Friday, August 15, 2008
Computer hackers are trying to compromise network security using fake antivirus products which clandestinely install malware on machines using the software.
Such is the claim of WebUser, which has quoted web security researchers as saying that users are targeted by spam email campaigns encouraging them to click on a link purporting to relate to a celebrity scandal.
At that point, a popup message appears onscreen informing the user that their machine has been compromised by a virus and urging them to download antivirus protection to remove it.
In fact, the antivirus product is a trojan horse program which further undermines system security.
"Perhaps it's because this is the time of the year when the more legitimate security suites are releasing their latest software updates," said network security analyst Paul Oliveria.
In other developments, the Los Angeles Times has alerted users to a spam email campaign claiming to originate from major news sources such as MSNBC and CNN in which it states that Elizabeth Taylor has been murdered.
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Despite more intelligent IT managers and security programs, there was a rise in data-loss incidents last year when compared to 2007.
Google one of the worst spam providers - 1.7.2009
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European police forces encouraged to hack? - 1.6.2009
In an effort to gain some ground on cybercriminals, it appears police forces all over Europe are being encouraged to "resort to remote searches" as another mode of surveillance, BBC News reports.
Online propaganda war escalates - 1.6.2009
More than 10,000 websites have been defaced or compromised by hackers in an effort to show their pro-Palestinian support during the ongoing Gaza Strip conflict.
