Facebook gets $711 million in anti-spam case Oct 31, 2009
In May 2008, the online hangout MySpace won a $230 million judgment over junk messages sent to its members when a federal judge in Los Angeles ruled against Wallace and his partner, Walter Rines, in another case brought under the federal anti-spam law known as CAN-SPAM. In 2006, Wallace was fined $4 million after the Federal Trade Commission accused him of running an operation that infected computers with software that caused flurries of pop-up ads, known as "spyware.". "While we don't expect to... (MSNBC -- Business)
Citizen Webitor Oct 30, 2009
Citizen_Webitor wrote on Apr 10, 2009 12:23 PM:" Spyware and Trojans and Virii, oh my!The calls started coming in yesterday afternoon.Users of Kaspersky anti-virus were getting alerts about our web page trying to install a Trojan horse virus on their computers!Well, my geek cred was under attack. A virus on MY website? How embarrassing if it were true!Turns out it wasn't.A file called csshover.htc.php, which is used by our website to give hover element support to IE, was the supposed culprit.... (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Marketer told to pay Facebook $US711m Oct 30, 2009
37 million) after the Federal Trade Commission accused him of running an operation that infected computers with software that caused flurries of pop-up ads, known as "spyware". "While we don't expect to receive the vast majority of the award, we hope that this will act as a continued deterrent against these criminals," said Sam O'Rourke, associate general counsel for Facebook, in a blog posting on Thursday. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Guide to Online Security Oct 30, 2009
Comprehensive, automated protection against viruses, hackers, spyware, and spam ... This indicator shows the level of reported malicious activity on the Internet, such as new viruses and spyware ... You usually need a specialized anti-adware or anti-spyware program to remove adware from your computer. (Yahoo News -- Online Privacy)
Federal Officials Warn of Stock Account Hacking Oct 30, 2009
Federal officials are investigating reports that hackers, often located in foreign countries, are using spyware to access U.S. customers' online stock accounts ... Federal officials are investigating reports that hackers - often located in foreign countries - are using spyware to access customers' online accounts. (Yahoo News -- Online Privacy)
Scammers get personal: couple's friends targeted Oct 29, 2009
They've also taken their computer to be cleaned of any spyware, viruses, malware or other Internet-generated contaminants. Articles from around the country show this type of impersonation is a common problem. (Chetek Alert, WI)
Knowledge is the power behind popular eHow website Oct 26, 2009
The bad news: Then-New York attorney general began investigating claims that eUniverse was bundling spyware and adware with its games and screen savers. Rosenblatt decided to settle in June 2005, paying fines of $7. (USA Today -- Tech)
Alarm bells on used mobiles Oct 26, 2009
Spyware on modern mobiles could also jeopardise access credentials for anything from Facebook to online banking, he said. "If we're trading these phones in, if we're selling them on eBay, we really need to make sure we protect our own identity and the identities of our friends who reside on the phone," Mr Sentonas said. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Technology)
When the law chases the Internet Oct 26, 2009
And the latest worry to individual PC owners is a type of "spyware" that can remotely follow a person's keystrokes to steal a password or other vital information ... Another bill would provide protection against spyware intrusion on PCs. (Yahoo News -- Online Privacy)
Back-to-school tips to keep your family safe online Oct 26, 2009
Many of these "freebies," like games and wallpaper, include hidden spyware and adware programs ... Anti-virus and anti-spyware software as well as a two-way firewall will protect you from inadvertently accepting unwanted files attached to e-mails. (Lake City Reporter, FL)
Sensible Password Policy: Longer is Better Oct 25, 2009
"If the end user's machine is infected with spyware then the password will still be discovered, regardless. And a long password does nothing to prevent a hacker getting a password using social engineering. These types of policies are beloved of auditors, trotting out established ideas.". Fifteen is an arbitrary figure for password length, so what would happen if shorter ones were used. (Datamation)
Thieves targeting Facebook, Twitter Oct 25, 2009
While surfing on Google or Yahoo, spyware or a computer virus is automatically and invisibly downloaded on a computer, requiring no user interaction for the computer to be infected. "We are on the verge from shifting from the Web being the No. 1 victim of infecting to social network," said Mikko H. Hypponen, chief of research technology at F-Secure Corp. His company sells anti-virus software and malware protection programs. (CNN -- Tech)
McAfee Launches Mac Endpoint Protection Oct 24, 2009
In response to the growing number of malware attacks on Macs, McAfee this week released Endpoint Protection for Mac, a single integrated management platform that includes antivirus and antispyware protection as well as a system firewall ... The inbound firewall stops network-based attacks to Macs while the outbound firewall prevents spyware and other data-stealing programs from sending personal information to hackers, company officials said. (eSecurityPlanet)
Is 7 a lucky number for Windows? Oct 23, 2009
- Profession Identity Thieves - Technical Support Headscratchers - PC Repair on Speed Dial - Post-Mortem Quality Assurance (Closing the Barn Door AFTER the Horse Has Already Escaped) - Anti-Virus Software Salespeople - Operating System Disaster Insurance Salesman - Spyware Salesman - Irretrievable Digital Record Damage Control - Anti-Hacker Specialist - Help Desk Personnel Unable to Speak Fluent English - CNTRL + ALT + DEL Reboot Specialists - Virus Creaters - Professional Spam Senders -... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Tips on How to Upgrade to Windows 7 Oct 22, 2009
The hardware hasnt deteriorated but Windows, after awhile, starts to slow down because of spyware, software that clogs the Windows registry, uninstalled programs that arent completely uninstalled and other factors that, collectively, are known as "Windows Rot." A clean install starts the clock again and makes your machine at least as fast and reliable as it was when you bought it ... Microsoft now offers free Security Essentials software that will give you basic protection against viruses,... (CBS News)
Cybercrime victim? 3 telltale signs and what to do Oct 20, 2009
Sudden changes in your computer's performance can be a sign that it's infected with spyware, viruses and other forms of malicious software. Install and update your computer security software. (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
Health Calendar Oct 20, 2009
Fall 2009 Computer Health and Security Fair - 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Miller Learning Center, 48 Baxter St.; UGA students, faculty and staff can bring laptops for security checkups including virus scans and software updates, spyware removal and more; first-come, first-served basis; (706) 338-9849 or e-mail bert@uga. edu. (Athens Banner-Herald)
US shuts down 'scareware' sellers Oct 19, 2009
The popularity of the rogue anti-virus and spyware products has rocketed ... Typically the scans found evidence of viruses, spyware and, in some cases, illegal pornography ... "The popularity of the rogue anti-virus and spyware products has rocketed," said Yuval Ben-Itzhak, chief technology officer at security firm Finjan. (BBC News -- Technology)
Eleven tips to stay safe online and protect your privacy Oct 19, 2009
Install anti-spyware. Spyware is sneaky software that rides its way onto computers during the download of screensavers, games, music and other applications ... Spyware sends information about what you're doing on the Internet to a third-party, usually to target you with pop-up ads. (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
Stop your attempts to hijak my PC Oct 18, 2009
But for Gods grace and the very good anti-virus and spyware software i have, my laptop would have been crashed and made useless as one email put it. Neither i, nor any relative has ever or is benefiting from any illegal government contract, engaged in 419 or stolen state funds to acquire wealth as is common in Ghana and Nigeria. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Techman: It's time to consider Windows 7 Oct 18, 2009
It is getting good reviews, and with Windows' free spyware program, Windows Defender, and the built-in Windows fire wall, you should be pretty buttoned up. However if you do thoughtless surfing to dangerous Internet sites, you still could have problems. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Software pirates hijack Windows 7 China debut Oct 17, 2009
Customer education is also taking off in China as many now realize the dangers of installing pirated software that sometimes comes with viruses and spyware. "This is a long term issue, 10-20 years, it's not just going to go away in an instant," said Edward Yu, chief executive of research firm Analysys International. (MSNBC -- Crime)
Lackey to start against Sabathia in ALCS Game 1 Oct 15, 2009
Remove All Spyware In 60 Seconds. Free Download. (Yahoo News)
Comcast to Warn PC Users If They're Infected Oct 9, 2009
A Comcast toolbar, meanwhile, includes spyware detection and removal, a pop-up ad blocker, and anti-phishing software. "The Constant Guard security program is the result of many years of working to assemble the right people, technologies and resources to help ensure our customers are protected from hackers and bots in real-time," Mitch Bowling, senior vice president and general manager of online services at Comcast, said in a statement. (Yahoo News -- Technology)
Comcast Unveils Comprehensive "Constant Guard" Internet Security Program Oct 9, 2009
Comcast Toolbar (free download from ) includes spyware detection and removal, a pop-up ad blocker and anti-phishing software. Best in class technology deployed within the Comcast network and designed to help fight spam, phishing attacks and viruses. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Comcast Sniffs Out Bots Oct 9, 2009
Comcast offers the McAfee Internet Security Suite (valued at $120) to broadband customers for no extra charge, as well as a Web toolbar that includes spyware detection and removal, a pop-up ad blocker and anti-phishing software. "As the nation's largest residential Internet service provider, our goal is to provide a safe and secure Internet experience for our customers," said Mitch Bowling, senior vice president and general manager of Comcast's online services. (Multichannel News)
Q&A: Phishing for precious data Oct 8, 2009
First and foremost, having up-to-date anti-virus and anti-spyware programs is the best first line of defence ... COMPUTER SECURITY TIPS Make sure you have good anti-virus software which regularly scans for spyware Make sure you use a firewall, spam filter and security software that keeps an eye on you while you browse the web Avoid keeping passwords stored on your computer and disclosing them to anybody If you are accessing banking details from a computer that is used by other people, ensure you... (BBC News -- Technology)
Tigers extend season with 5-3 win over White Sox Oct 5, 2009
Remove All Spyware -Up Your PC At The Same Time. Guaranteed. (Yahoo News)
Facebook Hit With New Spyware Scam Oct 3, 2009
Facebook on Thursday was hit with yet another spyware attack. This time hackers managed to crack the security captchas -- the words or letter combinations that users are asked to retype when registering -- to create new Facebook accounts designed to steal users' account and personal information. (SmallBusinessComputing)
Beware of disaster-related 'scareware' Oct 3, 2009
In many cases the software meant to fix nonexistent errors is actually spyware or some form of malware itself, victimizing consumers twice. Within hours of the natural disasters, scareware offers began hitting the Internet, the BBB said yesterday in a news release. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Microsoft’s free antivirus program changes game Oct 1, 2009
Microsoft Security Essentials takes the company s basic antivirus system and combines it with Windows Defender, a spyware filtering tool released in 2006. Defender blocks spyware - programs that cover your screen with pop-up ads or swipe your personal information - but it is useless against viruses, worms, and Trojan horse programs that can commandeer your machine. (Boston Globe)
* Microsoft releases free security software to help PC users thwart cyber criminals Oct 1, 2009
Microsoft on Tuesday released free software that people can use to protect computers against viruses, spyware and other malicious codes in arsenals of cyber criminals. Microsoft Security Essentials is available for download at microsoft. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Cloud computing is not all silver linings Oct 1, 2009
Your access grows more fraught each day, as entertainment companies, spyware creeps, botnet crooks, snooping coppers and shameless bosses arrogate to themselves the right to spy on, tamper with or terminate your net access. Alas, this situation isn't likely to change any time soon. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Technology)
AOL Peeved by Adware Outbreak Sep 30, 2009
Of these, all but one -- Jimmy Links -- have been branded adware and/or spyware by one or more Internet security firms. All the sites offer a game or, as in the case of "purityscan," an application that purports to search for and remove porn from computers. (Yahoo News -- Instant Messaging)
Microsoft releases free anti-virus software Sep 30, 2009
Security Essentials will automatically be updated daily as it checks for viruses, spyware and other malicious software, Microsoft said, and "is designed to run quietly in the background alerting users only when there is an action for them to take. It also limits CPU and memory usage.". 2009 msnbc. (MSNBC -- Crime)
Don't click on that! Sep 30, 2009
Make sure your Web browser, operating system, virus protection and spyware protection are up to date. Use a firewall. (CNN -- US)
Microsoft launches free security Sep 30, 2009
The free software gives basic protection against viruses, trojans, rootkits, and spyware. The Essentials software is Microsoft's second try at making an own-brand security package. (BBC News -- Americas)
Wrestling with computers: Secure your business computers Sep 30, 2009
In today s world of hackers, viruses and spyware, your information is not safe ... The next line of defense is to install antivirus and antispyware software and update the protection on a regular basis. (Kingston Mariner, MA)
Hackers Aim at Web 2.0 Sites Sep 30, 2009
Social networking and user-generated content sites have become a haven for spam, spyware and phishers, according to the latest from San Diego, Calif. -based security software maker Websense. (eSecurityPlanet)
Microsoft Security Essentials Available for Download Sep 30, 2009
The software, initially code-named Morro, is said to protect PCs against malware, computer viruses, and spyware. Microsoft replaced its subscription-based Windows Live OneCare with Morro after discontinuing OneCare in June. (Yahoo News -- Technology)
Tech.view: If Skype should fall Sep 26, 2009
With traffic forwarded from one computer to another via an inner circle of some 20,000 super-nodes, Skype has no central servers directing the traffic flow, logging the calls and preventing viruses, Trojan horses and spyware from piggybacking on the flow of encrypted data. That can be a serious concern for small firms and home users who lack the professional means to protect themselves. (The Economist)
Pioneering cyber-security center to transform crime prevention Sep 24, 2009
To maximise the value of this leading-edge processor technology, Dr Sezer's team also aim to optimise the rulesets that enable processing hardware to decide, based on the nature of the internet traffic, which website requests to block, which word sequences may indicate threatening behaviour, which traffic may be generated by malicious software (malware, adware, spyware, botware) and which unsolicited e-mails may carry damaging content (viruses, worms, spam) ... Keeping viruses, worms, spyware... (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
China clamps down ahead of holiday Sep 23, 2009
Online, blocks on sensitive political content and social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook have been expanded, and there has been a spike in e-mail spam containing spyware sent to foreign journalists. Communist officials across the country have been told to prevent travel to Beijing by petitioners seeking redress from central authorities and to try to resolve their complaints locally. (Boston Globe)
Fame and misfortune Sep 23, 2009
Consumers should be on the lookout for spam emails that secretly install viruses and spyware onto your computer and removable drives such as USB sticks. The spyware and viruses are hidden in song, video and picture files of celebrities such as Michael Jackson, disguised as tributes to them. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Disabling User Account Control in Vista Sep 22, 2009
It was created to prevent users from unwittingly changing crucial system settings or opening the door to viruses and spyware when downloading and installing software ... You can turn off the control, but if you do, you should regularly run an anti-spyware program such as Windows Defender (free at ) or Spybot Search oy (free at ). (San Francisco Chronicle)
Is China Cyber-Stealing Your Secrets? Sep 22, 2009
The Indian department of telecom has proposed a ban on Chinese phones and other gear in all Indian border states, fearing that the devices could contain hidden spy electronics or Trojan spyware that could enable a Chinese attack on Indian infrastructure. The Indian government is also concerned about Chinese "direct foreign investment" (involvement by Chinese investors in Indian businesses) in the telecommunications arena. (Datamation)
Federal Officials Warn of Stock Account Hacking Sep 21, 2009
Federal officials are investigating reports that hackers, often located in foreign countries, are using spyware to access U.S. customers' online stock accounts ... Federal officials are investigating reports that hackers - often located in foreign countries - are using spyware to access customers' online accounts. (Yahoo News -- Online Privacy)
Guide to Online Security Sep 20, 2009
Comprehensive, automated protection against viruses, hackers, spyware, and spam ... This indicator shows the level of reported malicious activity on the Internet, such as new viruses and spyware ... You usually need a specialized anti-adware or anti-spyware program to remove adware from your computer. (Yahoo News -- Online Privacy)
Citizen Webitor Sep 20, 2009
Citizen_Webitor wrote on Apr 10, 2009 12:23 PM:" Spyware and Trojans and Virii, oh my!The calls started coming in yesterday afternoon.Users of Kaspersky anti-virus were getting alerts about our web page trying to install a Trojan horse virus on their computers!Well, my geek cred was under attack. A virus on MY website? How embarrassing if it were true!Turns out it wasn't.A file called csshover.htc.php, which is used by our website to give hover element support to IE, was the supposed culprit.... (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Microsoft Sues Five Companies Over Malware Ads Sep 19, 2009
They are being charged with violations of the Washington Computer Spyware Act, the Washington Consumer Protection Act, and the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. In the case of Direct Ad, for example, the company placed an online ad with Microsoft for display on its MSN network. (Yahoo News -- Technology)
When the law chases the Internet Sep 19, 2009
And the latest worry to individual PC owners is a type of "spyware" that can remotely follow a person's keystrokes to steal a password or other vital information ... Another bill would provide protection against spyware intrusion on PCs. (Yahoo News -- Online Privacy)
TechTalk: How can you insure your company web browsing remains safe? Sep 18, 2009
Somehow, you've gotten infected with spyware or worse ... A centrally managed anti-virus and anti-spyware solution is another must ... Everyone is familiar with anti-virus software and should be with anti-spyware software as well. (Seacoast New Hampshire)
Full Story » Sep 18, 2009
Misdirected Spyware Infects Ohio Hospital by PC World: Yahoo ... Misdirected Spyware Infects Ohio Hospital ... A 38-year-old Avon Lake, Ohio, man is set to plead guilty to after spyware he allegedly meant to install on the computer of a woman he'd had a relationship with ended up infecting computers at Akron Children's Hospital. (Yahoo News -- Technology)
Spyware allows hackers to tap into cell phones Sep 16, 2009
He says the spyware commonly costs hundreds of dollars. It tracks everything. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR)
Identity Theft Prevention Sep 16, 2009
According to Javelin Strategy and Research, only 12% of fraud cases involved identity theft via online methods such as phishing, spyware or hacking. Most cases of identity theft is carried out via 'old fashioned' methods 'in the flesh' so to speak where the perpetrator is able to obtain hard copies of identification documents, look over someone's shoulder at the automatic teller machine (ATM), steal wallets and check books, or simply steal mail. (Suite101.com)
Victims of stalking can take control Sep 14, 2009
Her boyfriend put keystroke spyware on her computer to monitor her, gives out her address and phone number as his and shows up at her house, said the 49-year-old Augusta woman, whose identity is being withheld at her request to protect her from harm. "I moved to get away from all that mess, so I thought it would be OK to come back after a couple years," she said. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Tech.view: On the web at warp speed Sep 12, 2009
In so doing, viruses, Trojans, key-loggers and spyware are prevented from infecting the computer. The last time he wrote about such things, your correspondent fretted that, as the migration of computer applications from the desktop to the web (or cloud as it is now known) gathers pace, more and more of our personal and professional lives will be filtered through our browsers (see , March 27th). (The Economist)
Back-to-school tips to keep your family safe online Sep 12, 2009
Many of these "freebies," like games and wallpaper, include hidden spyware and adware programs ... Anti-virus and anti-spyware software as well as a two-way firewall will protect you from inadvertently accepting unwanted files attached to e-mails. (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
Restrictions on Chinese telecom equipment good for India? Sep 9, 2009
DoT officials reportedly asked Indian telecom companies to stop using China-made telecom equipment in sensitive border areas, as the Home Ministry and intelligence agencies are concerned that these equipment could have spyware or malware built into them capable of tracking voice and data traffic from a location outside the country. At the end of July, India's leading industry body Association of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) asked the government to levy import duty on... (Xinhuanet, China)
Comcast Fires Up 100-Mbps Business Tier Sep 9, 2009
Also included is McAfee Security Suite software with antivirus, spyware and firewall protection for 25 PCs. More Content. (Multichannel News)
Total Security isn't secure at all (5) Sep 9, 2009
(0) Total Security isn't secure at all Program offers to clean computers viruses, but is really spyware By PAULA BARRDaily Journal Staff Writer Tuesday, September 08, 2009 ... According to several Web sites on the Internet, Total Secure 2009 is a new rogue anti-spyware program that displays false results of its scan ... It is believed to be the latest counterfeit anti-spyware software that was created to destroy the Internet community. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
Selling Data on What Kids Say Sep 7, 2009
" At my request, the company provided where parents can opt out of the collection process. Spyware? David Perry of , which includes parental control tools in some of its security products, said he isn't aware of any other parental control products that capture this type of information. "This is a severe case of what we used to call spyware," he said. Perry worries that even though the software may not collect the names of the children, "those names could be included in some of the chat messages.... (CBS News)
Cybercrime victim? 3 telltale signs and what to do Sep 5, 2009
Sudden changes in your computer's performance can be a sign that it's infected with spyware, viruses and other forms of malicious software. Install and update your computer security software. (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
Birthday spoiler Sep 5, 2009
On the flip side, we have also seen an online explosion in the dark side of the human exploitation of technology; spam, viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, malware and phishing. The big question now is what does the next 40 years hold. (Asia Times Online)
To End Famine, Invest in Indigenous Crops Sep 3, 2009
The general computer user is familiar with viruses, Trojan horses, worms, and spyware among other programmes that cause harm to the operating system. As we talk about famine in Africa, we should take a moment to evaluate the hostile and intrusive programmes operating in the background as food aid in particular and aid in general run in the foreground. (allAfrica.com)
