If we just ran computer virus alerts, we'd do nothing else, and this isn't a computer virus alert site. However, we've been getting warnings from so many quarters about some new stuff out there, we know all you folks with PC's <Mac owner snicker> are vulnerable, and Altadena's Steve Bass (columnist for PC World) explains the latest stuff succinctly:
There are three variations and all have one thing in mind — luring me into getting zapped with a nasty payload.
The first has a link to an authentic-looking CNN alert. Click the link (no, don't! — I was speaking metaphorically) and you'll land on a malware-hosting site that attempts to download a malicious executable onto your PC. Read Fake CNN Alert Still Spreading Malware for details.
I've also received a smattering of e-mails created by clueless cretins, dopes who haven't taken the time to run a spell checker on their even dopier messages. One tells me my FedEx package hasn't been delivered, so click on the attached ZIPed Trojan to print the invoice. What caught my eye was the tracking number in the subject line and I worry that some of you (me included) might not pay attention to the message and click the link.
But the most malevolent of the bunch had a "click to watch the video" link that purportedly leads to MSNBC's site, but actually sweeps you to a malware site that insists you need to update Flash in order to watch the video. Too many people probably do need to update their Flash applet, so this fool thing is a real temptation. But click the "adobe_flash.exe" upgrade and you'll get nailed by the EncPk-DA Trojan. You can get a full explanation of the depth and breadth of this exploit in Fake News Bulletin Spreads Malware.
Protect Yourself with These Freebies
Worried about malware? You should be, yet I'm guessing you know all the stuff. Heck, you've heard it dozens of times: Don't click on links in e-mail; instead, if you're told your PayPal or Amazon (or whatever) account needs attention, go to the site directly by typing the URL into your browser. If an e-mail suggests you open an attachment, use your intuitive skills and common sense, and run like hell.
If you don't have protection against malware, at a minimum, grab AVG, Comodo Firewall Pro, and with 8 million downloads, everyone's favorite (expect me), Spybot Search & Destroy, all freebies. (I'm still happy with $20 Counterspy.)
One tool too few people know about, and one I've mentioned on this list before, is SpywareBlaster. It's an application that blocks over 10,000 malware sites and tracking cookies while you're browsing. I wrote about SpywareBlaster recently in Ten Tools to Make Windows Shine.
Super protection from 10,000 nasty sites
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Copyright 2008 by Steve Bass, reprinted with permission.
