Happy Holidays, Here is Some Malware

I received a couple of emails from people that had malware attack their computer recently so I decided to look into ways that malware creeps into computers. Here are some interesting techie tidbits:

• Twitter can be used to distribute malware. One example is reported by ZDNet that is a fake profile that requests the user to download a fake version of Adobe Flash that is really malware. ZDNet also has a fake Flash download warning from Adobe.
• Charlene Li posted about the recent Facebook virus.
• CNET has a section on their website called "Living with Technology: Security Yourself" that has useful information on keeping your identify safe offline and online. CNET also has a  spyware, virus and security forum with relevant information on numerous malware issues. One forum item discussed malware in a Twitter clone.
• An infoworld article reported on fake spyware that is really malware.
• The Ars Technica blog has a section on security.
• Yahoo Tech reported that more criminals are switching from phishing to malware. The Yahoo Security Center also has instructions on how to secure PC's.
• Adaware, from Lavasoft, is a program that is used to control of confidential information and protection against malware attacks. Their Security Center has information about the different types of PC security, including using digital locks to protect private data with strong encryption technology. The Lavasoft website also has a section of Spyware statistics that shows the types of crimes.
• The Norton Symantec website has a section on Viruses and Risks along with security software for PC's.
• TechMamas has two posts on Phishing ( one Phishing and the second is an update, part deux), SCADS (bait and switch ads),

Overall, I try not to open any email attachment from someone I don't know (or looks suspicious) and download any program unless it is from the original source. I do run spyware and keep up to date with updates. I never answer any email from ANY financial institution. I reguarly clear private data and cookies. And always stay paranoid!

What is your malware prevention strategy?

Comments

[valerie m]

I like the free version of Malwarebytes.

[Archana Shekar]

Nice to know that so many softwares are present in the market to protect malware etc...
Phishing mails are common but while opening those messages we should be very aware.

Archana Shekar
online safety advisor-www.8falcons.com