security

One of the most anticipated aspects of the forthcoming Windows 7 will be its security features . According to Andrew Storms, director of security operations of nCircle Network Security, three specific security facets are the hot items to look for ... when first experimenting with Windows 7, due to be released tomorrow. More Secure, Less Bothersome The first new security improvement can be seen in the presentation of security measures. With Vista, people were always being asked to review their decisions via an "are you sure?" window request. With Windows 7, the user controls the extent with which ... (view more)

GSmartControl GSmartControl is a useful open source tool designed for the prevention of hard drive failure. Essentially a S.M.A.R.T. frontend client, GSmartControl will give you a close-up look at your disks, and predict 64% of failures before the ... drive fulfills its destiny as a paper-weight. http://www.freewarepharmacy.com Microsoft Security Essentials Microsoft Security Essentials provides real-time protection for your home PC and guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. Microsoft Security Essentials is always kept up to date so you can be assured your PC is protected ... (view more)

It's not often you hear about smartphones being infiltrated by hackers using phishing schemes, but a recent Research in Motion security fix is designed to prevent just that kind of issue. The Waterloo, Ontario-based Research in Motion, which ... produces the extremely popular BlackBerry smartphone, late last week issued a patch for a reported vulnerability which left many of its users susceptible to attack by phishing hackers. According to reports, the flaw could allow a remote hacker to fool a BlackBerry owner into visiting a malicious website with their handheld multimedia device. A BlackBerry ... (view more)

IObit Security 360 IObit Security 360 is an advanced malware and spyware removal utility that detects and removes deep infections, while helping to protecting your PC from future spyware outbreaks. With its unique Dual-Core engine and heuristic ... malware detection, Security 360 is able to detect complex malware quickly and efficiently. Other features include real-time malware protection and frequent automatic updating for prevention of zero-day security threats. Works with existing antivirus and anti-spyware utilities, offering an extra layer of protection. 100% freeware. http://download.iobit. ... (view more)

A zero-day or "0day" attack is a computer threat that tries to exploit computer application vulnerabilities for which no security fix is yet available. Zero-day exploits are used by attackers before the software vendor knows about the vulnerability. ... The term derives from the age of the exploit. When a vendor becomes aware of a security hole, there is a race to close it before attackers discover it or the vulnerability becomes public. A "zero day" attack occurs on or before the first or "zeroth" day of vendor awareness, meaning the vendor has not had any opportunity to disseminate a security ... (view more)

Microsoft yesterday released a package of five Security Bulletins offering fixes for a total of eight vulnerabilities. While it's news worth celebrating, unfortunately the software company has also failed to address three other zero-day ... vulnerabilities . Browse And Get Owned, Drive-By Attacks Addressed All five of the Security Bulletins Microsoft has addressed were outlined in September and deemed "critical" -- the highest level of concern. Three out of five of the issues taken care of by Microsoft fix issues associated with "browse-and-get-owned" attacks, otherwise known as " drive-by" ... (view more)

In an effort to expedite stolen personal identities and financial records of unsuspecting users, online deviants are using an Instant Messaging component of their attack software, coupled malware. According to RSA Security, the Zeus Trojan informs ... hackers when their desired information has been poached. With Zeus, hackers can act faster in completing their time-sensitive illegal acts, which could lead to even more victims being targeted. Internet security firms are very familiar with the Zeus Trojan, blaming it for an endless trail of online bank account heists. Most believe Zeus is the ... (view more)

Here's the good and bad news on the upcoming Microsoft's monthly Windows Update: the good news is that Microsoft only has five security problems to fix. The bad news is that they are all marked critical. Patch is Due Next Tuesday, but Few Details In ... an unusual move, the company isn't releasing any details about the problems which are being fixed in the next Patch Tuesday update, scheduled for release next week. It's possible the firm doesn't want to tip off hackers who might try to exploit the problems before the fixes are released, but it's unusual that Microsoft wouldn't at least outline ... (view more)

A campaign group known as The Free Software Foundation (FSF) has accused Microsoft and its upcoming Windows 7 operating system of seven sins against freedom. The freedom in this case does not pertain to whether or not companies charge for their ... software, but rather the way it affects the user's rights to control their software. The group has written an open letter and sent it to CEOs of 499 of the leading 500 corporations asking them to consider carefully whether or not to upgrade to Windows 7. Of course, the FSF didn't think it was worth sending the copy to Microsoft, though oddly enough, a ... (view more)

NOTE: Be sure to grab the our supplemental reports 'Top 8 Freeware Antivirus Reviewed' and 'Top 10 PC Security Essentials' at the end of this article to learn how to better protect your PC online -- or click here to go to our Top 10 Reports now! If ... you're a fan of Jessica Biel, you may want to take care when searching for her name online. She's the celebrity whose name is most likely to produce spyware infected search results. The news was revealed by security firm McAfee, which has carried out a survey of the most dangerous search terms based on individuals for the past three years. Paris ... (view more)