Archive for November, 2007
Friday, November 16th, 2007
Update Windows Now, If Not Before
Tuesday, Nov. 13 was Patch Tuesday from Microsoft, with only two security updates. One fixed a very critical zero-day flaw (meaning essentially that no fix was available) that has previously been used in attacks.
The flaw lies in the URL protocol handler. It has to do with the web link that you click to [...]
1 Comment » - Posted in Updates by Syd Tash
Thursday, November 15th, 2007
Make Your Email Blow Right Up
I have often mentioned how email is not secure, or private. Once you hit that Send button, it is out of your control. It can be viewed or copied by others, as it wends its way along the Internet. The recipient can forward it to anyone he pleases without your permission, or [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Security by Syd Tash
Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
One More Reason to Protect Yourself
Seagate Technology, maker of hard drives, confirmed that its Basics 3200 drives were shipped from its Thailand factory with two Trojans pre-installed on them.
The Trojans report everything written to the disk to two web sites hosted in Beijing. Or, the Trojans only captured and sent game-related passwords, depending on who you believe.
Reportedly, 1,800 of [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Security by Syd Tash
Tuesday, November 13th, 2007
Wireless Security for Your Home
I have occasionally mentioned wireless computing in passing, so it is about time we take a close look at securing your home wireless network. You should print out this article, to make it easier to follow along.
Wireless gear uses radio waves instead of wires to link your computers, routers, printers, etc. all together. [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Security by Syd Tash
Monday, November 12th, 2007
Email Forwarding: A Cautionary Tale
I have talked a lot about email security, good email practices, how to avoid spam and phishing scams, etc. But here is an area not often mentioned, which deserves our attention: email forwarding.
Recently a friend of mine who knows I am in the business of protecting people on the Internet, forwarded to me by [...]
4 Comments » - Posted in Alerts by Syd Tash
Friday, November 9th, 2007
Do You (Or Should You) Shop Online?
The Christmas season will soon be upon us, along with the usual shopping frenzy, both online and off. Shopping online is quick and easy, and can save you a lot of time and frustration.
So is it safe? It is estimated that 40% of the population in western countries have bought something [...]
1 Comment » - Posted in Featured by Syd Tash
Thursday, November 8th, 2007
Email Security, Spam & Scams
We have talked often about email security, and how to handle the flood of junk you get every day in your inbox. For example, keep your security programs up to date, do not open attachments unless you know who sent it and were expecting it and beware of phishing scams.
Be aware that email is [...]
2 Comments » - Posted in Security by Syd Tash
Wednesday, November 7th, 2007
More on Wireless Hotspot Dangers
Wireless hotspots are popping up everywhere these days, and not just in public libraries and coffee shops. Large areas of some cities are now blanketed with wireless coverage.
I have talked for years about the dangers of using these hotspots. Wireless computing exposes your data to everyone, as it travels through the [...]
No Comments » - Posted in Security by Syd Tash
Tuesday, November 6th, 2007
Phishing, Spyware and Some Fun
Two of the threats that you face on the Internet are phishing scams and spyware. We need to review what they are and how to protect yourself against them. Then we will play a fun game while we learn. The game and quiz are also suitable for children aged 10 – 12 [...]
1 Comment » - Posted in Alerts by Syd Tash
Monday, November 5th, 2007
Play Safe with Internet Explorer
Here is a topic we have not talked about for a long time: setting up your security in Internet Explorer. About one-third of you seem to be using the Firefox browser, which may be safer because it does not accept those infamous ActiveX controls you may have heard about. Today we will [...]
