threats

Fri
11
Nov
John Lister's picture

Study: Microsoft Defender Too Reliant on Internet

A new study suggests Microsoft Defender's effectiveness varies dramatically on the setting. It's one of the best for online-based threats, but among the worst performers for offline-based threats. The study is from AV Comparatives, which runs ... regular tests on more than a dozen leading cyber security tools. (Source: av-comparatives.org ) The results for Microsoft Defender are particular noteworthy for two reasons. First, it's the default, built-in tool for modern versions of Windows, meaning hundreds of millions of people use it. Second, it's often argued that Defender does a good enough job ... (view more)

Mon
29
Mar
Dennis Faas's picture

Someone Threatening to Post Video, Pics? Here's What to Do

Infopackets Reader Franco I. writes: " Dear Dennis, Someone is threatening to post a video of me on Facebook . A few weeks ago I was on Omegle (a chat website) and suddenly, a girl sent me a private message. After 30 minutes or so into the ... conversation, things started getting hot and heavy. That's when she requested we move over to Google Hangouts to continue. Once there, we went into video chat and she was already fully unclothed. She then asked me to participate. Not long after that, the video chat ended abruptly and that's when she made threats to ruin my life, my career, and my reputation ... (view more)

Fri
26
Mar
Dennis Faas's picture

Blackmailed on Google Hangouts? Here's What to Do

Infopackets Reader Shane J. writes: " Dear Dennis, I found your article on Google after researching the Facebook blackmail scam . I desperately need help - I have fallen victim to a similar scam, known as the Google Hangouts Blackmail scam . Two ... days ago I received a friend request from a beautiful woman on Facebook who lives in my city. We started messaging back and forth, and within 20 minutes of the chat, she sent some revealing photos of herself. She then requested we go to Google Hangouts to continue chatting. I then entered into a video chat where she was fully unclothed and touching ... (view more)

Fri
07
Sep
Dennis Faas's picture

Scammed by Live PC Expert? Here's What to Do

Infopackets Reader Elliot D. writes: " Dear Dennis, I'm reaching out to you because I've been scammed by Live PC Experts (livepcexpert.com). Back in February this year an error message appeared, stating that my computer was infected and I needed to ... call 855 631 4214 to fix it. The tech I spoke with had a very thick Indian accent and said my computer was infected with the Zeus Trojan. They then offered me a 5 year support contract for $500 and said they would fix the problem; that was in February this year. I paid them by check because they said my credit card was being attacked by hackers and ... (view more)

Mon
20
Apr
Dennis Faas's picture

CryptoPrevent Review: Does it Prevent CryptoLocker?

Infopackets Reader Tina M. writes: " Dear Dennis, Regarding CryptoLocker , can you tell me if the software program CryptoPrevent can actually remove CryptoLocker and other ransomware infections? In other words, does CryptoPrevent actually work? Or ... is there a better way to prevent and remove CryptoLocker if I get infected? " My response: Similar to antivirus, CryptoPrevent is software that helps to prevent CryptoLocker and similar ransomware infections. It does not remove the infection if you become infected. If you do become infected, the only 100% fail safe way to undo the damage ... (view more)

Tue
04
Dec
Dennis Faas's picture

Security Essentials: Effectiveness Dropping Fast

Microsoft Security Essentials is a free antivirus software tool, which makes it a tempting download for many Internet users. However, a new report suggests it will protect computers only from two in every three or so worm, virus, or Trojan horse ... threats. An independent computer security lab based in Germany recently carried out tests of Security Essentials' effectiveness in detecting and removing security threats affecting Microsoft's popular Windows 7 operating system (OS). The lab is affiliated with AV-Test, an independent security institute that performs tests of security products every ... (view more)

Fri
12
Oct
Dennis Faas's picture

Windows 7 Malware Threats Rising Fast: Report

According to a new report from Microsoft, Windows 7 and Windows XP users are now facing more malware threats than ever before. Meanwhile, the number of malware programs designed to infect Vista machines is decreasing. Microsoft released these ... findings in its semi-annual Security Intelligence Report, which provides a review of security threats and infections faced by users of Microsoft products during the first half of 2012. Threats to Windows 7, XP On the Increase In the report, Microsoft says the average number of Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) machines infected by malware rose by 23 per ... (view more)

Thu
06
Sep
Dennis Faas's picture

Beware 'Win 8 Security System' Scareware: McAfee

With firms like Dell unveiling new products that run the upcoming Windows 8 operating system (OS), set for release in late October 2012, interest in Microsoft's newest OS is steadily mounting. However, the growing buzz could benefit hackers, who -- ... as always -- will be seeking to take advantage of public interest in a new software product. That's why it's not surprising that PC security firm McAfee claims to have found a fake antivirus and anti-spyware software utility that calls itself the "Win 8 Security System." Fake Security Software Claims to Keep Windows 8 Systems Safe McAfee says ... (view more)

Wed
21
Sep
Dennis Faas's picture

Webroot Internet Security Essentials 2011 Review

Update 2011/09/20: save 50% off the full retail price of Webroot Internet Security Essentials (WISE) -- regular $59.95, now only $29.95 USD. This deal expires Friday, Sept 30, 2011 at 11:59PM EST -- so don't wait! This is an excellent deal on ... excellent software. Included is a 30 day money back guarantee. Proceeds support our site! Read on to find out if WISE is for you! Is it time to renew your security software subscription? Are you unsatisfied with your current coverage? In that case, it might be worth taking a closer look at Webroot Internet Security Essentials, which is currently being ... (view more)

Thu
15
Sep
Dennis Faas's picture

Webroot Internet Security Essentials Review

Update 2011/10/25: Announcing a new version has been released -- Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus 2012. Buy now and get 3 months FREE! Risk Free -- Guaranteed for 70 Days or Your Money Back. Proceeds support our site. Is it time to renew your ... security software subscription? Are you unsatisfied with your current coverage? In that case, it might be worth taking a closer look at Webroot Internet Security Essentials. Read on to find out what we think of Webroot's take on security software, dubbed "Internet Security Essentials". Readers Question: What is The Best Internet Security ... (view more)

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