New Trojan Steals Facebook Login Details

Posted Aug.25, 2010 under News, Spam Trojan Alerts

Beware Your Login DetailsResearchers at security firm BitDefender have detected a new do-it-yourself kit created to produce customized Trojans that pilfer Facebook login details, passwords stored inside browsers and even VPN credentials.

The kit is termed as “Facebook Hacker” and it is very easy to configure, just like any do-it-yourself tool crafted with the ‘skiddie’ [script kiddie] in mind.

BitDefender’s Loredana Botezatu explains:

“Once run, the malicious tool will snatch the victim’s Facebook account’s credentials, along with all the usernames and passwords that we carelessly ask the browser to remember for us … because Facebook Hacker also targets the Internet browser and instant messaging clients to pick up the entire list of “remembered” identification data.”

Source: ESecurityPlanet

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What is bdss.exe

Posted Jun.02, 2010 under System Processes

BDSS.EXE is a part of Bitdefender Scan Service, which is an important component of the BitDefender antivirus protection. This process runs in the background to scan files and folders. This file is located in a subfolder of “C:\Program Files\Common Files” (mainly C:\Program Files\Common Files\Softwin\BitDefender Scan Server\)

It should not be removed or disabled to ensure that your antivirus protection is working properly. If this process is stopped, BitDefender will not be able to protect your computer from viruses and Trojans effectively.

BDSS.EXE (highlighted in yellow) is shown in your Windows Task Manager as the image below:

bdss

It is also important that bdss.exe file should be regularly checked with other security tools so as to determine its validity since Trojans or adware applications sometimes disguise themselves as this process.

This is a safe process and it is strongly recommended that you leave it running. No need to change or remove this process from your system.

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Bytedefender Warning

Posted May.26, 2010 under Removal Tools, Rogues

bytedefender-trojan BitDefender, the award winning online security software provides great protection against viruses and other threats. ByteDefender on the other hand is a rogue/trojan that exploits BitDefender’s name for  malicious purposes.

Rogues are fake antivirus applications that try to scam you out of your hard earned money. Once installed it will warn you that your computer has been infected, then it will urge you to pay to remove the problems.  From a security point of view it doesn’t do anything.

The rogue is distributed by a domain registered in Ukraine. The people with malicious intent are counting on the user making a spelling error when trying to access the BitDefender webpage. Once on the malicious website of ByteDefender, the user is tricked into downloading the fake software.

ByteDefender enter computer systems through malicious pop-ups, banners or fake video codec updates. All this is done with the help of Trojan applications and, of course, without user’s knowledge and consent. The other way to catch this infection is via the download from their website which I am not going to link to here for your security.

“Cyber-criminals know no boundaries when it comes to distributing and marketing their rogue security products. Sensational events, Trojanised applications or websites and carefully forged – yet useless – ‘security products’ are only a few of the multitude of methods to capitalize on unwary users,” commented Senior researcher with BitDefender, Catalin Cosoi.

BitDefender’s products already provide protection against ByteDefender. If you are infected with ByteDefender and would like to remove the rogue from your system, just run your BitDefender scan.

Not yet protected by BitDefender, read more here.

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Internet Fraud Record High

Posted Mar.16, 2010 under News, Security

onlinefraudGood times for online fraudsters says FBI.

According to the FBI the losses for victims of Internet fraud in the US was estimated to 560 Million US dollars last year. This is almost the double amount compared to 2008.

I don’t know if ironic is the right word to use, but one of the most common tricks was to use FBIs name to trick victims to pay money or to give out sensitive information.

Internet Complaint Crime Center received 336,655 complaints about net fraud, an increase of 22%.

NW3C Director Donald Brackman said the report’s findings underscore the threat posed by cyber criminals. “The figures contained in this report indicate that criminals are continuing to take full advantage of the anonymity afforded them by the Internet. They are also developing increasingly sophisticated means of defrauding unsuspecting consumers. Internet crime is evolving in ways we couldn’t have imagined just five years ago.” But Brackman sounded an optimistic tone about the future. “With the public’s continued support, law enforcement will be better able to track down these perpetrators and bring them to justice.”

Sources:
Read the full 2009 Crime report (PDF)
FBI Pressrelease

Until next time ;-)

Peter – Your BitDefender Guide

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BitDefender Security for File Servers awarded VB100

Posted Oct.14, 2009 under Awards


BitDefender announced today that BitDefender Security for File Servers was awarded VB100% certification from Virus Bulletin.

It was awarded VB100 for its ability to detect 100% of viruses on the WildList with no false positives. The outstanding level of malicious program detection without any false positives has brought BitDefender Security for File Servers another well-earned VB100 award.

This shows the depth and accuracy of the BitDefender antivirus technology, while at the same time ensuring customer peace of mind. The October 2009 Virus Bulletin comparative review assessed products from multiple security vendors specifically for the Microsoft Server 2008 platform.

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Bitdefender Protects Your Children on Internet

Posted Sep.14, 2009 under News, Security, Tips


parentalcontrol_newlogo

Hello There!

The Internet has become one of the most powerful source of communication in this fast-changing world. However because of this fact, it has been taken advantage of by malicious perpetrators. The internet has become one of the sources of influencing children negatively by portraying it fashionable or ‘kool’  to become violent, ill-mannered and addicts. This has become a worry to many parents especially those who have home computers and internet connection.

With these arising issues came the development of security solutions to fight off every tactic a perpetrator has, be it malware, virus, worm, spam and the likes. Given all the names of security suites in the market, BitDefender 2010 is one of the best ones that offers all the vital protection including a feature where parents and guardians can control their children’s computer access. Parents can limit their children to sites they are allowed to visit and avoid opening those malicious, vulgar and bad influence sites.

If you already own BitDefender 2010 sit back and follow these instructions  to setup the parental control feature.

parentalcontrol21.  Open BitDefender 2010

2. Click Settings located on the upper right corner.

3. Then switch to Expert mode.

4. Click on the Parental Control module

5. On the page, you’ll see all the accounts the computer has, click on the Modify button of the account that you want to apply a Parental Control on.

6. On the Parental Control window,  you will see 5 different options that you can configure:

A.Web

• Allows you to create a list of blocked and allowed sites to be accessed to.
• Use the recommended list of blocked sites by BitDefender.
• To add a site on the list, just click on “+” button and enter the string like:
http://*sex*
http://*porn*
http://*cigars*

B. Applications

• Allows you to block access to certain programs
• To add an application on the list, just click on “+” button and browse to the executable file for that application.

C.Keywords

• Allows you to block websites or e-mails which contains any of the specific words you listed.
• Allows you to select the protocol that you wish to be filtered. Options are Http (for websites), POP3 (for e-mails) or Instant Messaging.
• To add a keyword on the list, just click on “+” button and enter the string.

D. Messaging

• Allows you to deny chat conversations with certain contacts.
• To add a contact on the list, just click on “+” button and specify what action you want to apply against the user.

E. Web Limiter

• Allows you to block access to websites between certain hours.
• To choose timeframe, click on the box corresponding to the desired interval to block access in that time duration.

That’s all there is to it!

Read more on BitDefender 2010 here …….

Keep your Family Safe , Until Next Time ;-)

Malcolm – Your Bitdefender Guide

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Safe Home Surfing Tips

Posted Sep.14, 2009 under Free Downloads, Removal Tools, Security, Tips, Viruses


safesurfingHello Friends,

I have received several questions regarding what  is the best solution for Safe Home Surfing. I thought this is a good time to put this matter to rest. The simple answer is that we need a software that has an antivirus solution and a firewall.

So what is the difference between Antivirus and Firewall you may ask?

The short  answer… Antivirus - To put it quite simply the antivirus is to take care and protect you against viruses and the Firewall is to make sure no Trojans or Spyware has passed through your antivirus and is sending confidential information out from your computer.

The longer answer that is depending on how computer literate you are is for example, if you receive an email that is a phishing attempt, would you recognize it? If not, you should use either some kind of anti phishing solution or have an antivirus that includes this protection. (Phishing is an attempt to send you to a fake website, looking like the real thing to trick you to reveal your login information. The criminal will then use this information to login to your real account and steal your money. These emails normally disguise themselves to be from banks, friends in your address book or online memberships.

Below I have described the different protection areas you may need . Then it’s up to you to see and decide with your knowledge what will be most suitable for your needs.

Antivirus – Protects you against malicious viruses that can damage the functionality of your computer.

Firewall - Will stop secretly installed software (virus, adware, spyware) that will contact servers outside your computer and send information about your computer and what you have stored there.

Antispam – to filter/block annoying emails coming to your inbox or sometimes warn you about the emails.

Anti phishing – warns about emails and websites that are trying to spoof information to make you reveal your passwords and also prevents personal information from leaking via e-mail, web or instant messaging.

Security – allows you to connect to any network anywhere and automatically modifies your firewall protection settings to suit your location. Also has a Wi-Fi monitor that helps prevent unauthorized persons to access your wi-fi network.

Privacy control – Privacy settings to make sure you don’t give out too much information when surfing.

Parental control - To restrict users from reaching certain websites for example block access to inappropriate websites and e-mail. Schedule and limits kids’ access to Internet and to applications.

New Parental Control Features in Bitdefender 2010

  • Newly added reporting system allowing parents to view what websites their children visit.
  • Moreover, parents can set specific time intervals in which their children are allowed to access the Internet or use certain applications.

I currently use the following security applications and I will share my tips which have worked with you:

BitDefender 2010 Internet Security -  I used to us it only for Antivirus and Firewall and had the antispam, privacy control and parental control turned off. The reason I did not use all functions is because I wanted my system to be affected as little as possible. Fortunately with the new release of Bitdefender 2010 you can have this items activated without affecting your computer speed at all!

Apart from that I also use Roboform to store my passwords. You can install a free version that allows you to store upto 10 logins. One reason is that if someone would be able to install a keylogger on my computer they would not see the passwords I enter anyways. Other reasons is that I can carry all my passwords between computers, but that’s not security related.

I also use adware a no-cost version to scan my computer for adware about once a month.

I would recommend Bitdefender Internet Security version.  Reason being  Bitdefender Internet Security will lock out  viruses, hackers & spam, while providing parental control and firewall protection. Unless you have need for the added hard disk maintenance functionality of  Bitdefender Total Security.  Total security has more of  hard disk functionality than security functionality really.

With Bitdefender Total Security you have the following additional features which are hard disk functionality:

.    Backup functionality
.    Remove registry entries
.    Delete files so that they are irrecoverable

Basically the Total security version of Bitdefender offers you a combination of computer protection and at the same time computer maintenance.

Until Next Time Keep yourself and Kids Surfing Safe :-)

Malcolm – Your Bitdefender Guide

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BitDefender 2010 Released

Posted Aug.19, 2009 under News


bitdefender10_box

Hello Friends,

Great News Bitdefender 2010 has been released! Who could have thought that Bitdefender can get even better?  Bitdefender want only the best for their customers. They have listened and now Bitdefender 2010 is out offering unmatched  Maximum Security and at Maximum Speed!

BitDefender has been true to their word by fulfilling the demands of their loyal users (that includes you) by providing a complete solution to protect your home or business and secure your PC against new internet security threats (viruses, spyware, spam and more). Bitdefender 2010 always one step ahead of the competition.

Am sure you now want the facts not just empty talk. Here are the New and Improved Features in BitDefender 2010:

Maximum Security – Active Virus Control NEW!

wn1Active Virus Control is a cutting-edge security system, that monitors programs running on a user’s computer 24/7 as they execute and then notes malware-like actions. If enough such actions are detected, the program which ran them is declared harmful, blocking any malicious behavior before it can cause damage.

Maximum Speed – Scans in half the time than previous versions

wn2BitDefender’s scanning capability is now improved and optimized as it avoids scanning the files that are known to be safe, enhancing the scan speed and reducing  the system load, thus, achieving scan completion in half the time  of previous versions.

IMAGE

Easier to Use – Usage Profile NEW!

profiles_enBitDefender is the first among its Internet security providers to have User Profile feature which allows users to choose the profile that best covers their primary activities. Whether you’re a security expert or a novice, you can choose among the three profile choices that best suits you – Typical, Parent or Gamer. The product interface adapts to the chosen profile and provides quick access to the main security functionalities (e.g. for parents the “Configure Parental Control” button, while for Gamers, the “Turn on Game Mode” button).

Improved Parental Control (Available in Internet Security and Total Security 2010 only)

Parent Reporting System – The Parental Control module features a newly added reporting system allowing parents to view what websites their children visit. The monitoring activity is made more efficient as they can receive email alerts concerning each child’s activity on the Internet.

Application Time Control – A feature that allows parents to set specific time intervals in which their children are allowed to access the Internet or use certain applications.

Improved Intrusion Detection

BitDefender detects and blocks attempts to change critical system files or registry entries on your PC and warns you about attacks performed by code injection (DLL injection).

Improved In-Product Technical Support

You can get answers to the most common product-related questions or contact technical support directly from the product using its easy-to-use self-service module.

Read More About the New BitDefender 2010 here

Stay ahead of the game just like Bitdefender and get the industry’s best and latest Antivirus!

Purchase or Upgrade to BitDefender 2010 now!

Until Next Time ;-)

Malcolm – Your Bitdefender Guide

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BitDefender Outlook AntiSpam Toolbar

Posted Aug.06, 2009 under Spam Trojan Alerts, Tips

1629152Hello There!

Do you get Annoying Spam Emails that take up your precious time?

When you purchase online or subscribe to newsletters you frequently start getting bombarded with unwanted emails, clogging up your mailbox.

Managing unwanted emails consumes alot of your time and we all know “Time is Money”! Your solution is to block the spam emails which can be done with  Bitdefender Internet Security 2009 or Bitdefender Total Security 2009.

With Bitdefender  you can easily set up an anti-spam toolbar on your outlook  to get rid of all those non-stop spam that’s been bombarding your Inbox.

topsecretHow to Setup Bitdefender Outlook AntiSpam Toolbar

First and foremost you must make sure that you are logged in using an administrative account on your computer because the setup can only be done by someone with administrative rights to the computer.

Follow the steps below:

1. Go to Start button

2. Click on Run > type in “cmd”  and you will get the command prompt.

3. On the command prompt (a black screen) copy and paste  in the following commands one after another (assuming that this is the location where BitDefender is registered, if this is not the case, change the command accordingly):

regsvr32 -u “%ProgramFiles%BitDefenderBitDefender 2009bdo.dll”

regsvr32 “%ProgramFiles%BitDefenderBitDefender 2009bdo.dll”

4. Next proceed  to configuring the AntiSpam toolbar on Outlook.

For MS Outlook 2003 version and below, go to Tools > Options > Others > Advanced Options > Com Add-Ins.

For MS Outlook 2007, go to Tools > Trust Center > Add-Ins > Go.

Once on the add-in window the BitDefender AntiSpam component should be there, if not, then it’s possible that the registration using the commands didn’t work.

So to register using a different method, click “Add” button browse on the folder where you have installed BitDefender find the file with a name “bdo.dll” and click on OK. Make sure that the component is checked, then click OK and restart MS Outlook.

However if you see the BitDefender AntiSpam option is checked but the toolbar does not appear (or you restart MS Outlook and the checkbox is un-checked automatically again) then this situation could have happened due to a MS Outlook crash. In order to fix this please follow these instructions:

For MS Outlook 2003 version and below, open MS Outlook > Help > About Microsoft Office > Disabled Items > select BitDefender Antispam toolbar and click Enable. After this operation you will be able to check the BitDefender Antispam toolbar.

For MS Outlook 2007, open MS Outlook > Help > Disabled Items > select BitDefender Antispam toolbar and click Enable. After this operation you will be able to check the BitDefender Antispam toolbar.

That’s all there is to it! I hope this has been helpful to you.

Don’t have BitDefender 2009 yet?  Get  your own BitDefender AntiSpam Toolbar installed on your Outlook to stop wasting time and start making money today!

Until Next Time ;-)

Malcolm – Your Bitdefender Guide

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BitDefender 30-Day Trial Free Download

Posted Jul.29, 2009 under Free Downloads

Hi There!

This month if you have any unprotected computers we are giving you a chance to try out one of the world’s most effective Antivirus for Free!! Namely Bitdefender Standard Antivirus, Internet Security and Total Security. We don’t want your computers to be unprotected, so we are giving you a chance to try out the 30-day trial versions of each of above-mentioned security solutions at no cost.

What level of protection do you need? Standard, Medium or High?  Read on to find out more…

bd_a_10BitDefender Antivirus 2010

This provides standard cover for your home/personal computer.

It provides advanced proactive protection against viruses, spyware, phishing attacks and identity theft, without slowing down your PC.

Here are the new and improved features of the BitDefender Antivirus 2010:

● Confidently download, share and open files from friends, family, co-workers – and even total strangers.

● Protects against viruses and other malware using industry-leading technology.

● Protect your identity: shop, bank, listen and watch, privately and securely.

● Prevents personal information from leaking via e-mail, Web or instant messaging.

View BitDefender Antivirus 2010 Demo here.

Download the 30-day trial version of BitDefender Antivirus 2010 here.

bd_is_10BitDefender Internet Security 2010

Small scale business, self employed work from home and use internet often.

It keeps your Internet-connected family safe, without slowing down their PCs. It provides firewall and proactive protection against viruses, hackers & spam, while providing parental control and firewall protection.

Here are the new features of BitDefender Internet Security 2010:

● Confidently download, share and open files from friends, family, co-workers – and even total strangers.

● Protects against viruses and other malware using industry-leading technology.

● Protect your identity: shop, bank, listen and watch, privately and securely.

● Prevents personal information from leaking via e-mail, Web or instant messaging.

PLUS FEATURES:

- AntiSpam

- Firewall

- File Vault

- Parental Control

View BitDefender Internet Security 2010 Demo here.

Download the 30-day trial version of BitDefender Internet Security 2010 here.

bd_ts_10BitDefender Total Security 2010

This provides total protection and includes system maintenance facilities.

BitDefender Total Security 2010 provides comprehensive proactive protection against all Internet security threats, along with system maintenance and backup, without slowing down your PCs.

It has all the features of both Standard Antivirus and Internet Security PLUS:

- Tune Up

- File Shredder

- Data BackUp

View the Demo for BitDefender Total Security 2010 here.

Download the 30-day trial version of BitDefender Total Security 2010 here.

If you are still not sure which edition to purchase or if you would like to purchase additional licenses just contact Softwarecasa Support for further assistance.

If you already own Bitdefender you can Upgrade/Renew to the latest Bitdefender 2010 Edition.

Get Protected Today, well at least for 30 days while you decide!

Until Next Time ;-)

Malcolm – Your Bitdefender Guide

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