Kaspersky Internet Security 2010

Kaspersky has been a top rated Anti Malware product for many years now. The current version of Kaspersky Internet Security has done very well in independent tests, receiving the Advanced plus designation from AV Comparatives.

http://www.av-comparatives.org/comparativesreviews/main-tests

http://www.av-comparatives.org/images/stories/test/ondret/avc_report26.pdf

http://www.av-comparatives.org/images/stories/test/ondret/avc_report25.pdf

The interface is very clean and easy to use in its default setup. Advanced users will love the ability to tweak and micro manage settings to their heart’s content. I have used KIS 2010 for the past 2 weeks in Windows XP and Windows 7 without any issues. The new ability to only scan files that have changed, greatly decreases both the quick and full scan times. My initial full scan took 109 Minutes, the next full scan only took 23 Minutes. The quick scan times went from minutes to seconds. The parental control software seemed to work well but did include a few false positives. The ability to right click Internet Explorer or any other shortcut and then run in “Safe Run” mode is another very nice new feature. You get a green halo around the Safe Running application and it’s sandboxed from the rest of the OS during its Safe Run. Check out the link below for more details.

http://support.kasperskyamericas.com/knowledge-base-article/2113

Overall this is a vey good product that should be included on any short list of great Anti- Malware products.

Amazon has a good price right now for the 3 PC 1 year version.

Last Patch Tuesday for Windows 2000 and Windows XP SP2

McAfee AudioParasitics Episodes: Episode 90 – Microsoft and Oracle Special Edition – Dave and Jim discuss the end of Windows XP SP2 Support along with the security implications of the July 2010 Advisories from Microsoft and Oracle. MS10-042, MS10-043 and Oracle CPUJUL2010 are highlighted.

Security risks for those who stay with Windows XP SP2 http://www.sophos.com/blogs/gc/g/2010/07/12/security-risks-stay-windows-xp-sp2/

The following links provide info on the latest updates and also explain how to install those updates.

If you have never done Windows updates the following link will help you along the way. http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/windowsupdate/overview.mspx

July 2010 Security Bulletin Release http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms10-jul.mspx

Don’t be an update slacker…do your updates and have a nice day

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VIPRE Antivirus Premium is high-performance antivirus + antispyware software with an integrated firewall. It doesn’t slow down your PC like other security products. The press loves it, and it’s antivirus certified. Protect your PC from ‘being owned’ by bad guys with our free (registered) full-function 30-day trial!

With all the talk about Java and Adobe Flash allowing malware into our systems, I figured it might be time to comment. Let’s start by framing out the discussion to get a better understanding of what’s actually going on with this crazy Internet of ours. The Internet is just like the world around you and it’s filled with people with good and bad intentions.   Some programs are written to defend you against the bad guys. Some programs are written by the bad guys themselves and meant to cause damage or steal your data. The current latest, greatest, most popular applications are used by both the good and the bad guys. Whenever an application becomes very popular and the masses flock to it, malicious hackers tend to focus on that application and look for vulnerabilities. Windows is attacked more often than the Mac or Linux mostly because of the shear number of computers running Windows. Unless a Mac or Linux computer is a very high value target, hackers are typically not interested in hacking the computer. Most new web-based attacks are “drive by” attacks aimed at  un-patched Windows computers that are missing the latest Windows and third party updates. Some new attacks have the potential to infect or compromise multiple operating systems through common third party applications like Java, Adobe Flash Player and Adobe Reader . So, is there a way to defend against attacks on your Computers? There is currently no perfect solution that will defend against all attacks while you are still connected to the Internet. Can you help prevent an attack against your computer?  Yes, you can do regular updates on your computer and use a current Anti-Malware application.  You need to do your operating system updates and you need to make sure you have all your third party applications up to date. The following links will help update your computer and  defend against the onslaught of creative hackers and sometimes inept programmers that make up our beloved Internet.

Check your version of Java http://java.com/en/download/help/testvm.xml

Check your version of Adobe Flash http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/

Check your Browser Plugins http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/plugincheck/

Update Checker http://www.h-online.com/security/services/Scan-Now-885585.html

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Have a blessed day, be safe

Windows releases updates every month on Patch Tuesday which is the 2nd Tuesday of the month. We always post a complete list of the current updates and link to other sites with Patch Tuesday info.

Rogue Antispyware at http://rogueantispyware.blogspot.com/ is an excellent source for info about the latest Rogue applications.

The main thing to keep in mind about these new breed of Rogue AV programs is there ability to download more viruses. I have found Trojan Down-loaders on all the Rogue infected PCs that have come in lately. The best thing to do after infection is to disconnect from the network immediately and use another PC to download  virus removal tools.  The longer your infected PC stays running and connected to the network, the worse the infection will become.

The following steps will help prevent infection.

Make sure you do all your updates, both Windows and Third Party updates.

Run a current updated Anti Virus/Anti Spy-ware application like Sunbelt Vipre

Use a browser like Firefox instead of  Microsoft Internet Explorer. I only use Internet Explorer to access sites that still require it.

If you get infected, unplug the network cable immediately and use another PC to download your removal tools. Keep in mind that if you get in over your head, you should call your local computer repair specialist . Sometimes going it alone and trying to repair your PC can actually make it harder for the repair shop to fix the problem later.

So before you head on over to your favorite website, do your updates.

Don’t be an update slacker… oh yeah and have a great day

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Microsoft plans to release an “out of band” IE patch today to address the Aurora vulnerability.

Microsoft announces Out-of-Band IE-Patch

http://techblog.avira.com/2010/01/21/microsoft-announces-out-of-band-ie-patch/en/

Old MacDonald Bought the Farm IE IE 0-day

http://www.eset.com/threat-center/blog/2010/01/20/old-macdonald-bought-the-farm-ie-ie-0-day

Microsoft Security Bulletin Advance Notification for January 2010

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms10-jan.mspx

Microsoft will patch Internet Explorer today

http://sunbeltblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/microsoft-will-patch-internet-explorer.html

Operation Aurora: Microsoft knew about Internet Explorer flaw for four months

http://www.sophos.com/blogs/gc/g/2010/01/22/operation-aurora-microsoft-knew-internet-explorer-flaw-months/

Make sure you you check your Windows updates later on this afternoon by using Internet Explorer to access the following link http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/ or by going to Start-All Programs-Windows Update

Don’t be an update slacker…do your updates and have a nice day

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The ESET Blog had this post

http://www.eset.com/threat-center/blog/2009/09/30/microsoft-security-essential

Symantec post from Sept 29th read:  Microsoft Security Essentials: “Reruns” Aren’t Just for TV Anymore

http://bit.ly/uCQb6

Stress Testing Microsoft’s Free Anti-virus Offering from the Washington Post Security Fix

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/securityfix/2009/09/stress_testing_microsofts_free.html

Thoughts on MSE from the Sunbelt blog

http://sunbeltblog.blogspot.com/2009/09/thoughts-on-mse.html

OK so my 2 cents…I personally will not recommend Microsoft Security Essentials  to my clients. As long as other companies continue to provide quality free alternatives to Microsoft products I will continue to recommend them. Putting all your eggs in the “Microsoft security” basket might just end up costing you far more than you thought.

There are currently many high quality free applications available online from Avira, Comodo, AVG  and Panda.

As always, don’t forget to do your updates and have a nice day

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Are you using 123456 as your password? You are not alone.

http://techblog.avira.com/2009/09/15/proper-passwords/en/

Always use strong passwords and store them in a safe place. BTW..under your keyboard or in the desk drawer does not count as a safe place. I currently use KeePass from  http://keepass.info/ and LastPass from  https://lastpass.com/ to securely store my passwords. Always use a very strong master password when using a password manager. You can easily create a strong  master password by using the first letters from a random phrase like “My computer has 9 viruses and the dog is barking again !”  this would result in the password Mch9vatdiba! any phrase will do. So now its time to go and change those passwords, use something strong  and stay secure online.

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Have a great day