New Kirk Ransomware Uses Star Trek As Its Theme

April 13th, 2017

Who says hackers don’t have a flair for style?

Security searchers at Avast, makers of a popular antivirus software, have stumbled across a new strain of ransomware that utilizes a Star Trek theme.

Although the new Python-based malware is not known to have ensnared any victims yet, the security bulletin is making the rounds to keep IT professionals informed about its potential.

Newer Processors Ineligible For Security Updates On Windows 7, 8

April 12th, 2017

Are you one of the holdouts still running Windows 7 or 8? If so, you should know that if you upgrade your processor to the very latest, you will no longer be able to receive automatic software updates.

For clarification, Microsoft formally terminated support for Windows 7 in January 2015, regardless of what processor you’re using.

Attack On Health Firm Speaks To Real Threat For Everyone

April 10th, 2017

On March 22, Urology Austin became the second medical company to suffer from a major breach. It was a particularly nasty one, combining data theft with a ransomware attack that impacted more than a quarter million users.

To its credit, the company took immediate, decisive action.

Network Password Security May Be Getting Overlooked

April 8th, 2017

Today’s corporate networks look so different from the networks of yesteryear that they’re almost not even comparable any more.

In olden times, when the personal computer was a relatively new invention and networks were just beginning to form, they were homogenous and tightly controlled.

LastPass Vulnerability May Have Exposed Passwords On Certain Browsers

April 7th, 2017

Tavis Ormandy is either the first, or the last person on the planet you ever want to get an email from, depending on your point of view. As Google’s best, most prolific bug-hunter, he’s constantly on the prowl for security flaws that could be exploited by hackers that could put your data at risk.

Bot Activity Is Running Rampant On The Internet

April 6th, 2017

Just how bad it bot activity on the net? How much traffic is generated by bots, and how big of a problem is that for business owners? The answers will surprise and dismay you.

According to the annual “Bad Bot Report” published by a company called Distil, Bot activity accounted for 40% of all traffic on the internet in 2016, increasing by 7% from the 2015 figures.

Say Goodbye To Windows Vista Security Updates

April 5th, 2017

Just a friendly reminder: if you still have a system running Windows Vista, time is running out to upgrade. Windows has announced the official EOL (End of Life) date for the OS as April 11, 2017. As of that date, there will be no more software updates, period.

Popular Browser Toolbar May Contain Malware

April 3rd, 2017

Ask.com is one of the internet’s oldest properties. It is not as well-known as the titans of the web (Google, Yahoo, etc.) but almost everyone who has spent any time at all on the internet is familiar with the brand, and its popular browser-based toolbar, distributed by the APN (Ask Partner Network) is used by millions.