Your Daily Computer Security Tips

The other day, Apple released one of its biggest patches ever, with 41 flaws fixed in Mac OS X. It also patched 10 bugs in the Windows version of Safari, so if you use that browser (which is still in beta testing), update now.

A bunch of other applications were also updated, including iPhoto, running under the new Leopard operating system.

Almost half the bugs are critical. In other words they could lead to arbitrary code execution, that dreaded phrase meaning a hacker could seize control of your PC. In fairness, many of the vulnerabilities are in open-source, third-party applications included with the o/s.

The update to the Tiger o/s may be the last one issued by Apple. It contained many reliability and stability improvements. Whatever your operating system, check for updates now, and on a regular weekly schedule.

Monster.com had to shut down a portion of its job search sites after an iFrame attack. Users were redirected to a site containing the Neosploit malware, possibly connected to the Russian Business Network.

Monster acknowledged the attack, saying it could cause an unprotected computer to download a virus. But a PC with updated Windows and antivirus software should be fine.

The last attack on the Monster was in August. Read about it here. Then as now, Monster.com said it is improving security on its sites.

Syd Tash is a noted computer security consultant and author of How to Protect Your Computer Online. He has been keeping Internet surfers safe and secure since the last century. Find out how he does it; protect your own computer with five layers of protection right here: => http://MyPCSecuritySite.com

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