Category: News

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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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 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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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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Best 5 Antivirus Software 2009

Posted Jul.06, 2009 under News, Review

lock1

Hello Friend,

Are you sick and tired of all the viruses, spyware, phishing attacks and identity thieves, which causes your PC to slow down and worst case scenario, CRASH?

All these problems spring up from emails, visiting infected sites without knowing, downloading infected files, and sad part -  doing nothing at all about our computer protection.

Our computers contain very important and also confidential information.  Negligence can cost you  more than you realize !

Like me I am sure you would like the peace of mind knowing that your computer is completely secure and safe when you are  online.   So  I decided to do some detective work. I came up with some interesting results and even shocking finding that some antivirus were infact “Overprotective” and just ended up using a huge amount of  your computer resources &  slowing it down considerably!

After thorough  evaluation these are the 5 best antivirus software with  Value for Money!

1. Bitdefender Antivirus 2009

BitDefender Antivirus 2009 provides advanced proactive protection against viruses, spyware, phishing attacks and identity theft, without slowing down your PC.

The new features, improvements, and refinements in BitDefender Total Security 2009 have helped improve one of the best security packages you can buy. Scanning is faster, less intrusive, and easier to use than the previous versions. Their backup and tune up has improved. It eliminates the need for any additional security, performance optimization and data backup & restore products. Truly a breakthrough in PC protection,it provides a hassle-free user experience. Overall making it land the highest rank in our top-notch.

2. Steganos Antivirus 2009

Steganos AntiVirus watches over all interfaces of your computers. Any reading and writing accesses are carefully screened for script, macro, file and boot sector viruses. Moreover, polymorphous viruses in ActiveX and Java applications are also recognized and terminated. Trojan horses do not stand a chance either.

Unknown viruses are defeated as well. Thanks to a heuristic technology, even viruses that have not yet been included in a virus databank are found.

3.Vipre Antivirus Antispyware

VIPRE Enterprise is the future of Enterprise level security, combining corporate antivirus and corporate antispyware into one seamless product that is easy on system resources and delivers superior security!

4. Sunbelt Personal Firewall

The Windows Firewall (both XP and Vista) is worse than useless, it gives you a false sense of security. Why? It only filters incoming traffic. That means if malware has compromised your PC, it is able to send out all your personal info. That’s right; the Windows “firewall” does not stop that! But Subelt Personal Firewall more…..

You have no one to blame now if something goes wrong with your computer. I have shared my secrets to keep safe and protected.  Here is the summary and price range.

5.Lavasoft Personal Firewall

Lavasoft Personal Firewall  provides the critical protection you need to keep your PC safe from unauthorized access. It is the ultimate security shield against hackers, keyloggers, Trojans and other malicious attempts to access data on your PC, while remaining simple, and easy to use.

Position 1 -  Bitdefender 2009 starting at $23.95

Position 2 – Steganos Antivirus 2009 starting $38.95

Position 3 – Vipre Antivirus Antispyware starting at $28.95

Position 4 – Sunbelt Personal Firewall starting at $18.95

Position 5 – Lavasoft Personal Firewall starting at $28.95

Remember it would cost you more if you did nothing and had a computer CRASH ! So pick your choice and get protected according to your needs and budget.

Until Next Time ;-)

Malcolm – Your Bitdefender Guide

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Top 10 Drive-by-Download E-Threats

Posted May.20, 2009 under Drive-by-Download, News

arrow-downWeb domination, that is what keeping these drive-by-download components busy these past few months. Wrecking Havoc in every possible way they can.

Due to these incidents, BitDefender recently listed the top 10 list of drive-by-download threats that have been pestering these past few months.

However, before we lay down the list, let me just explain to you first as to what is the definition of “drive-by-download.” There are four strict meanings in relation to this expression:

  1. Downloads which the user indirectly authorized but without understanding the consequences.

  2. Any download that happens without knowledge of the user.

  3. Download of spyware, malware or a computer virus that may happen by visiting a website, viewing an email or even clicking a popup window without the user’s knowledge.

  4. Download of malware through exploitation of a web browser, e-mail client or operating system bug, without any user intervention whatsoever.

Now, here’s the list of the Top 10 Drive-by-download e-threats:

  1. Trojan.Clicker.CM – first on the list, Clicker.CM displays lots of commercial pop-up windows in the Web browser’s background that is currently used, aiming on luring the user to click which if clicked, in turn generates profit for advertisements registered within a PPC system.

  2. Trojan.Wimad.Gen.1 – also known as Wimad trojan. It masquerades as a player component which exploits the Windows Media Digital Rights technology in Microsoft Windows Media Player.

  3. Trojan.AutorunINF.Gen – An autorun bug in which the pest, Conficker belongs to.

  4. Trojan.Downloader.JLPK – A malware that decrypts functions and downloads 2 more malware files.

  5. Trojan.Exploit.SSX – It usually appears on sites through SQL Injection attacks which insert an invisible iframe in the once clean code that leads the unaware Internet surfer to an “outbreak” infected site.

  6. Trojan.Downloader.Js.Agent.F – A javascript file which inserts a link to a javascript line and iframes into clean html files.

  7. Trojan.Exploit.ANPI – It is downloaded from malicious websites or some legitimate websites which were infected through SQL Injection attacks.

  8. Trojan.IFrame.GA – A javascript file which gets injected in compromised webpages and sends browsers to a collection of exploits such Trojan.Exploit.ANPI.

  9. Trojan.Downloader.JS.Psyme.SR – uses scripts to download other malware onto the user’s computer by the names GameeeEeee.pif and Gameeeeeee.vbs.

  10. Trojan.Downloader.WMA.Wimad.S – A disguised application which is commonly in a media file extension, wherein once run, it prompts the user to download a file named, “PLAY_MP3.exe”

Make sure that your computer is drive-by-download proof, install a trusted and up-to-date security solution like BitDefender 2009. If you are running the previous version of BitDefender, upgrade it now.

Until next time ;-)

Malcolm – Your BitDefender Guide

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Adobe PDF Exploit – Beware

Posted Apr.21, 2009 under News, PDF Exploits, Viruses

bug3Take caution on downloading those files in Adobe .pdf format as it can contain malware which can surely affect your computer. Below are the malwares and the e-threats it can cause to its infested computers:

  1. Backdoor PoisonIvy.GK

This malware gives the attacker an access to execute unauthorized commands on the victim computer and even monitors and logs all the applications and application versions which the computer owner uses.

  1. Trojan.Spammer.Tedroo.BA

A malware which converts its infected computer into a spamming machine.

  1. Trojan.Spy.Goldun.NEP

It monitors Internet Explorer windows and steals user’s authentication for e-gold.

For you not to fall for these e-threats, make sure to install Adobe security updates and most importantly, update your security solutions.


Until next time – keep safe!

Malcolm – Your BitDefender Guide

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Conficker Downadup Virus Removal

Posted Mar.17, 2009 under News, Removal Tools, Spam Trojan Alerts

The No.1 Security firm, BitDefender have the solution to the removal of Downadup (Conficker) Virus that infected 9 million computers in about three months time.

Conficker is a worm which takes advantage on the vulnerabilities of Windows, where it blocks access to the server of anti-virus websites which stops the user to disinfect his computer from this havoc-wreaking virus. Apart from the disability to access anti-virus sites, Conficker also targets Windows’ security measures like the Windows Auto-Update, Error Reporting, Defender and Security Center.

This has led BitDefender to come up with a resolution to end this e-threat. Their removal tool is available here

More information about: Downadup (Conficker)

Until next time ;-)

Peter – Your BitDefender Guide

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BitDefender 2009 Review

Posted Aug.21, 2008 under News, Review

BitDefender 2009 Review

The new BitDefender was just released and I have been trying it out for the last few days. I am very positive regarding several issues.

If you have tried out BitDefender, please make a comment about Your First impression in the comment section at the bottom of the page.

Interesting New Features

Among the most interesting new features I found in my initial tests are that it is faster than previous versions.

I also find it even less intruding than previously although I never really had a problem with that. I like the new management console as it gives a clear overview and alerts on the most important issues.

Read More »

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Total Security 2008 Beta Test Challenge

Posted Jun.21, 2007 under News

totalsecurity.jpg BitDefender is now inviting the public to test BitDefender Total Security 2008.

BitDefender Total Security 2008 beta campaign started on June 19, 2007. Total Security for home users brings new features and a lot of improvements.

The Challenge and Prizes
The most active beta testers will be rewarded with game consoles (first 3 most active testers), pc games (next 30 most active testers), mobile phones (special prize for the most interesting feedback) and a lot of BitDefender licenses.

You can sign up for the Total Security 2008 Beta Test Challenge here.

Total Security 2008 is a new product. A spokesman for BitDefender said that the company has taken several products, and put them together in a comprehensive package. Total Security includes Firewall and Antispyware. It also includes Backup and PC maintenance as well as a new Game mode, geared to be less memory consuming for game playing.

“A lot of gamers don’t use any kind of security software because it slows down the PC,” says a Bitdefender spokesman. “This scales down the firewall, the real-time spyware detection, and the antivirus so instead of scanning all the files, it only scans the ones most likely to have a virus, like .exe file extensions.”

Until next time,

;-) Peter

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