Ransomware : A new kind of Maleware

Ransomware is a kind of malware (malicious software) that criminals install on your computer so they can lock it from a remote location. 

Ransomware generates a pop-up window, webpage, or email warning from what looks like an official authority. It explains that your computer has been locked because of possible illegal activities on it and demands payment before you can access your files and programs again.

e.g.

How do criminals install ransomware?

Ransomware is usually installed when you open a malicious email attachment or when you click a malicious link in an email message or instant message or on a social networking site or other website. Ransomware can even be installed when you visit a malicious website.

How do I avoid ransomware?

There are several free ways to help protect your computer against ransomware and other malware:

• Keep all of the software on your computer up to date. Make sure automatic updating is turned on to get all the latest Microsoft security updates.
• Keep your firewall turned on.
• Don't open spam email messages or click links on suspicious websites.
  How do I remove a ransomware infection from my computer?
  Here are two methods on how you may be able to remove a ransomware infection from your computer.
  Method 1: Use the Microsoft Safety Scanner
  
  
  Before you begin, you will need to have access to a computer that is not infected and is connected to the Internet, so you can download a copy of the Microsoft Safety Scanner.
  
  
  Try to restart your computer in safe mode. Here's how:
  In Windows 7
  In Windows Vista
  In Windows XP
  If you are able to restart your computer in safe mode, run the Microsoft Safety Scanner in your computer.
  Restart your computer after running the Microsoft Safety Scanner.
  If this resolves your ransomware infection, follow these steps to take once your computer has been cleaned.
  If this does not resolve your ransomware infection, follow Method 2.
  Method 2: Use Windows Defender Offline
  
  
  Before you begin: you will need to have access to a computer that is not infected and is connected to the Internet, so you can download a copy of Windows Defender Offline.
  
  
  The way Windows Defender Offline works, is by allowing you to:
  
  
  Download a copy of the tool from a computer that has access to the Internet
  Save a copy of the recovery tool to a removable drive, in order to create bootable media
  Run the recovery tool on a compromised computer
  Note: Windows Defender Offline is not a replacement for a full antivirus solution providing ongoing protection. It is meant to be used in situations where you cannot start or scan your infected computer due to a virus or other malware actively running on the computer and impeding antimalware software.
  
  
  Here's how to use Windows Defender Offline:
  
  
  Determine if you require the 32-bit or 64-bit download. See the Microsoft Help and Support article for instructions on how to check if your infected computer is running a 32- or 64-bit version of Windows.
  Using a computer that can connect to the Internet, download the version of the Windows Defender Offline that applies to your infected computer.
  
  
  If your computer is a: 
  
  
  - 32-bit computer, then download the 32-bit version here. 
  - 64-bit computer, then download the 64-bit version here.
  
  
  Note: For the recovery tool to be effective, make sure you download the version that matches your infected computer. For example, if your 64-bit desktop is affected, you will need to download the 64-bit version of Windows Defender Offline and save it to a removable drive.
  Save the downloaded file to a local drive on your computer.
  Launch the downloaded file, and create a bootable device by following the instructions on the wizard. We recommend creating a bootable USB or CD; if you create a bootable USB, this can be updated for future use.
  From the infected computer, boot from the USB or CD you created in step 4. You may need to set the boot order in the BIOS to do this. This is device specific, so if you are unsure, refer to your system manual or manufacturer.
  Follow the prompts to run a full system scan. Depending on the outcome of the scan, your next steps will vary. Follow the prompts from Windows Defender Offline to manage any threat detections.
  If this resolves your ransomware infection, follow these steps to take once your computer has been cleaned.
  
  
  source: http://www.microsoft.com/security/portal/shared/ransomware.aspx

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Hackers break into Rancho Mirage's website

Rancho Mirage — The home page of the city of Rancho Mirage website was hacked late Monday by a group calling itself “Team ShadowSec” — which left a message in support of the Occupy movement and against a proposed federal anti-piracy law.
“Your security is inferior. Your website has been seized, because we come with an important message,” the statement began.
“I don't suppose it's a sign of super strength, but if they can break into the Department of Defense website, I guess we're all vulnerable to some extent,” Mayor Dana Hobart said of the breach.
Sarah Steepleton, information services manager for Rancho Mirage, said she was alerted first thing Tuesday morning, and the normal home page was restored by 8:05 a.m.
The message left by the hacker or hackers says the group will “defend Occupy by defacing sites with our message, releasing information of cops, hacking all number of .gov sites, taking down police infrastructure, and most dangerous of all, telling the truth.”
The statement went on to threaten similar actions against the Stop Online Piracy Act, which critics say could limit access to such sites.The message was signed by “Agent_Anon, for Team ShadowSec,” alongside a Guy Fawkes mask.A few scattered references to Team ShadowSec were found via a Google search Tuesday.One hacked page, on the website for Crown Parts and Machine Inc., had the same signature and Guy Fawkes mask, but no other text.Steepleton said no other pages on the city's site, www.ranchomirageca.gov, were hacked.
The website is hosted by Rancho Mirage-based firm e-work media. An employee said Tuesday that the company could not comment.Steepleton said Tuesday there had been no discussion of changing Web hosts.
“No, no talk of that, probably just reviewing our security and making sure it's up to date.”
http://www.mydesert.com/article/20120118/NEWS0801/201180318/Hackers-break-into-Rancho-Mirage-s-website

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2012 Best Computer Protection Software Comparisons and Reviews

Today, it isn’t uncommon for one person to own a smartphone, tablet, laptop and a desktop. These devices keep us constantly connected to the web, and they house our media collections, documents, files, software and other personal information. Because these computing devices contain so much of our personal lives, they have become prime targets for cybercriminals or virus. With identity theft ,cybercrime and virus affecting increasingly more people, it is crucial that you protect all your devices from virus so you can keep your personal information personal. To save yourself from virus, the hassle of finding a different application for each of your computing devices, sintuhack guide  about all-in-one computer protection software.

             All-in-one computer protection provides one license to protect all the devices you need to secure: computers, tablets and smartphones from virus and from cyber crimnal as well as from malware. Having similar antivirus computer security keeps a familiar and user-friendly interface consistent throughout all of your devices and offers a much larger selection of features and protection technology.

Why Buy All-in-One Computer Protection Software?

With identity theft and cybercrime and virus  affecting increasingly more people, it is crucial that you protect all your devices from virus ,malware so you can keep your personal information personal. To save yourself from virus ,malware the hassle of finding a different application for each of your computing devices

Many of the best all-in-one computer virus protection apps can provide security for Apple products such as MacBooks, iMacs, iPhones and iPads. Even though Apple devices are less susceptible to being infected with malicious malware, it is better to be safe than sorry. Plus, having strong protection on your Apple product keeps you from inadvertently passing dangerous threats to other devices.

All-in-One Computer Protection Software: What to Look For

When it comes to keeping all your computing devices and the data stored within them safe from virus ,malware, your average computer security software will not do. You need to find an all-in-one application that will cover the wide range of devices you own and additionally shield your data from any known or unknown threat from virus ,malware. Antivirus software is only as good as the protection it offers from virus ,malware.

Devices Protected

The best computer protection offers security for both your PC and Mac from virus ,malware. You can install the application on all of your mobile devices including your Android tablet, iPad, iPhone or other smartphone platform. However, even if the software says it supports a device, make sure it is compatible with the operating systems on all your devices and that it will work when you update or upgrade your operating systems.

Performance

No matter how many features are included on the application or how easy it is to use, if the security software does not protect your devices from dangerous threats, it is simply taking up valuable space. The best applications will protect all of your computing devices from viruses, worms, Trojans and spam. There should also be strong antispyware and antiphishing tools featured on the software to protect your device from intruders.

Features

The features included with antivirus software add to its protection and security. The ability to protect your device on a wireless network, along with email and website protection are a few features offered on the best applications. Online backup is also an excellent tool and allows you to keep your data safe if something were to happen to your device. In addition, anti-lost and anti-theft features are must-have tools for protecting any data or personal information you have stored on your smartphone.

Tags-virus,hacking,virus protection,virus security,antyvirus,computer security,virus security,virus and malware,malware security,virus kill,virus protection,virus protection tool.

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