be corrected expediently. 

    Safari 3.1 vulnerability - MacBook Air Hacked In Two Minutes
    http://www.informationweek.com/news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=207000434
    http://dvlabs.tippingpoint.com/blog/2008/03/28/pwn-to-own-final-day-and-wrap-up

    QUOTE: Security researchers from Independent Security Evaluators managed to hack a MacBook Air using a zero-day vulnerability in Apple's Safari 3.1 Web browser. The undisclosed vulnerability in Safari 3.1 has been shown to Apple and no further information about it will be revealed until Apple can issue an update, TippingPoint said.

    Contest participants had their choice of trying to hack an Apple MacBook Air running OS X 10.5.2, a Sony Vaio VGN-TZ37CN running Ubuntu 7.10, or a Fujitsu U810 running Vista Ultimate SP1. During the first day, when attacks were limited to network attacks on the operating system, no one managed to compromise any of the systems.

    In a blog post on Friday, TippingPoint said, "Since the Vista and Ubuntu laptops are still standing unscathed, we are now opening up the scope of the targets beyond just default installed applications on those laptops; any popular third-party application (as deemed 'popular' by the judges) can now be installed on the laptops for a prize of $5,000 upon a successful compromise."

  • Opera Browser - Passes Acid3 Web Standards test

    The Acid tests are used to gauge how well browsers comply with the Web Standards Project. An internal build of the Opera browser appears to have passed all Acid3 tests, scoring 100/100.  These tests are highly complex CSS, JS, DOM, and XML tests that are based on the Web Standards Project. A flaw was found in the Acid3 testing methodology itself, lowering the score to 99/100.  Still, Opera came in close enough to be fully compliant soon.

    Opera Browser - Passes Acid3 Web Standards test
    http://blogs.zdnet.com/Burnette/?p=558
    http://my.opera.com/desktopteam/blog/2008/03/26/opera-and-the-acid3-test
    http://ln.hixie.ch/?start=1206578003&count=1

    QUOTE: The Opera browser today became the first browser to pass the Acid3 test. On the Opera desktop team blog, Lars Erik Bolstad writes: I have a quick update on where we are with Acid3. Since the test was officially announced recently, our Core developers have been hard at work fixing bugs and adding the missing standards support. Today we reached a 100% pass rate for the first time! There are some remaining issues yet to be fixed, but we hope to have those sorted out shortly.

    Opera is the first to cross the finish line, at least in an internal build. The rest of us will have to wait a few days before we can verify the results, but this is exciting. Now it’s a race between Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, and Microsoft IE to see who will come in second.

    More on ACID3 tests
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acid3

    ACID3 - Actual Test Page
    http://acid3.acidtests.org/

    QUOTE  Acid3 is a test page from the Web Standards Project that checks how well a web browser follows certain web standards, especially relating to the DOM and JavaScript. It was in development from April 2007, and released on 3 March 2008. The main developer was Ian Hickson, who also wrote the Acid2 test. Acid2 focused primarily on Cascading Style Sheets, but this third Acid test focuses also on technologies used on modern, highly interactive websites characteristic of Web 2.0, such as ECMAScript and DOM Level 2. A few tests also concern Scalable Vector Graphics, XML and data: URIs. Only elements from specifications as of 2004 are included.

  • Sarbanes-Oxley 404 Requirements - IIA's GAIT and GTAG free resources

    Idea In the Sarbanes-Oxley business forums, these free guidelines were shared as resources that can provide companies with SOX 404 compliancy. The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) have developed some excellent documents that help ascertain Information Technology risk requirements. 

    IIA's Guide to the Assessment of IT Risk (GAIT) Methodology
    http://www.theiia.org/guidance/technology/gait/

    Download The GAIT Methodology. (PDF, 2MB)
    http://www.theiia.org/guidance/technology/gait/gait-methodology/

    QUOTE: The GAIT Methodology is a risk-based approach to assessing the scope of IT general controls. It is an approach for evaluating whether any ITGC deficiencies identified during Section 404 assessments represent material weaknesses or significant deficiencies. The Guide to the Assessment of IT Risk (GAIT) series describes the relationships among risk to the financial statements, key controls within business processes, automated controls and other critical IT functionality, and key controls within IT general controls (ITGC)


    Global Technology Audit Guide (GTAG) Document Library
    http://www.theiia.org/guidance/technology/gtag/

    QUOTE: Prepared by The Institute of Internal Auditors (The IIA), each Global Technology Audit Guide(GTAG) is written in straightforward business language to address a timely issue related to information technology (IT) management, control, and security. The GTAG series serves as a ready resource for chief audit executives on different technology-associated risks and recommended practices.

    After navigating to the GTAG link noted above, please click on the links below to download the free guides in PDF format.

    Guide 9: Identity and Access Management
    (Purchase printed version from The IIA Research Foundation Bookstore)

    Guide 8: Auditing Application Controls
    (Purchase printed version from The IIA Research Foundation Bookstore)

    Guide 7: Information Technology Outsourcing
    (Purchase printed version from The IIA Research Foundation Bookstore)

    Guide 6: Managing and Auditing IT Vulnerabilities
    (Purchase printed version from The IIA Research Foundation Bookstore)

    Guide 5: Managing and Auditing Privacy Risks
    (Purchase printed version from The IIA Research Foundation Bookstore)

    Guide 4: Management of IT Auditing
    (Purchase printed version from The IIA Research Foundation Bookstore)

    Guide 3: Continuous Auditing: Implications for Assurance, Monitoring, and Risk Assessment
    (Purchase printed version from The IIA Research Foundation Bookstore

    Guide 2: Change and Patch Management Controls: Critical for Organizational Success
    (Purchase printed version from The IIA Research Foundation Bookstore)

    Guide 1: Information Technology Controls
    (Purchase printed version from The IIA Research Foundation Bookstore)

    GTAG Overall Slides (PPT, 475KB)
    GTAG presentation slides highlight what is GTAG, who is GTAG target audience, who are involved the GTAG development, guides published, future topics and etc.

  • Internet Explorer 8 - New Security Improvements

    Idea Internet Explorer 8 - New Security Improvements

    This article highlights two worthwhile IE 8 improvements that can better protect users from phishing attacks.

    Internet Explorer 8 - Two New Security Improvements
    http://www.itsecurity.com/features/ie8-security-features-032408/

    QUOTE:  IE 8's security environment benefits from the addition of two major enhancements: the Safety Filter tool and the Domain Highlighting feature. Here's a closer look at both of these new enhancements.

    1. Safety Filter -- IE 8 ups the ante with a new Safety Filter that analyzes the entire URL string to search for carefully hidden signs that a Web site may be something other than it claims to be. In Microsoft's words, the Safety Filter provides "a more granular detection" capability, allowing the browser to protect users from more targeted and sophisticated attacks.

    2. Domain Highlighting -- IE 8's other major new security feature is a technology that highlights the top-level domain in the browser's address bar. This enhancement might not sound like much, but it is designed to provide a hard-to-miss visual clue that will function like a traffic light. The idea is to enable users to quickly confirm that the Web site they are visiting is the site that they intended to visit.

  • Digital Piracy - Latest RIAA Developments

    Digital Piracy - Latest RIAA Developments

    Music Movie  Folks should avoid the temptations of pirated "free" music or videos that are offered on some P2P networks.  Besides malware dangers, the RIAA can impose strict penalties to those who are discovered.  In particular college students have been targeted, as noted in the article below. 
          
    Article - What Happens If the RIAA Targets You?
    http://www.itsecurity.com/features/if-the-riaa-targets-you-031408/

    QUOTE: If you’re pirating music and video using BitTorrent or LimeWire, here’s what to expect if the lawyers come calling. Since early 2007, the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) and the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) have been scanning IP addresses from P2P (peer-to-peer) applications and sending cease-and-desist notices to offenders, along with pre-litigation fines of $3,000.

    Not surprisingly, these two corporate copyright associations have found many targets huddled together on the same networks: college campuses. Like fish in a barrel, college students have proven to be easy targets for corporate lawyers, as the RIAA and MPAA formulate an aggressive strategy to stop the free transfer of copyrighted material from one desktop to another. So what should users of P2P software like BitTorrent or LimeWire expect if the lawyers come calling?
           
    In late February 2008, the RIAA sent out pre-settlement letters — in its 13th wave of anti-piracy litigation — to more than 400 students enrolled at various colleges, including Boston University (35 students), Columbia University (50 students), University of Southern California (50 students) and University of Virginia (16 students), among others.

    In total, 5,406 pre-litigation settlement letters have been sent to college students since February 2007. Of those cases, more than 2,300 were settled, and 2,465 ended in lawsuits, according to the RIAA. At $3,000 a pop, those 2,300 settlements yielded the RIAA $6.9 million. Of those that went to lawsuits, the RIAA asked for $750 per song illegally transferred, according to the University of Connecticut’s student newspaper, The Daily Campus. University of Connecticut student “Dave,” who was caught downloading a mere 109 songs, could face a bill of $81,750 if he fought his case in court and lost.

    The RIAA may regret the lawsuit it filed in 2005 against a disabled single mother from Oregon named Tanya Andersen. Andersen has launched a lawsuit of her own against the RIAA, which may reveal exactly how the organization and MediaSentry Inc. (now owned by SafeNet Inc.) identify offending IP addresses — juicy information indeed when turned over to college students and BitTorrent developers.

    Furthermore, the RIAA’s pubic position as a defender of recording artists’ rights may be losing its luster, since those artists apparently haven’t seen a dime of the money collected from last year's $270 million settlement with P2P operators Napster LLC, Kazaa and Bolt. “After the labels recouped their legal expenses,” an industry source told the New York Post, “there wasn't much left to pass along to the artists.”

  • Firefox 2.0.0.13 release - Security Improvements

     

    Six security advisories are addressed in Firefox 2.0.0.13 and existing users should move to the new version for improved security. Most users should autoupdate successfully.

    Firefox 2.0.0.13 release - Security Improvements
    http://isc.sans.org/diary.html?storyid=4196

    Firefox 2.0.0.13 release notes
    http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/2.0.0.13/releasenotes/

    Firefox 2.0.0.13 - New version found here if needed
    http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/

    Firefox 2.0.0.13 - Specific Security Changes Addressed
    http://www.mozilla.org/projects/security/known-vulnerabilities.html#Firefox

    MFSA 2008-19 XUL popup spoofing variant (cross-tab popups)
    MFSA 2008-18 Java socket connection to any local port via LiveConnect
    MFSA 2008-17 Privacy issue with SSL Client Authentication
    MFSA 2008-16 HTTP Referrer spoofing with malformed URLs
    MFSA 2008-15 Crashes with evidence of memory corruption (rv:1.8.1.13)
    MFSA 2008-14 JavaScript privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution

  • Apple Safari 3.1 for Windows - Critical security vulnerabilities

    Two new critical security advisories have been issued for Apple's new Safari 3.1 Windows browser.

    Apple Safari 3.1 for Windows - Critical security vulnerabilities 
    http://secunia.com/advisories/29483/

    Description: Juan Pablo Lopez Yacubian has discovered two vulnerabilities in Safari, which can be exploited by malicious people to conduct spoofing attacks or potentially compromise a user's system.

    1) An error when downloading e.g. a .ZIP file with an overly long filename can be exploited to cause a memory corruption. Successful exploitation may allow execution of arbitrary code.

    2) An error in the handling of windows can be exploited to display arbitrary content while showing the URL of a trusted web site in the address bar. The vulnerabilities are confirmed in version 3.1 for Windows. Other versions may also be affected.

    Solution Status:  UNPATCHED

  • Microsoft offers free support for Vista SP1 installs

    Star It's important to keep up-to-date with the latest Service Packs, as support for Vista "Gold" will eventually expire several months from now.  Usually, service packs are also beneficial in enhancing performance or correcting functional issues.  Service Packs also ensure that the PC is up-to-date from a security standpoint, although hopefully most folks have automatic updates enabled or are keeping up-to-date otherwise.

    Most users will not experience issues during SP updates.  However, as Service Packs represent major changes there have been a few issues reported as noted below.  As it's beneficial to be on the latest binaries, Microsoft is offering free support for any Vista SP1 issues discovered (even outside the original guidelines).   This program seems to apply to home users, as existing service channels would be used for corporate users.   

    Microsoft offers free support for Vista SP1 installs
    http://msn-cnet.com.com/Microsoft-offers-free-support-for-Vista-SP1-installs/2100-1016_3-6235475.html

    QUOTE: Vista users encountering problems when they upgrade to Service Pack 1 can breathe easier: the company is giving away free support for those installing the service pack. The transition to the service pack has not been problem-free for many users, some of whom have seen their computers fall into endless reboot cycles and struggled with broken applications after installing the upgrade.

    Normally, only Windows Vista users who bought the retail product would be eligible for free support but, for SP1 installation, even users with an original-equipment-manufacturer copy of Vista on their computer can get Microsoft's help, according to the official Vista blog

    Some additional resources are noted below:

    Windows Vista SP1 - Ready for Download
    http://www.news.com/8301-13860_3-9896820-56.html

    Windows Vista SP1 - Release Information
    http://windowsvistablog.com/blogs/windowsvista/archive/2008/03/18/windows-vista-sp1-released-to-windows-update.aspx

    Windows Vista SP1 - Solution Center
    http://support.microsoft.com/ph/11732

    Windows Vista - How to obtain SP1
    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/935791

    How to obtain Microsoft support files from online services
    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/119591/

    Windows Vista Blog - Home Page
    http://windowsvistablog.com/blogs/windowsvista/default.aspx

  • Virus Hoaxes - Mixing in Facts to make them seem real

    Lightning A friend recently forwarded a virus warning message that contains elements of fact and fiction. Mixing falsehoods in with truth, still always results in an untrue overall message.

    THE GOOD -- In some respects, it does point to the Storm Worm and the need to avoid e-cards and clicking on URLs that might be present in an email message. It shares a link to Snopes which is also legitimate. Still, most users should be aware of the dangers of opening any unexpected attachments or clicking or any links found in an email message.

    THE BAD -- However, much of the message makes false claims (e.g., burning a hole in the hard drive, etc.), that can confuse users and cause issues. For example, immediately shutting down a PC upon receipt of an email message titled as POSTCARD could cause someone to loose work on any sessions that were open.  

    THE UGLY -- Passing on these types of messages also can cause folks to have to read and deal with unnecessary email.  False alerts can also cause folks to be off-guard when real attacks surface.


    COPY OF POSTCARD EMAIL HOAX below .....

    Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2008 10:36:17 -0500
    From: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
    To: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
    Subject: Fw: Virus Named 'Postcard'
    Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2008 08:26:06 -0400

    Hi All, I checked with Norton Anti-Virus, and they are gearing up for this virus!

    I checked snopes.com, and it is for real!!
    http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/postcard.asp

    Get this E-mail message sent around to your contacts ASAP.

    PLEASE FORWARD THIS WARNING AMONG FRIENDS, FAMILY AND CONTACTS!

    You should be alert during the next few days. Do not open any message with an attachment entitled 'POSTCARD,' regardless of who sent it to you. It is a virus which opens A POSTCARD IMAGE, which 'burns' the whole hard disc C of your computer. This virus will be received from someone who has your e-mail address in his/her contact list. This is the reason why you need to send this e-mail to all your contacts. It is better to receive this message 25 times than to receive the virus and open it.

    If you receive a mail called' POSTCARD,' even though sent to you by a friend, do not open it.! Shut down your computer immediately.

    This is the worst virus announced by CNN. It has been classified by Microsoft as the most destructive virus ever This virus was discovered by McAfee yesterday, and there is no repair yet for this kind of virus.

    This virus simply destroys the Zero Sector of the Hard Disc, where the vital information is kept.

    COPY THIS E-MAIL, AND SEND IT TO YOUR FRIENDS. REMEMBER: IF YOU SEND IT TO THEM, YOU WILL BENEFIT ALL OF US.


     

  • Microsoft Security Advisory 950627 - Jet Database Engine Vulnerability

    Folks should continue to be careful with any Office documents (e.g., Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access, etc) received in email (or exchanged in other ways).  As the March security updates strengthened some of previous vulnerabilities, it is important to stay up-to-date on security updates Windows, Office, and all other software products.

    Microsoft Security Advisory 950627 - Jet Database Engine Vulnerability
    http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/950627.mspx

    QUOTE: Microsoft is investigating new public reports of very limited, targeted attacks using a vulnerability in the Microsoft Jet Database Engine that can be exploited through Microsoft Word. Customers running Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2, Windows Vista, and Windows Vista Service Pack 1 are not vulnerable to the buffer overrun being attacked, as they include a version of the Microsoft Jet Database Engine that is not vulnerable to this issue.

    Customers using Microsoft Word 2000 Service Pack 3, Microsoft Word 2002 Service Pack 3, Microsoft Word 2003 Service Pack 2, Microsoft Word 2003 Service Pack 3, Microsoft Word 2007, and Microsoft Word 2007 Service Pack 1 on Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 are vulnerable to these attacks.

    Microsoft is investigating the public reports and customer impact. We are also investigating whether the vulnerability can be exploited through additional applications. Upon completion of this investigation, Microsoft will take the appropriate action to help protect our customers. This may include providing a security update through our monthly release process or providing an out-of-cycle security update, depending on customer needs. At this time, we are aware only of targeted attacks that attempt to use this vulnerability. Current attacks require customers to take multiple steps in order to be successful; we believe the risk to be limited.

  • Apple Safari 3.1 for Windows

    Star Apple Computers recently released their Windows version of the Safari browser. In beta testing Safari, it has performed well and been reliable. While the latest versions of Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Opera offer advanced functionality, Safari offers an easy-to-use interface and excellent performance, as a complementary browser. 


    Apple Safari 3.1 Browser release for Windows
    http://www.apple.com/safari/download/

    Windows Requirements
    Windows XP or Vista
    At least 256MB of RAM
    500Mhz Pentium-class processor or better



    ===============================================

    QUOTE: Why you’ll love Safari.

    Blazing Performance
    Safari is the fastest web browser on any platform.

    Elegant User Interface
    Safari’s clean look lets you focus on the web — not your browser.

    Easy Bookmarks
    Organize your bookmarks just like you organize music in iTunes.

    Pop-up Blocking
    Say goodbye to annoying pop-up ads and pop-under windows.

    Find
    Search any text on any website with the integrated Find banner.

    Tabbed Browsing
    Open and switch between multiple web pages in a single window.

    SnapBack
    Instantly snap back to search results or the top level of a website.

    Forms AutoFill
    Let Safari complete online forms for you, automatically and securely.

    Built-in RSS
    RSS tells you when new content is added to your favorite sites.

    Resizable Text Fields
    Resize text fields on any website: Just grab the corner and drag.

    Private Browsing
    Keep your online activities private with a single click.

    Security
    Apple engineers designed Safari to be secure from day one.

    ===============================================

  • Corporate Layoffs - Ten Important Considerations

    Person This article provides an excellent list of considerations for anyone affected by company downsizing.  It's important not to panic or let emotions overrule logic at this critical time, (e.g., avoid burning any bridges, as when better times emerge experienced workers are often the first to be rehired). Following these steps won't necessarily ease the pain, but they can help improve your chances for landing on your feet to a brighter future ahead.  

    Corporate Layoffs - Ten Important Considerations
    http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Careers/10-Things-to-Know-If-Youve-Been-PinkSlipped/

    QUOTE: The layoff experience is nothing short of a nightmare, and it goes so quickly,  employees rarely have time to consider their rights. When the economy slides into a recession, layoffs are inevitable. Whether it's three or four people laid off, a massive downsizing or a company that has been forced to shut its doors, the layoff experience is nothing short of a nightmare for most workers.

    Years and even decades of valued work, input and influence on a company comes to a screeching halt in a surprisingly formal and succinct process. Rarely are the pink-slipped given time to download personal documents from their computers or say goodbye to peers. If severance is involved, there will be papers to sign. HR might want an exit interview. And that's all there is. The process happens so quickly, most are too stunned and shaken to consider what rights or entitlements they do or do not have.

    SUMMARY OF TEN KEY CONSIDERATIONS
    1. Go to HR First
    2. Your Rights from Written Agreements
    3. What Company Policies Entitle You To
    4. Your Statutory Rights
    5. What You Are and Are Not Owed
    6. How Severance Does and Does Not Work
    7. What Signing a Release Means
    8. What Benefits You're Entitled To
    9. Why Employers Want to Minimize Your Trouble
    10. What the Recession Will Mean for the Laid-Off

  • March Security Updates - Improvements for Office

    StarThe 2 links below highlight important Office security updates.  Keeping Windows, Office, and IE up-to-date will help protect you from most exploits currently circulating. 

     Be sure to keep all non-MS products updated as well Smile

    March Security Updates - Improvements for Office
    https://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms08-mar.mspx
    http://isc.sans.org/diary.html?storyid=4124

  • IE 8 Beta 1 - Successfully installed on test PC at home

    Star This new beta version should be installed on a test PC only.  I've encountered a couple websites that don't support IE 8.  I installed it mainly to learn the new interface and explore the new security features.  Most things are working well in early tests Smile  

    Internet Explorer 8 Tech Beta 1 - Good List of Resources
    http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=32255

  • Internet Explorer 8 Tech Beta 1 - Good List of Resources

    Idea  As beta software may experience issues, it should only be installed on a test system that could be easily reloaded if needed. For example some web sites may not be programmed for IE 8 and you could loose banking or other functions.  Still, as I have a spare test PC at home, I've downloaded IE 8 and am anxious to install it.   

    The following link provides an excellent list of resources.  I agree with all cautions noted as well. 

    Internet Explorer 8 Tech Beta 1 - Good List of Resources
    http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=32255

  • Monagrey Trojan - Do not use Unigray to remove MonaRonaDona infection

    This new trojan horse attack modifies IE and Windows to freeze many key processes. When searching Google, forums and YouTube videos are prominent links promoting a $40 purchase for a fake AV removal tool called Unigray. Any user infected should instead use AV cleaning tools as this new threat is becoming more readily detected.
     
     Monagrey Trojan Information
     http://vil.nai.com/vil/content/v_144216.htm
     
     QUOTE: Monagrey is a trojan which modifies IE start page and prevents common applications from running. Once they restart, pop-ups begin appearing which claim: “Hi, My name is MonaRonaDona. I am a Virus and I am here to Wreck Your PC. If you observe strange behavior with your PC, like program windows disappearing etc, it's me who is doing all this. I was created as a protest against the Human Rights Violation being observed throughout the world & the very purpose of my existence is to remind & stress the world to respect humanity.
     
     New virus tries to dupe victims into googling its name
     http://www.scmagazineus.com/New-virus-tries-to-dupe-victims-into-googling-its-name/article/107612/
     
     QUOTE: It has been difficult to trace the source of the virus, which calls itself MonaRonaDona, because victims are unaware their machines are infected until they reboot their PCs, Roel Schouwenberg, a senior anti-virus researcher with Kaspersky Lab, told SCMagazineUS.com on Tuesday. Researchers first noted an outbreak last week.
     
     But on further review, Schouwenberg found that entering “MonaRonaDona” into search engines such as Google and Yahoo yields links to web forums and YouTube videos that discuss the malware and claim that an anti-malware solution known as Unigray can remediate the virus.
     
     The web discussions clearly were fabricated by the malware's purveyors, who had banked on victims searching to find out more about the virus, Schouwenberg said. The bogus forums and videos are meant to entice victims to purchase Unigray, which is actually a rogue $40 anti-virus solution that does not work, except to remove MonaRonaDona, Schouwenberg said.

  • Mobile Phone Security - Beware of Ransomware attacks

    The smart and mobile phone environments continue to be subject to malware attacks. Folks should stay patched up as applicable and avoid installing any software components that are not fully trusted  
     
     Crimeware goes Mobile
     http://www.avertlabs.com/research/blog/index.php/2008/03/04/crimeware-goes-mobile/
     
     QUOTE: A week after Mcafee Avert Labs found WinCE/InfoJack, we’ve run across more malware in China. This time the malware, running on Symbian Series 60 phones, attempts to extort money from users. SymbOS/Kiazha.A displays a message telling the user to send RMB 50 (approx. $7) to the malware author in order to regain use of the phone. The message roughly translated states: “Warning: Your device has been affected, please prepare a recharge card of RMB 50 yuan and connect QQ[id removed] account , or your phone will be paralysed!!!
     
     SymbOS/Kiazha.A Trojan information
     http://vil.nai.com/vil/content/v_144207.htm
     
     QUOTE: SymbOS/Kiazha.A is a trojan that attempts to extort money from device user. It is distributed as a component of SymbOS/MultiDropper.CR.

  • Storm Worm - Reactivating with e-cards and postcards as bait

    Lightning Folks should continue to delete any of these humorous e-cards without visiting the malicious website.  Most likely it'll take a day or two for AV vendors to fully protect against these new attacks.

    Storm Worm - Reactivating with e-cards and postcards as bait
    http://www.f-secure.com/weblog/archives/00001392.html
    http://isc.sans.org/diary.html?storyid=4054

    Storm QUOTE: We haven't seen new Storm sites since the spam run they did over Valentine's Day… until early this morning. Right now they are sending a wide variety of humorous e-cards and postcards ...

    EXAMPLES OF EMAIL MESSAGES TO AVOID

    Subject Line
    -----------------------
    Your ecard joke is waiting
    You have an ecard
    We have a ecard surprise
    Someone Just sent you an ecard
    Did you open your ecard yet
    ecard waiting for you
    Open your ecard
    new ecard waiting
    Now this is funny
    online greeting waiting
    sent you an ecard

    Body
    -----------------------
    laughing Funny Card
    You have been sent a Funny Postcard
    You have been sent the Funny Ecard
    original Funny Card
    Someone Sent you this Funny Ecard
    your funny postcard
    original Funny Postcard
    sent a Funny Postcard
    personal funny postcard
    FunnyPostcard
    laughing funny postcard
    Lightning

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