Shabas pcsecurity

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.41 released

2009-09-13T05:02:00.000-07:00

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.41 has been released.

See below changelog from Malwarebytes website:

Changes in Version 1.41 (September 10th, 2009):
* (FIXED) Drastically improved product load speed on slower machines.
* (FIXED) Issue with IP Protection blocking certain IPs it should not.
* (FIXED) Improved memory usage in scanner and protection module.
* (FIXED) Improved malware removal capabilities.
* (FIXED) Scan detecting items that did not exist (junction issue).
* (ADDED) Support for Hebrew language.

Download latest version uswing internal updater or from here

COMODO Internet Security 3.11.108364.552 released

2009-08-27T07:20:00.000-07:00

COMODO Internet Security 3.11.108364.552 has been released.

See below changelog from comodo forums:

IMPROVED! Memory scanner now includes more advanced techniques to detect viruses in memory
FIXED! AV consumes huge memory while scanning some compressed files
FIXED! AV reports incorrent archive names under some circumstances
FIXED! AV causes freezes in 64 bit operating systems under certain conditions
FIXED! AV crashes while scanning certain packed files
FIXED! Some windows updates can not be installed while CIS is installed

You can download latest version using internal updater or from here. Remember not to install antivirus if you already have one.

Norton Safe Web listed 100 "worst" websites

2009-08-23T02:27:00.000-07:00

Symantec released few days ago list of dirtiest websites.

It is scary that those websites contain over 18000 threats in average when "normal" malware site has "only" around 20 threats.

One of the worst sites is aladeldotnet (don't visit!) which has over 50000 threats. In those websites you can get infected by just visiting.

Entire list isn't published but here are some samples.

Again Java update - SE Update 16 is out

2009-08-12T07:05:00.000-07:00

Sun released Java SE 6 Update 16 shortly after Update 15.

Here is information about bugfixes. Latest version is available here

New Java update out - SE 6 Update 15

2009-08-08T02:33:00.000-07:00

Sun has recently released new update for Java which includes several bugfixes

You can download latest version from Sun's website or use internal updater.

Updating Java is highly recommended due to fixes against security vulnerabilities.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.40 released

2009-08-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.40 has been released.

See below changelog from malwarebytes website:

* (FIXED) Runtime error on program start.
* (FIXED) Improved memory usage during scan.
* (FIXED) Minor updating issue.
* (ADDED) Support for Bosnian and Korean languages.
* (ADDED) IP blocking protection - never connect to a malicious website again!
* (ADDED) Scan log now includes whether computer is in safe mode or not.
* (ADDED) New command line parameter: /debugsave (see help file).

Download latest version from link above or use internal updater.

Panda will co-operate with WOT

2009-08-01T02:07:00.001-07:00

WOT is a wonderful free addon for Firefox and IE that warns you about online scams and risky websites that try to deliver malware or send spam. I have personally tried also McAfee SiteAdvisor but after testing it look like that WOT ratings are more reliable and change faster if there are some errors.

Now there are good chances that this freebie will come even better as Panda and WOT have announced partnership. This means that WOT will add bad sites found by Panda.

I suggest that you try WOT if you already haven't. It makes your surfing experience safer.

Comodo Internet Security 3.10.101801.529 released

2009-07-06T11:53:00.000-07:00

Comodo Internet Security 3.10.101801.529 has been released.

Below is changelog from Comodo website

* NEW! COMODO Secure DNS is introduced as a new free service
* NEW! COMODO HopSurf Toolbar - COMODO SafeSurf Toolbar has been discontinued and superseded by COMODO HopSurf Toolbar
* NEW! CIS now allows the users to change the URL for the program and virus updates
* IMPROVED! CIS now has a better support for Windows Security Center integration in Windows Vista SP1 and later
* IMPROVED! AV engine now supports more archives and has better detection capabilities
* IMPROVED! Direct disk access false alerts have been reduced
* FIXED! Some applications do not run when CIS is installed in Vista 64 bit
* FIXED! Antivirus scans excluded folders
* FIXED! Firewall does not show some connections under high load
* FIXED! Firewall sometimes causes the PC to freeze in windows XP 32
* FIXED! cfp.exe crashes when HIPS alerts timeout

You can use internal updater or download from comodo website. Remember that CIS also has antivirus so if you already have antivirus please uncheck "Install Comodo Antivirus"

Outlook phish mail in the wild

2009-06-27T05:10:00.000-07:00

Trend Micro recently blogged about rather genuine-looking phish mail which tries to make user download a trojan. After activating, trojan checks login credentials for biggest online banks and for social networking websites like YouTube, MySpace, Flickr and Facebook. It also activates when user visits those websites.

Microsoft has said years ago that they don't mail about such updates but unfortunately there are always some people who will believe in those mails. That's why all Microsoft related updates should be downloaded from Microsoft Update.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.38 released

2009-06-18T06:39:00.000-07:00

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.38 has been released.

See below changelog from Malwarebytes website:

# FIXED) Minor issue with updating.
# (FIXED) Certain types of freezing during full and quick scans.
# (FIXED) Problem with Estonian language and installer.
# (FIXED) Certain folders showing up as files in results list.
# (FIXED) Scan time improperly displayed if Abort Scan clicked after Pause Scan.
# (FIXED) Error during loading log files after database update.
# (FIXED) Issues with freezing in protection mode. Certain conflicts with anti-virus software.
# (ADDED) Some proxy support, please see /proxy command line parameter.
# (ADDED) New command line parameters: /logtofolder, /logtofile (see help file).

You can use internal updater or download latest version from malwarebytes website.

Mozilla Firefox 3.0.11 released

2009-06-12T07:15:00.000-07:00

Mozilla Firefox 3.0.11 has been released. There are several security fixes, 9 in total.
Four of them has been classified as critical, one as high, two as moderate and rest as low. Read more about them here

For other changes, see here

You can use internal updater or download latest version from here

AV-Comparatives May Retrospective/Proactive Test released

2009-05-28T08:11:00.000-07:00

AV-comparatives.org has released new Retrospective/Proactive Test.

In total 16 antivirus products were tested.

Top three performers were Microsoft, ESET NOD32 and Kaspersky.

Avira found most but it was penalized due to some false positives and didn't make to to top three.

Three last ones were F-secure, Norman and Kingston.

Read entire test here (Retrospective/Proactive Test May 2009, Report (PDF - english))

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.37 released

2009-05-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.37 has been released.

See below changelog from Malwarebytes forum:

1. (FIXED) Dramatically improved product updating.
2. (FIXED) /runupdate now completely silent, including errors.
3. (ADDED) Protection module now 64-bit compatible (XP SP2 and higher only).
4. (ADDED) New 32-bit protection module for XP SP2 and higher.
5. (ADDED) New heuristics for Trojan.JSRedir and other infections.
6. (ADDED) Type of scan displayed on scanning page.
7. (ADDED) Support for Arabic and Estonian language

Download latest version here or use internal updater.

Comodo Internet Security 3.9.76924.507 released

2009-05-16T02:33:00.000-07:00

Comodo Internet Security 3.9.76924.507 has bee released.

See below changelog from comodo website

* NEW! Multilingual Support: CIS now supports other languages
* NEW! Stateful File Inspection for Realtime Virus Scanner
* NEW! Integrated In Memory Virus Scanner(i.e. Integrated BOClean)
* NEW! LivePCSupport is provided as a 30 Day Trial
* IMPROVED! Default popup layout changed to the basic layout in order to encourage the use of it
* IMPROVED! Stronger Defense+ protection: New types of defenses are added e.g. Clipboard logging, Keyboard input blocking etc.
* IMPROVED! Keyboard and Screen access alerts are improved and number of false positives are reduced
* IMPROVED! Stronger Defense+ protection while the Windows is Booting/Shutting down
* IMPROVED! Stronger Default Firewall policy in order to better hide from attackers(Thanks to feedback from our forum moderator Ronny)
* IMPROVED! Configuration Management window is changed
* IMPROVED! Submission functionality for the Quarantined items added
* FIXED! Avntivirus heuristics does not detect some files properly
* FIXED! Defense+ BO protection incompatible with Spy Swepper virus scanner.
* FIXED! CIS does not validate digital certificates properly
* FIXED! CIS blocks some application from being executed
* FIXED! BSOD while CIS is being uninstalled
* FIXED! CIS does not detect some types of shellcodes upon a BO attack
* FIXED! CIS erroneously reports buffer overflow attacks for some applications under certain circumstances
* FIXED! CIS does not scan spcially created RAR files properly (http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/34737, first reported by Thierry Zoller)
* FIXED! CIS creates duplicate file name entries for some protected file access alerts
* FIXED! Right click scanner reports "Antivirus Engine is not initialized"
* FIXED! Threatcast registration does not work properly(This bug caused some users unable to see TC statistics)
* FIXED! CIS occasionally crashes while submitting the files
* FIXED! CIS firewall drivers sometimes cannot be restored by the diagnostics utility
* FIXED! CIS did not scan NTFS streams during manual scanning
* FIXED! Windows Logon Screen is shown when CIS is installed under certain circumstances(Windows created a password bug)
* FIXED! CIS causes system performance to degrade after prolonged time of network data transfer

Remember that Internet Security contains both antivirus and firewall so if you have already antivirus installed, don't install Comodo AntiVirus as only one antivirus should be running.

Download it here or use internal updater

Powerpoint vulnerability to be fixed on Tuesday

2009-05-09T02:30:00.000-07:00

Microsoft will release a fix for Powerpoint vulnerability on Tuesday. Classification of that vulnerability depends on Powerpoint version, for PowerPoint 2000 it is critical and for later versions it is important.

Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool will also get updated.

Read more about May updates here

Amount of spam is back to "normal"

2009-05-02T02:49:00.000-07:00

Symantec recently reported that amount of spam is almost back to same level when dubious McColo was shut down in November 2008 being now 91% of it.

Currently 94 percent of all emails are spam. Current spam trend seems to be loans and real estate business. Spam emails offer help for people who need to sell their apartment or advice for loans.

Mozilla Firefox 3.0.10 released

2009-04-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

Mozilla Firefox 3.0.10 has been released.

One critical vulnerability has been fixed and some stability corrections as well.

See release notes here and download latest version here or use internal updater.

Mozilla Firefox 3.0.9 released

2009-04-22T06:30:00.000-07:00

Mozilla Firefox 3.0.9 has been released.

There are several security fixes, one for critical vulnerability, two for high and two for moderate.

See more information here

You can use internal updater or download newest version from here

Spywareblaster 4.2 released

2009-04-10T02:12:00.001-07:00

Spywareblaster 4.2 has been released.

Below is changelog from Wilderssecurity:

[4.2]
-Windows 7 support
-Internet Explorer 8 support
-K-Meleon support
-Faster, secure updating worldwide
-Automatic program version upgrade support (for AutoUpdate users)
-Interface improvements
-Displays dates and other information in local format
-Enhanced support for Flock 2.x
-Better support for upgrading in the installer - now does more to help ensure that previous versions are removed when installing "over the top"
-Significantly faster "Disable All Protection" operation
-Fixed "window doesn't display" on some PCs
-Fixed recurring "run from Admin account" error
-Fixed problems detecting some Firefox (and other Gecko-based browser) profiles
-Fixed crash enabling AutoUpdate on Windows Vista if the Task Scheduler service is disabled
-Implemented requested "Find Unprotected" right-click feature for the Block Lists
-Many additional small bug fixes, tweaks, and optimizations
Requirements:

Windows 98, ME, NT4, 2000, XP, Vista, 7.

Provides Protection for the Following Browsers:

* Internet Explorer
and any browsers that use the Internet Explorer engine, including:
o AOL web browser
o Avant Browser
o Slim Browser
o Maxthon (formerly MyIE2)
o and more
* Mozilla Firefox
* Netscape
* Seamonkey
* Flock
* K-Meleon

Download latest version here

It is recommended to uninstall older version before uninstalling new version.

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.36 released

2009-04-09T02:38:00.000-07:00

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware 1.36 has been released.

Below is changelog from Malwarebytes' website

*(FIXED) Minor cosmetic issue during removal process.
* (FIXED) Minor problem with false positives.
* (FIXED) Silent update no longer displays message on program update.
* (ADDED) New heuristics for Vundo infections.

You can download latest version from link above or use internal updater.

Unpatched vulnerability in older PowerPoint versions

2009-04-05T03:41:00.000-07:00

Microsoft released recently a security advisory about remote code execution vulnerability in older Microsoft Office PowerPoint programs.

Vulnerability is in these versions of Powerpoint:

Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2000 Service Pack 3
Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2002 Service Pack 3
Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2003 Service Pack 3
Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac

Attack is able to perform using bad PowerPoint file but needs action from users side. One example where to get it could be email attachment.

If PowerPoint version is 2003, Microsoft recommends to use Microsoft Office Isolated Conversion Environment (MOICE) for opening PowerPoint documents as stated in earlier advisory

Microsoft is not sure if fix would be in April updates.

Winpatrol 2009 released

2009-03-21T11:11:00.000-07:00

Winpatrol 2009 (16.0.2009) has been released.

Here is information about changes from Winpatrol blog:

#New "Recent" tab lets you see new programs and settings recently added to your computer. Especially helpful in finding malware that comes with multiple randomly named files.

# Compatibility enhancements to work with Windows Vista and Windows 7

# Monitors and alerts to any changes to User Account Control Settings(UAC)
No matter if its malware or over jealous security programs.

# Continues to have the best performance and smallest foot print of any system monitor

# Hide individual alert messages and lock settings to prevent potential errors by other computer users.

Read more and download WinPatrol from here

Old versions of programs help criminals

2009-03-20T11:32:00.000-07:00

F-secure has counted that up to 90 per cent of users have 5 security vulnerabilities in their computer. They might have latest version but they don't remove older versions with vulnerabilities.

Sean Sullivan from F-Secure laboratory says that many users have old programs which they don't use and that those should be uninstalled. Easiest way to avoid vulnerabilities is to always install latest updates.

F-secure has also two free tools which would help to find outdated programs and also even unknown vulnerabilties. They are Exploit Shield and Health Check

Microsoft March updates to be released on Tuesday

2009-03-07T02:35:00.000-08:00

Microsoft will release monthly updates on Tuesday.

This time there will be three updates. Two of them are classified as Important and one as Critical. Updates are for Microsoft Windows 2000, XP, Vista, Server 2003 and Server 2008 and are against Remote Code Execution and spoofing.

Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool will also be updated.

Read more about updates here

Mozilla Firefox 3.0.7 released

2009-03-07T01:44:00.000-08:00

Mozilla Firefox 3.0.7 has been released.

Three critical and one high vulnerability has been fixed, see here

Read more here
and download Mozilla Firefox 3.0.7 here.

You can also use internal updater to get latest version of Firefox.