Computer Safety & News

Trend Micro updates further developments for Java security attacks. Oracle is improving Java security over time and this documents new sophistication in current approaches: http://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs-security-intelligence/java-native-layer-exploits-going-up/ QUOTE: Recently, security researchers disclosed two Java native layer exploits (CVE-2013-2465 and CVE-2013-2471). This caused us too look into native layer exploits more closely, as they have been becoming more […]

Facebook will be updating their privacy policy in early September as noted below https://www.facebook.com/notes/facebook-site-governance/proposed-updates-to-our-governing-documents/10153167395945301 http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/08/29/facebook-to-update-privacy-policy-but-adjusting-settings-is-no-easier/ QUOTE: We are proposing updates to two important legal documents – our Data Use Policy and our Statement of Rights and Responsibilities. These two documents tell you about how we collect and use data, and the rules that apply when […]

Mobile phone users should exercise caution as malicious applications are circulating with many noted in China app download centers http://securitywatch.pcmag.com/mobile-security/315218-nearly-7-000-malicious-android-apps-infest-china-s-appstores QUOTE: The independent testing lab AV-Comparatives has released the results of a six-month long study of third-party Android app stores. They found that most of the dangerous apps are concentrated in Chinese stores, and encountered […]

Microsoft’s direct support for Windows XP ends on April 8, 2014.   All home & corporate users should prepare in advance and migrate to Windows 7 or 8 well ahead of this event. http://technet.microsoft.com/library/dn283963.aspx QUOTE:  It has been twelve years since the release of Windows XP and the world has changed so much since then.  Internet usage has grown […]

Key links were featured in AUGUST 2013 Microsoft Security newsletter: http://technet.microsoft.com/library/dn283963.aspx?ocid=wc-nl-secnews Windows 8 Security Overview Familiarize yourself with the enterprise-grade security features in Windows 8 that can protect your devices and data from unauthorized access and threats like malware. Looking for information on what’s changed in security in Windows 8.1? See What’s New in Windows […]

Department of Homeland Security released concerns on growing threat of Android malware and need for improved security controls http://info.publicintelligence.net/DHS-FBI-AndroidThreats.pdf http://securitywatch.pcmag.com/security/315327-homeland-security-worried-about-android-security-they-probably-should-read-securitywatch QUOTE:  A report from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security shows that the government is becoming increasingly concerned about Android security threats. If the feds are grappling with how to keep Android phones secure, maybe they […]

Facecrooks security notes new version of this scam currently circulating.  Facebook does not track who views user profiles (and FB users should avoid this) http://facecrooks.com/Scam-Watch/Your-Recent-Profile-Viewers-Facebook-Scam.html QUOTE: First off, the sketchy domain name you are redirected to should be a huge red flag. If you choose to continue then you are taken to a Facebook application […]

A highly realistic email phishing attack led to compromises in website and DNS settings by hackers as described in links: http://www.theverge.com/2013/8/28/4668346/new-york-times-twitter-hack-linked-to-phishing-email-syrian-electronic-army http://blog.cloudflare.com/details-behind-todays-internet-hacks QUOTE:  The dust is still settling from yesterday’s attacks on Twitter and the New York Times, but observers have already gained valuable insight into the methods that made the hacks possible. The LA […]

Trend Micro provides an excellent recap in this post: http://blog.trendmicro.com/trendlabs-security-intelligence/how-can-social-engineering-training-work-effectively/ QUOTE: One particular aspect of DEF CON that always gets some media coverage is the Social Engineering Capture the Flag (SECTF) contest, where participants use nothing more than a phone call to get victims at various Fortune 500 to give up bits of information. These […]

A new application for Windows 7 /8 has just been released that fully indexes all 800 pages into a searchable format. This is an excellent resource for security professionals http://blogs.technet.com/b/security/archive/2013/08/14/new-microsoft-security-intelligence-report-application-for-windows.aspx QUOTE: Today we are pleased to announce the availability of a new Microsoft Security Intelligence Report (SIR) desktop application. This app works on Windows 7 […]