Back in June, we told you about Microsoft’s free code-named anti-virus, anti-malware, solution being opened to beta testers. Now that those guinea pigs have put it through the ringer, MSE is going live for all users today, meaning that there’s no excuse for not having protection installed on your computer, whether you pay for it or use Microsoft’s free tool. But why pay for what’s free?

The software uses Microsoft’s own Dynamic Signature Service which fingerprints threats constantly, without having to wait for new definitional updates. The tool is low-resource, and minimizes CPU and memory usage while the computer in use. Of course, the biggest advantage will come when the vast majority of users have installed the software, preventing the spread of malware between users. While Microsoft has no plans to push MSE out to its users, the real benefit will come when it decides to do so.

MSE has remained largely unchanged since the beta tests, and requires no registration, trials or renewals and will be available for download directly from Microsoft for XP SP2 through Windows 7, although users will have to pass a Windows Genuine Advantage test to download the product.

There are many dangerous things you can do in your life like going wand to wand with a wizard who wants to Avada Kadavra your ass. For the rest of us, our average everyday lives are typically much more mundane, so the most dangerous thing we do is bury our nose in a Harry Potter book we’ve read seven times over while walking through a crosswalk.

But, did you know that merely googling “Harry Potter” right now can be dangerous? In fact, with the release of “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” imminent, googling Harry Potter is almost a surefire way to land yourself in trouble “" and we’re not even talking about finding Daniel Radcliffe’s nudie pics from Equus.

Sketchy criminals are making fake websites that promise a link where you can “watch Harry Potter for free” “" and in the midst of a recession, who doesn’t want to save $10? They then fill the blog post with lots of comments lauding the virtues of the page. Link to a page full of screenshots from the movie, and prompt the user to install a “streamviewer.” One more click, and Accio! Your computer is now full of malware, and you’re still going to have to pay $10 to see the movie.

Presented like this, most Internet users would swear they would never fall for something this obvious, but the truth is that they do, and that’s why these techniques are still being used. This is complicated by the fact that the criminals are using the dreaded search engine optimization techniques to push their sites up Google’s result listings, and submitting their sites to Digg and Reddit, and pushing the files onto P2P networks.

The best way to protect yourself is something we’ve suggested to you before, and we’ll suggest to you again. Get‚  decent malware and virus scanners, such as the ones offered by PC Tools, and use them. We searched for any number of Harry Potter related terms writing this article and we didn’t die, so obviously the simple act isn’t inherently dangerous. Just be careful and smart.

And then there’s also the whole not being a sketchball and trying to download the movie illegally thing too. We’ll be with you at midnight tonight to see “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.”

Some of us are lucky enough to work in small companies with lots of freedom. A blessed few of us even get to work from home in our pajamas. Point being, we’re free to install and run which ever programs we want, and protecting ourselves from the perils of the Internet is up to how careful we are on what we clock and how up to date our anti-virus software is. (Or we just run Macs.)

Most people though work for companies or use computers at schools and libraries that like to (rightfully) protect their electronic and intellectual property, and tend to engage in IT lockdown. How does this happen? You might be surprised at how it all works.

To start with, Windows comes with many IT solutions baked in. We recall that our high school disabled the “Properties” menu on the background after one too many phallic backgrounds made in MS Paint. Some companies go so far as to lock you into a single program and disable your right-click because you supposedly shouldn’t need it. This started with computer controlled cash registers at retail stores, but has grown to a surprising other collection of computers, such as the ones that customer service representative run at the phone banks.

Windows also comes with the ability to prevent installers (.msi files) from running. This works to keep employees from wasting all day on AIM, but not all programs come with installers”"in fact, most malicious software comes in the form of the simple executable (.exe files). This is where programs like Faronics Anti-Executable come in. The program, which runs in the background, prevents all executables that aren’t on a whitelist from running. This drastic but highly effective method prevents any program that is explicitly allowed to run from doing so.

This stops everything from e-mail embedded Trojans to Outlook hijacking malware from running. The program even comes with a one-click set up solution that sets up the whitelist according the programs running on a sample computer”"useful as long as you’re absolutely sure that computer has never been compromised.

Of course, the best thing to arm yourself with is a good education. Don’t open attachments or click on links from people you don’t know. Be careful when installing anything, especially when you’re at work. Don’t attempt to circumvent the IT lockdown you might be under at work either. At best, you might get a virus; at worst, you could lose your job”"probably not worth installing TweetDeck over. So use your best judgment, and wear”"er, um, install, your protection.

Are those “Get a Mac” ads that always talk about how your PC is always infested with horrible viruses and spyware annoying you yet? Well, they’re certainly annoying Microsoft.

Ever since XP Service Pack 2, the company has always strongly suggested that users should install anti-virus software, displaying one of those nagging yellow bubbles in the taskbar. Before, the only tool Microsoft offered was its Windows Defender software, a free download which protects users from spyware related assaults. Now, largely in response to the never ending onslaught of new security threats, Microsoft is getting ready to release its first full blown anti-malware software, Microsoft Security Essentials.

Originally codenamed Morro, the software will offer a full range of virus and malware removal as well as real time protection. While Windows Defender offered spyware protection, this addition of protection from viruses will make this a solid, complete solution, especially considering it will be available free.

Of course, to avoid even more anti-trust issues, the software can’t be bundled directly with Windows, so exactly how Microsoft intends to “strongly suggest” that users download the software, free it may be, is yet to be seen. Also of note is that installation of the software will require users to use the Genuine Advantage program.

Leaked yesterday, the program itself is very lightweight and has very low system requirements”"all good things for a program you’ll have to keep running 24/7. ‚ As we said, this new offering will be a free downloadable addition to all Windows versions, XP through 7, when it’s released this fall. Before then though, Microsoft is opening the product (link not yet live) to 75,000 beta testers on June 23, if you want to test putting your security in Microsoft’s control.

Security software vendor PC Tools says that February presents a new risk to consumers who frequent virtual networking websites and who are searching for love online-a group otherwise known as the “digitally active.”

On January 23, PC Tools reported on a new computer worm disguised as a Valentine’s Day program: Waledac worm victims can be infected through links distributed in email or instant messages that redirect consumers to exploited websites, which allows cybercriminals to gain control over the user’s computer.

PC Tools says the “digitally active” are in a higher risk category than other consumers because they frequently use new and alternative ‚ technologies to look for love, such as instant messaging, social networking, dating and adult web sites, popular targets for cybercriminals. According to a recent study by Web of Trust of 19 million web sites, adult websites pose the single most significant security threat for Internet users.

The “digitally active” are also regularly posting their personal information on social networking and dating websites, only to wake up the “morning after” to find their computer has been compromised and that they are a potential victim for identity theft and financial loss.

Here’s a little checklist:

• Do you visit adult websites?
• Do you use your credit card to purchase items when you visit?
• Do you have your birth date, street address, or any other personal information listed on any social networking sites or dating sites?
• Do you often open links through IM or email?
• Do you access the Internet without protection (i.e. security software, browser and firewall protection)?

“Answering ‘yes’ increases a user’s vulnerability to DTD’s,” said Greene.‚  “That’s why PC Tools has developed a list of common sense tips so the ‘digitally active’ can play safe while online.”

PC Tools’ tips for playing it safe for the “Digitally Active.”

1. PRACTICE SAFE EX-CHANGES – Be careful with e- cards

While many people trade e- cards on Valentine’s Day, birthdays and special occasions, be careful about opening e-cards and the associated links-even during an IM or social networking chat. Check the address of the link carefully before clicking on it. If the email or IM is from an address you are unfamiliar with or the link is to a Web site you are unfamiliar with, don’t open it-you could be exposing yourself to a DTD. Likewise, confirm with your friend that they have sent you a file or link to confirm its legitimacy.

2. LOOK FOR LOVE IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES – Looks can be deceiving…

Just as our virtual networking techniques become increasingly sophisticated so too are the techniques applied by cybercriminals such that it is increasingly difficult to tell the difference between legitimate websites and hacker-created websites.‚ Both adult and dating Websites are known to have a high incidence of malicious code that could steal your identity and finances. It is also important to note that legitimate and reputable sites have also been a target for cybercriminals-be warned, looks can be deceiving! To avoid this, first be on the alert and be aware, only visit and download from websites that are recommended by well-known and reputable sources and never visit any website without protection.

3. DON’T BECOME DATE BAIT AND OVERLY PROMISCUOUS – Don’t give out too many personal details

Social networking, Instant Messaging (IM) accounts, adult websites and online dating sites should only require your basic contact details (for example, name, billing address and contact number) to register for services.‚  Consumers should demonstrate caution if a website requests too much information. Contact them by phone to find out why they need so much information, how they plan to use it and if they have a privacy and security policy to protect you and use your commonsense when updating an online profile. Also, don’t be complacent and use the auto-complete feature in your browser to save your passwords, logins or other personal information-its prime real estate for the cybercriminals.

4. KISS AND TELL – Keep records all online transactions

If a website requires payment for any reason, check out its refund policies, privacy policy and legal notices. These documents should be readily available on the company’s websites and are a good indication that a site is reputable.‚ Consumers should always print and save records of any online transactions, including the product or service description, price and the receipt of payment. If the site turns out to be fraudulent, you’ll need this information to advise the relevant authorities in order to try to get your money back. If you are going to transact online then have a separate credit card for online purchases only that has a low credit limit and is not linked to any other accounts.

5. PRACTICE CONSENTUAL UPDATING – Ensure your computer is up to date

Software companies continually issue updates to fix new security flaws, ensure you update your operating system, browser and security software regularly. Also use a web browser that is known to be relatively safe from Internet threats and vulnerabilities to ensure your computer isn’t exposed to threats where your personal and financial details, as well as your browsing habits, can be accessed by cybercriminals.

6. ALWAYS USE PROTECTION – Install comprehensive security protection

Finally, when being active, both online and offline, always use protection! There are tools consumers can use to protect themselves from DTD’s like spyware, viruses, Trojans, rootkits, and other malware. Leading independent publications recommend installing comprehensive behavior-based security software such as PC Tools Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus or PC Tools Internet Security.

Make sure your security product of choice has real-time protection, proactive behavioral protection, which helps protect against new and unknown threats, an advanced firewall to block unauthorized parties trying to access your computer via the Internet and browser protection which warns you about potentially malicious sites and identifies browser exploits.

Get a free copy of PC Tools’ Internet Security Suite 2009 on the Blast Magazine freebies page!

]]> http://blastmagazine.com/the-magazine/technology/do-you-have-a-digitally-transmitted-disease/feed/ 1 http://blastmagazine.com/the-magazine/technology/retro-command-antivirus/ http://blastmagazine.com/the-magazine/technology/retro-command-antivirus/#comments Fri, 01 Feb 2008 07:00:00 +0000 The Review Center http://blastmagazine.com/2008/02/retro-command-antivirus/

This review originally appeared on Reviewcenter.com and Sharewarejunkies.com in 1998. It was rock-solid software that still exists today.

By John Guilfoil

Command Software pretty much created a winner with this one. Command Antivirus with F-PROT Professional is an affordable, high quality mercenary that will set out and battle any fiendish viral vermin that threaten your beloved system.

The software is packed up with the latest features including detection of Macro and Polymorphic viruses, detection of 100% of known viruses with a user friendly interface and Y2K and Windows 98 compliance.

Command Antivirus works on a multitude of operating systems and is rather easy to install and run. I recommend it highly, especially for computers with net access.

All computers should have Virus protection and Command Antivirus is one of the better among the many good ones out there.

Quick hits:

Publisher: Command Software
Developer: Command Software
Platform: PC
Genre: Utility/Antivirus

Technical Requirements:
Works with most desktop and server configurations including Windows, Unix, Solaris, OS/2 and Linux

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars



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