Computer Security

1 Protect your personal information. It's valuable.
2 Know who you're dealing with.
3 Use security software that updates automatically.
4 Keep your operating system and Web browser up-to-date, and learn about their security features.
5 Keep your passwords safe, secure, and strong.
6 Back up important files.
7 Learn what to do in an e-mergency.
Access to information and entertainment, credit and financial services, products from every corner of the world — even to your work — is greater than ever. Thanks to the internet, you can play a friendly game with an opponent across the ocean; review and rate videos, songs, or clothes; get expert advice in an instant; or collaborate with far-flung co-workers in a "virtual" office.
But the internet — and the anonymity it affords — also can give online scammers, hackers, and identity thieves access to your computer, personal information, finances, and more.
With awareness as your safety net, you can minimize the chance of an internet mishap. Being on guard online helps you protect your information, your computer, and your money. To be safer and more secure online, make these seven practices part of your online routine.
1. Protect your personal information. It's valuable.
To an identity thief, your personal information can provide instant access to your financial accounts, your credit record, and other assets. If you think no one would be interested in YOUR personal information, think again. ANYONE can be a victim of identity theft. In fact, according to the Federal Trade Commission, millions of people become victims every year. Visit ftc.gov/idtheft to learn what to do if your identity is stolen or your personal or financial information has been compromised – online or in the "real" world.
How do criminals get your personal information online? One way is by lying about who they are, to convince you to share your account numbers, passwords, and other information so they can get your money or buy things in your name. The scam is called "phishing": criminals send email, text, or pop-up messages that appear to come from your bank, a government agency, an online seller or another organization with which you do business. The message asks you to click to a website or call a phone number to update your account information or claim a prize or benefit. It might suggest something bad will happen if you don't respond quickly with your personal information. In reality, legitimate businesses should never use email, pop-ups, or text messages to ask for your personal information.
To avoid phishing scams:
Don't reply to an email, text, or pop-up message that asks for personal or financial information, and don't click on links in the message. If you want to go to a bank or business's website, type the web address into your browser yourself.
Don't respond if you get a message – by email, text, pop-up or phone – that asks you to call a phone number to update your account or give your personal information to access a refund. If you need to reach an organization with which you do business, call the number on your financial statement, or use a telephone directory
Some identity thieves have stolen personal information from many people at once, by hacking into large databases managed by businesses or government agencies. While you can't enjoy the benefits of the internet without sharing some personal information, you can take steps to share only with organizations you know and trust. Don't give out your personal information unless you first find out how it's going to be used and how it will be protected.
If you are shopping online, don't provide your personal or financial information through a company's website until you have checked for indicators that the site is secure, like a lock icon on the browser's status bar or a website URL that begins "https:" (the "s" stands for "secure"). Unfortunately, no indicator is foolproof; some scammers have forged security icons. And some hackers have managed to breach sites that took appropriate security precautions.
Read website privacy policies. They should explain what personal information the website collects, how the information is used, and whether it is provided to third parties. The privacy policy also should tell you whether you have the right to see what information the website has about you and what security measures the company takes to protect your information. If you don't see a privacy policy — or if you can't understand it — consider doing business elsewhere.
2. Know who you're dealing with.
And what you're getting into. There are dishonest people in the bricks and mortar world and on the internet. But online, you can't judge an operator's trustworthiness with a gut-affirming look in the eye. It's remarkably simple for online scammers to impersonate a legitimate business, so you need to know who you're dealing with. If you're thinking about shopping on a site with which you're not familiar, do some independent research before you buy.
If it's your first time on an unfamiliar site, call the seller's phone number, so you know you can reach them if you need to. If you can't find a working phone number, take your business elsewhere.
Type the site's name into a search engine: If you find unfavorable reviews posted, you may be better off doing business with a different seller.
Consider using a software toolbar that rates websites and warns you if a site has gotten unfavorable reports from experts and other internet users. Some reputable companies provide free tools that may alert you if a website is a known phishing site or is used to distribute spyware.
File-Sharing: Worth the hidden costs?
Every day, millions of computer users share files online. File-sharing can give people access to a wealth of information, including music, games, and software. How does it work? You download special software that connects your computer to an informal network of other computers running the same software. Millions of users could be connected to each other through this software at one time. Often, the software is free and easy to access.
But file-sharing can have a number of risks. If you don't check the proper settings, you could allow access not only to the files you intend to share, but also to other information on your hard drive, like your tax returns, email messages, medical records, photos, or other personal documents. In addition, you may unwittingly download malware or pornography labeled as something else. Or you may download material that is protected by the copyright laws, which would mean you could be breaking the law.
If you decide to use file-sharing software, be sure to read the End User Licensing Agreement to be sure you understand and are willing to tolerate the potential risks of free downloads.
3. Use security software that updates automatically.
Keep your security software active and current: at a minimum, your computer should have anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a firewall. You can buy stand-alone programs for each element or a security suite that includes these programs from a variety of sources, including commercial vendors or from your Internet Service Provider. Security software that comes pre-installed on a computer generally works for a short time unless you pay a subscription fee to keep it in effect. In any case, security software protects against the newest threats only if it is up-to-date. That's why it is critical to set your security software to update automatically.
Some scam artists distribute malware disguised as anti-spyware software. Resist buying software in response to unexpected pop-up messages or emails, especially ads that claim to have scanned your computer and detected malware. That's a tactic scammers have used to spread malware. OnGuardOnline.gov can connect you to a list of security tools from legitimate security vendors selected by GetNetWise, a project of the Internet Education Foundation.
Once you confirm that your security software is up-to-date, run it to scan your computer for viruses and spyware. If the program identifies a file as a problem, delete it.
Anti-Virus Software
Anti-virus software protects your computer from viruses that can destroy your data, slow your computer's performance, cause a crash, or even allow spammers to send email through your account. It works by scanning your computer and your incoming email for viruses, and then deleting them.
Anti-Spyware Software
Installed on your computer without your consent, spyware software monitors or controls your computer use. It may be used to send you pop-up ads, redirect your computer to websites, monitor your internet surfing, or record your keystrokes, which, in turn, could lead to the theft of your personal information.
A computer may be infected with spyware if it:
Slows down, malfunctions, or displays repeated error messages
Won't shut down or restart
Serves up a lot of pop-up ads, or displays them when you're not surfing the web
Displays web pages or programs you didn't intend to use, or sends emails you didn't write.
Firewalls
A firewall helps keep hackers from using your computer to send out your personal information without your permission. While anti-virus software scans incoming email and files, a firewall is like a guard, watching for outside attempts to access your system and blocking communications to and from sources you don't permit.
Don't Let Your Computer Become Part of a "BotNet"
Some spammers search the internet for unprotected computers they can control and use anonymously to send spam, turning them into a robot network, known as a "botnet." Also known as a "zombie army," a botnet is made up of many thousands of home computers sending emails by the millions. Most spam is sent remotely this way; millions of home computers are part of botnets.
Spammers scan the internet to find computers that aren't protected by security software, and then install bad software – known as "malware" – through those "open doors." That's one reason why up-to-date security software is critical.
Malware may be hidden in free software applications. It can be appealing to download free software like games, file-sharing programs, customized toolbars, and the like. But sometimes just visiting a website or downloading files may cause a "drive-by download," which could turn your computer into a "bot."
Another way spammers take over your computer is by sending you an email with attachments, links or images which, if you click on or open them, install hidden software. Be cautious about opening any attachments or downloading files from emails you receive. Don't open an email attachment — even if it looks like it's from a friend or coworker — unless you are expecting it or know what it contains. If you send an email with an attached file, include a text message explaining what it is.
4. Keep your operating system and Web browser up-to-date, and learn about their security features.
Hackers also take advantage of Web browsers (like Firefox or Internet Explorer) and operating system software (like Windows or Mac's OS) that don't have the latest security updates. Operating system companies issue security patches for flaws that they find in their systems, so it's important to set your operating system and Web browser software to download and install security patches automatically.
In addition, you can increase your online security by changing the built-in security and privacy settings in your operating system or browser. Check the "Tools" or "Options" menus to learn how to upgrade from the default settings. Use your "Help" function for more information about your choices.
If you're not using your computer for an extended period, disconnect it from the internet. When it's disconnected, the computer doesn't send or receive information from the internet and isn't vulnerable to hackers.
5. Protect your passwords.
Keep your passwords in a secure place, and out of plain sight. Don't share them on the internet, over email, or on the phone. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) should never ask for your password.
In addition, hackers may try to figure out your passwords to gain access to your computer. To make it tougher for them:
Use passwords that have at least eight characters and include numbers or symbols. The longer the password, the tougher it is to crack. A 12-character password is stronger than one with eight characters.
Avoid common words: some hackers use programs that can try every word in the dictionary.
Don't use your personal information, your login name, or adjacent keys on the keyboard as passwords.
Change your passwords regularly (at a minimum, every 90 days).
Don't use the same password for each online account you access.
6. Back up important files.
If you follow these tips, you're more likely to be free of interference from hackers, viruses, and spammers. But no system is completely secure. If you have important files stored on your computer, copy them onto a removable disc or an external hard drive, and store it in a safe place.
7. Learn what to do in an e-mergency.
If you suspect malware is lurking on your computer, stop shopping, banking, and other online activities that involve user names, passwords, or other sensitive information. Malware could be sending your personal information to identity thieves.
Confirm that your security software is up-to-date, then use it to scan your computer. Delete everything the program identifies as a problem. You may have to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
If the problem persists after you exhaust your ability to diagnose and treat it, you might want to call for professional help. If your computer is covered by a warranty that offers free tech support, contact the manufacturer. Before you call, write down the model and serial number of your computer, the name of any software you've installed, and a short description of the problem. Your notes will help you give an accurate description to the technician.
If you need professional help, if your machine isn't covered by a warranty, or if your security software isn't doing the job properly, you may need to pay for technical support. Many companies — including some affiliated with retail stores — offer tech support via the phone, online, at their store, or in your home. Telephone or online help generally are the least expensive ways to access support services — especially if there's a toll-free helpline — but you may have to do some of the work yourself. Taking your computer to a store usually is less expensive than hiring a technician or repair person to come into your home.
Once your computer is back up and running, think about how malware could have been downloaded to your machine, and what you could do to avoid it in the future.
Also, talk about safe computing with anyone else who uses the computer. Tell them that some online activity can put a computer at risk, and share the seven practices for safer computing.

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Internet security

1. Use a firewall
We strongly recommend the use of some type of firewall product for Internet security, such as a network appliance or a personal firewall software package. Intruders are constantly scanning home user systems for known vulnerabilities. Network firewalls (whether software or hardware-based) can provide some degree of protection against these attacks.
2. Don't open unknown email attachments[ Internet security]
Before opening any email attachments, be sure you know the source of the attachment. It is not enough that the mail originated from an address you recognize. The Melissa virus spread precisely because it originated from a familiar address. Malicious code might be distributed in amusing or enticing programs. [ Internet security]
If you must open an attachment before you can verify the source, we suggest the following procedure:

a. save the file to your hard disk
b. scan the file using your antivirus software
c. open the file
For additional protection, you can disconnect or lock your computer's network connection before opening the file.
Following these steps will reduce, but not wholly eliminate, the chance that any malicious code contained in the attachment might spread from your computer to others.
3. Don't run programs of unknown origin
Never run a program unless you know it to be authored by a person or company that you trust. Also, don't send programs of unknown origin to your friends or coworkers simply because they are amusing -- they might contain a Trojan horse program. These programs seriously hurt Internet Security.

4. Disable hidden filename extensions
Windows operating systems contain an option to "Hide file extensions for known file types". The option is enabled by default, but you can disable this option in order to have file extensions displayed by Windows. After disabling this option, there are still some file extensions that, by default, will continue to remain hidden.
There is a registry value which, if set, will cause Windows to hide certain file extensions regardless of user configuration choices elsewhere in the operating system. The "NeverShowExt" registry value is used to hide the extensions for basic Windows file types. For example, the ".LNK" extension associated with Windows shortcuts remains hidden even after a user has turned off the option to hide extensions.[ Internet security]

5. Keep all applications, including your operating system, patched
Vendors will usually release patches for their software when a vulnerability has been discovered. Most product documentation offers a method to get updates and patches. You should be able to obtain updates from the vendor's web site. Read the manuals or browse the vendor's web site for more information.
Some applications will automatically check for available updates, and many vendors offer automatic notification of updates via a mailing list. Look on your vendor's web site for information about automatic notification. If no mailing list or other automated notification mechanism is offered you may need to check periodically for updates.[ Internet security]

6. Turn off your computer or disconnect from the network when not in use
Turn off your computer or disconnect its Ethernet interface when you are not using it. An intruder cannot attack your computer if it is powered off or otherwise completely disconnected from the network.[ Internet security]

7. Disable Java, JavaScript, and ActiveX if possible
Be aware of the risks involved in the use of "mobile code" such as ActiveX, Java, and JavaScript. A malicious web developer may attach a script to something sent to a web site, such as a URL, an element in a form, or a database inquiry. Later, when the web site responds to you, the malicious script is transferred to your browser.[ Internet security]
The most significant impact of this vulnerability can be avoided by disabling all scripting languages. Turning off these options will keep you from being vulnerable to malicious scripts. However, it will limit the interaction you can have with some web sites.
Many legitimate sites use scripts running within the browser to add useful features. Disabling scripting may degrade the functionality of these sites.[ Internet security]

8. Disable scripting features in email programs
Because many email programs use the same code as web browsers to display HTML, vulnerabilities that affect ActiveX, Java, and JavaScript are often applicable to email as well as web pages. Therefore, in addition to disabling scripting features in web browsers, we recommend that users also disable these features in their email programs. It is important to Internet security.[ Internet security]

9. Make regular backups of critical data
Keep a copy of important files on removable media such as ZIP disks or recordable CD-ROM disks (CD-R or CD-RW disks). Use software backup tools if available, and store the backup disks somewhere away from the computer.[ Internet security]

10. Make a boot disk in case your computer is damaged or compromised
To aid in recovering from a security breach or hard disk failure, create a boot disk on a floppy disk which will help when recovering a computer after such an event has occurred. Remember, however, you must create this disk before you have a security event.[ Internet security]

11. Consult your system support personnel if you work from home
If you use your broadband access to connect to your employer's network via a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or other means, your employer may have policies or procedures relating to the security of your home network. Be sure to consult with your employer's support personnel, as appropriate, before following any of the steps outlined in this document.[ Internet security]
Taken from armor2net.com

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Mobile Physical Security: How Anti-theft Software Works- part II

Here is the another list of mobile physical security providers.

  we had tried our best to provide the whole common list if any suggestion please post in comments 

OVI Suite.

The world's largest mobile phone maker company NOKIA Corporation also provide online data
backup through its OVI suite.
Through OVI synchronisation you can upload your contacts data in Nokia Server. To store your datain Nokia server you need to make a free OVI account and go to contacts. Here you can see your
contacts which is synchronised from your mobile. You can also manage your account like Delete
contact, Add contact, Details etc.So if you are a Nokia user then use this free Nokia tool to avoid stolen of your personal contact/datawith your mobile.

NetQin Mobile Inc.

 NetQin was one of the first companies to recognize the growing security threats targeting 
smartphone users and is now a leading Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) provider, serving both greater 
China and global clients. The company focuses on serving clients in three key sectors: 1) mobile 
security,It works on your Android, BlackBerry, Symbian, Windows Mobile, Java phone etc.This is a free software with some limited functionality, In free version M guard you can filter calls,manage your applications/File/ Web etc. You can also optimised your mobile performance.

RSEVEN:

Rseven is a lifecache service where it can preserve all your daily activities as recorded by your mobile phone.It can record your incoming and outgoing voice calls made from your mobile, stores your recorded voice, SMS,Calender, Contacts online and when you need that data then you may restore it from rseven.This is a free tool from rseven with limited space, But if you need more space then you have to purchase it online.

WAVESECURE:

It ensures privacy in the event of theft and enhances the possibility of recovering yourAndroid, BlackBerry, Symbian, Windows Mobile, Java phone. WaveSecure comes pre-installedWaveSecure is the complete mobile security service, that protects data on your phone,With some phone but if you not have pre-installed then you may buy it online for your phone.

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Mobile Physical Security: How Anti-theft Software Works

Mobile Physical Security

In the presence of google and facebook , iphones and mobiles became more important component of life as these things are now widely accessed  by these gadgets. As its importance increased, mobile security concerns also increased and the people are more searching for better security products. They are using antiviruses and antispyware for the software security but the physical security is also importance because your data can also be lost due to lost of your mobile.

So todays sintuhack Is going to describe about physical security of mobile phone and will explain about some antitheft software and their working procedure so that you can able to secure your mobile . This is a part of mobile physical security or you can say physical mobile security.

mGuard   

This is a free java application which is available for Sony Ericsson mobiles

till may of this year. This only tracks for any kind of sim-card change in your mobile

and sends a sms to user predefined numbers. It can be downloaded via internet as well as can be transferred from computes via Bluetooth or data cables. This is a free antitheft software but you have to go its website (Vapssky.com)and register your mobile with its IMEI number to use it.

Find My iPhone

As per name it’s free software for recovering iPhones, but only available for iPhone 4 running iOS 4.2 directly. Other iPhone users can access it via Mobile ME subscription service. Its unique feature is that you can monitor it from web(Me.com) as well as from any other iPhone where this application is installed. This software also provides other facilities like locking phone or displaying text message or raising a finder alarm.  You can also backup your all data remotely by using this and make you phone to restore it as factory level settings.

RoboLock

This is also a product of Vapssky.com but this is made for blackberry mobiles and runs on BlackBerry OS 4.2 and above. But it only supports Tour, Storm, Bold and 8xx models. The main advantage fo this is that you can remotely acesss you phone via email web or even via sms and then you can track its location on goggle map , recover your contacts or delete your data.you can also  lock it remotely and raise a finding alarm which only be stopped when you unlock it

RecoveryCop

"

RecoveryCop" is made for Windows Mobile 6.x Devices and it’s a real time mobile physical security provider. This works like James bond and don’t leave any clue behind its working space so it’s completely untraceable by an unknown user of your mobile.it can record all the text messages send  by stolen mobile. You can also take a call from this mobile and via its microphone you can hear the sound of surroundings .all other features are also available for this.

Yet the technology is its child stage as it is still unable to deliver complete mobile physical security provider software which can work for all type of mobiles and iPhones. The main hurdle behind this is the presence of different mobile makers and the lack of collaboration between them. So wait for that day when this will available and till then use different software as per your vendor

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Cross site scripting

Cross site script is most common web attack.it basically attacks on application layer of web.
.its basically hits html and javascipt.
  cross site scripting arises when web application take data from form of site and include in it
web page without properly validating the data.XSS vulnerabilities allow an attackers to execute arbitrary commands and display arbitrary content in a victim users browsers. when XSS attacks became a successful attack it take control of victim browser or victim web application.  the potency of an XSS attack lies in the fact that thr malicious code executes in the context of the victim's session,allowing the attackers to bypass normal security restriction

Types of Cross Site Scripting Attacks :-

Reflective Cross Site  Scripting :-
 
In this XSS attacks attacker send the victim a misleading mail with the link containing malicious
javascript,if the victim click the link ,the http request is intiated  from the victim browsers
 and sent to the vulnerable web application.Thw malicious javascript is then reflected back to the victim's browsers,where it is executed int the
context of  of victim users session
 
Persistent Xss

Consider a Web application that allows users to enter a user name which is displayed on each user’s profile page. The application stores each user name in a local database. A malicious user notices that the Web application fails to sanitize the user name field and inputs malicious JavaScript code as part of their user name. When other users view the attacker’s profile page, the malicious code automatically executes in the context of their session.

 

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Cyber Security

As we know we are leaving in cyber world where technology and internet provide lot of benefits with huge dangers aspect.cyber world serves equally to both hackers and crackers.
It also provide lot of way of security hence we need to take precautions to protect(secure) yourself online.

 What are some warnings to remember or some security tips to use?

    Don't trust candy from strangers - Finding something on the internet does not guarantee that it is true.or secure or it will full fill all security criteria 

Anyone can publish information online without checking it is secure(security) or not , so before accepting a statement as fact or taking action, verify that the source is reliable.or secure 

It is also easy for attackers to "spoof" email addresses, so verify that an email is legitimate before opening an unexpected email attachment or responding to a request for personal information 
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is - You have probably seen many emails promising fantastic rewards or monetary gifts. However, regardless of what the email claims, there are not any wealthy strangers desperate to send you money. Beware of grand promises—they are most likely spam, hoaxes, or phishing schemes . Also be wary of pop-up windows and advertisements for free downloadable software—they may be disguising spyware.    
Don't advertise that you are away from home - Some email accounts, especially within an organization, offer a feature (called an autoresponder)
that allows you to create an "away" message if you are going to be away from your email for an extended period of time. The message is automatically
sent to anyone who emails you while the autoresponder is enabled. While this is a helpful feature for letting your contacts know that you will not be
able to respond right away, be careful how you phrase your message. You do not want to let potential attackers know that you are not home, or, worse, give specific details about your location and itinerary. Safer options include phrases such as "I will not have access to email between [date] and [date].
" If possible, also restrict the recipients of the message to people within your organization or in your address book. If your away message replies to spam, it only confirms that your email account is active. This may increase the amount of spam you receive  Lock up your valuables - If an attacker is able to access or breaches your cesurity, your personal data, he or she may be able to compromise or steal the information.
Take steps to secure this information by following good security practices
 Some of the most basic precautions or security include locking your computer when you step away; using firewalls, anti-virus software, and strong passwords security ; installing appropriate software security updates; and taking precautions or security when browsing or using email.
 Have a backup plan - Since your information could be lost or compromised (due to an equipment malfunction, an error, or an attack),
 make regular backups of your information so that you still have clean, complete copies
Backups also help you identify what has been changed or lost.

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Online Survey Company Is Fraud Or Not-how to know

Today, when there is hot dispute is already going on between the star news and online paid survey company Speak Asia after publishing the negative news about Speak Asia and their business behavior. sintuhack strongly feel that sintuhack should post an article to help you find the possible online fraud survey companies which are asking for money any how.


1. Whois Lookup:
A/c to sintuhack try to who is look up for the domain of official website of paid survey company you can easily find the following details.sintuhack also suggest you to know
Who is the owner of website domain?
From since long the website is active, means since how long the company is in survey business?
What is the registered official address? Where the company office is actually located.
All these info helps a lot to decide weather the company you are researching about is just another online scam or not.


2. SEO Research:
Seo research on the paid survey website can easily tell you the fact about how the website is popular in the world. You can look for number of backlinks, Google page rank and alexa rank for this. From alexa traffic analysis you can also find the location of main traffic toward the website so you can know where the website is doing more business in the world.


3. Online Complains and Scam Discussion boards:
One thing more a/c to sintuhack use google to know page rank of that website.
If you search in Google with the words like complain, fraud, scam along with the company name, you can easily find the various blogs or websites where people might have discussed about their issues or complaints with the company. Although every good company will also have some issues with clients but too much of them can really alarm you about possible online scam.


4. Make money online blogs and forums.
Here sintuhack talking about the blogs and forums where people are generally from the similar niche and discuss about how to make money online. It would be great source to find the exact information about such paid scams. If you are new to online money making niche and much not aware of the scams you can also post comments (here also) and threads in forum in similar niche to get reviews of experts in the same niche.


5. Think smartly, wisely and independently.
And last sintuhack guide you to use internet smartly wisely and independently
Think smartly to detect online scams
Its my own experience that people always get trapped in scams because they are always in search of quick rich formula and hence they generally do not think for the most important questions. So think like you want to investigate about the company and not want to invest in it, this way you can find most answers easily.

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Firefox spoofing flaw reported

Mozilla’s Firefox web browser is vulnerable to spoofing attacks, according to an Israeli security researcher. Aviv Raff reported on his blog on Wednesday that Mozilla Firefox v2.0.0.11 allows information presented in a basic authentication dialogue box to be spoofed, opening up the possibility of users being redirected to a malicious website. Earlier versions of the browser may also be affected.

According to Raff, when a web server returns a 401 status code, it causes Firefox to display an authentication dialogue box. The 401 status code is returned by the web server when it recognises that the HTTP data stream sent by a browser or bot is correct, but access to the URL requires further user authentication.

The authentication dialogue box displays the server URL in what is called the WWW-Authenticate header field. This URL is in part defined by the realm value and, according to Raff, it is possible for an attacker to create a specially crafted realm value that will look as if the authentication dialogue came from a trusted website. This is due to Firefox failing to sanitise single quotes and spaces in the WWW-Authenticate header field, after a legitimate realm value enclosed in double quotes has been given.

At least two possible attack vectors are opened by this reported flaw, according to Raff. Man-in-the-middle attackers could create a web page with a link to a trusted website such as a bank. When a victim clicks on the link on the malicious page, the trusted web page would be opened in a new window. A script would be executed to redirect the newly opened window to the attacker’s web server, allowing username and password details to be compromised.

Alternatively, an attacker could embed an image in an email or web page which, when clicked on, would return a specially crafted dialogue login from the attacker’s web server, again allowing authentication details to be compromised.

President of Mozilla Europe, Tristan Nitot, told ZDNet.co.uk that Mozilla is in the process of investigating the report, and so could not comment further at this time.

“We take security seriously,” said Nitot. “We are taking this report seriously, and are investigating.”

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Document Viruses

Document or “macro” viruses take advantage of macros – commands that are embedded in fi les and run automatically.

Many applications, such as word processing and spreadsheet programs, use macros.
A macro virus is a macro program that can copy itself and spread from one file to
another. If you open a file that contains a macro virus, the virus copies itself into the
application’s startup files. The computer is now infected.

When you next open a file using the same application, the virus infects that file. If your
computer is on a network, the infection can spread rapidly: when you send an infected
file to someone else, they can become infected too. A malicious macro can also make
changes to your documents or settings.

Macro viruses infect files used in most offices and some can infect several file types,
such as Word and Excel files. They can also spread to any platform on which their host
application runs.

Macro viruses first appeared in the mid-1990s and rapidly became the most serious
virus threat of that time. Few viruses of this type are seen now

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Denial of Service attack (DoS)

A denial-of-service (DoS) attack prevents users from accessing a computer or website.

In a DoS attack, a hacker attempts to overload or shut down a computer, so that
legitimate users can no longer access it. Typical DoS attacks target web servers
and aim to make websites unavailable. No data is stolen or compromised, but the
interruption to the service can be costly for a company.

The most common type of DoS attack involves sending more traffic to a computer than
it can handle. Rudimentary methods include sending outsized data packets or sending
email attachments with names that are longer than permitted by the mail programs.[sintuhack]

An attack can also exploit the way that a “session” of communications is established
when a user first contacts the computer. If the hacker sends many requests for a
connection rapidly and then fails to respond to the reply, the bogus requests are left in
a buffer for a while. Genuine users’ requests cannot be processed, so that they can’t
contact the computer.[sintuhack]

Another method is to send an “IP ping” message (message requiring a response from
other computers) that appears to come from the victim’s computer. The message goes
out to a large number of computers, which all try to respond. The victim is flooded with
replies and the computer can no longer handle genuine traffic.[sintuhack]

A distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack uses numerous computers to launch the attack. Typically, hackers use a virus or Trojan to open a “back door” on other people’s
computers and take control of them. These “zombie” computers can be used to launch
a coordinated denial-of-service attack.[sintuhack]

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HOW to Track and Recover Your Lost/Stolen iPhone

iPhone is the world’s best smart phone available today without any doubt. People carry their phones everywhere they go, and hence there is always a chance of them forgetting their iPhone somewhere or the iPhone getting stolen. Learn how to track, message, erase and recover your lost or stolen iPhone.

1. Track your iPhone via MobileMe

Apple has announced a new service called Find My iPhone that will allow iPhone owners to remotely locate their lost or stolen iPhones using the iPhone’s GPS. The service will be available as part of Apple’s MobileMe online subscription service.

Find My iPhone will pinpoint the iPhone’s current location using Google Maps and let owners send and display a message on the iPhone even if it’s locked, presumably to provide information on how to return the phone to the finder of the phone.

2. iPhone anti-theft solution – iLocalis
iLocalis has the following uses-

    * Never lose you iPhone: If it is missing just log onto the iLocalis site and you’ll know where it was located last.
    * Retrieve a stolen iPhone: If your iPhone is stolen you can log into the site and check out where it’s at. Extra features built into iLocalis allow you to send text messages or make calls on your iPhone when you don’t even have it with you. If you iPhone is stolen log in and send yourself a text message. If the thief changed the sim card you’ll have their phone number!
    * Allow your family and friends to know where you are: iLocalis will send a message to your friends when you are near by. You can also set it up to allow your friends to locate you. If your friend also has iLocalis you can send messages to each other for free. No txt messaging charges.
    * iLocalis can also be used for a business that needs location services for their employees. Employees carrying iPhones with iLocalis can be tracked via the web site easily.

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Computer Security Threats--Backdoor Trojan

A backdoor Trojan(security threat) allows someone to take control of another user’s
computer via the internet without their permission.
A backdoor Trojan(security threat) may pose as legitimate software, just as other Trojan horse programs
do, so that users run it. Alternatively – as is now increasingly common – users may
allow Trojans onto their computer by following a link in spam mail.
Once the Trojan is run, it adds itself to the computer’s startup routine. It can then
monitor the computer until the user is connected to the internet. When the computer
goes online, the person who sent the Trojan can perform many actions – for example,
run programs on the infected computer, access personal files, modify and upload files,
track the user’s keystrokes, or send out spam mail.
Well-known backdoor Trojans include Subseven, BackOrifice and, more recently,
Graybird, which was disguised as a fix for the notorious Blaster worm.
To avoid backdoor Trojans, you should keep your computers up to date with the latest
patches (to close down vulnerabilities in the operating system), and run anti-spam
and anti-virus software. You should also run a firewall, which can prevent Trojans from
accessing the internet to make contact with the hacker.Backdoor trojan computer security threat is one of
danger security attack.so be aware about this security threat.

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Hardware Security

Security should be intertwined with every part of system; the hardware is no exception. The interaction between hardware and software must be carefully planned. In doing so, the security of the entire system is strengthened.

Trusted Computing

Systems rely on Operating Systems and hardware. This collection of components comprises the core of the Trusted Computing Base (TCB). Systems fundamentally trust all actions that take place within the TCB. As Operating Systems become increasingly more complex, they are prone to faults and vulnerabilities. Hence, researchers seek to shrink the TCB.
Recently, a consortium gathered to create an open trusted framework. The Trusted Computing Group'sTrusted Platform Module (TPM) has received much attention. While vendors such as Dell have announced the deployment of TPMs, privacy concerns remain. Such concerns must be addressed before wide-spread acceptance occurs. (TCG)
Our current research efforts aim to discover novel uses for the TPM while maintaining the privacy of users.

Securing Non-Volatile Main Memory

We propose a Memory Encryption Control Unit (MECU) to address the vulnerabilities introduced by non-volatile memories. The MECU encrypts all memory transfers between the level 2 cache and main memory. The keys used to encrypt memory blocks are derived from secret information present on removable authentication tokens, e.g., smart card, or other similar secure storage devices. This provides protection against physical attacks in absence of the token.
We evaluated a MECU-enhanced architecture using the SimpleScalar hardware simulation framework on several hardware benchmarks. The performance analysis shows that we can secure non-volatile memories with minimal overhead---the majority of memory accesses are delayed by less than 1 ns, with limited degradation subsiding within 67 us of a system resume. In effect, we provide zero-cost steady state confidentiality for main memory

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LATEST VIRUS NAME..

    1.     Virus Name:     Virus:W32/Sality
   A malicious program that secretly integrates itself into program or datafiles.It spreads by integrating itself into more files each time the host program is run.
              
    2.     Virus Name:           Trojan-Downloader:W32/Hiloti
                   This type of trojan secretly downloads malicious files from a remote server, then installs and executes the files.
              
    3.     Virus Name:  Trojan-Downloader:W32/Fakerean.gen!A

This type of trojan secretly downloads malicious files from a remote server, then installs and executes the files.

              
    4.     Virus Name:  Trojan-Downloader:W32/Wimad.gen!A
     A trojan that secretly downloads malicious files from a remote server, then installs and executes the files.
              
    5.     Virus Name:           Trojan-Downloader:W32/Oficla

This type of trojan secretly downloads malicious files from a remote server, then installs and executes the files.

              

    6.     Virus Name:           Trojan:AndroidOS/Tapsnake
 Also known as a trojan horse program, this is a deceptive program that performs additional actions without the user's knowledge or permission. It does not replicate.
              
    7.     Virus Name:           Email-Worm:W32/Bagle.GE

  This type of worm is embedded in an e-mail attachment, and spreads using the infected computer's e-mailing networks.

              
    8.     Virus Name:           Virus:W32/Bursted

A malicious program that secretly integrates itself into program or data files. It spreads by integrating itself into  more files each time the host program is run.

              
    9.     Virus Name:           Trojan:W32/Qhost
Also known as a trojan horse program, this is a deceptive program that performs additional actions without the user's knowledge or permission. It does not replicate.
              
    10.     Virus Name:           Trojan:W32/Agent.DKJC
Also known as a trojan horse program, this is a deceptive program that performs additional actions without the user's knowledge or permission. It does not replicate.  

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Email Security...some Basic point

In today’s electronic world, email is critical to any business being competitive. In most cases it now forms the backbone of most organisations’ day-to-day activities, and its use will continue to grow. According to the The Radicati Group’s study, “Microsoft Exchange and Outlook Analysis, 2005-2009,” the worldwide email market will grow from 1.2 billion mailboxes in 2005 to 1.8 billion mailboxes in 2009.[sintuhack]
As email becomes more prevalent in the market, the importance of email security becomes more significant. In particular, the security implications associated with the management of email storage, policy enforcement, auditing, archiving and data recovery. Managing large, active stores of information takes time and effort in order to avoid failures – failures that will impact the users and therefore the business, undoubtedly leading to lost productivity. For secure and effective storage management, organisations must take a proactive approach and invest wisely in a comprehensive solution.When considering a secure email storage management solution, a layered approach, combining both business processes and applications makes sense. By considering the service email provides to the business, email management can be broken down into a number of components: mail flow, storage, and user access – both at the server and user levels. Whilst each one of these components should be addressed separately, they must be viewed as part of a total security agenda.[sintuhack]
Mail flow can encompass many aspects of an email system. However, the security of mail flow is for the large part focused around the auditing and tracking of mails into and out of the organisation. Monitoring the content and ensuring that any email that has been sent and received complies with business policy is fundamental.[sintuhack].Proving who has sent or received email is a lawful requirement for many industries and email can often be used as evidence in fraud and human resource court cases.[sintuhack],Another key aspect of the management of mail flow security is the protection of the business from malicious or unlawful attacks. It is at the gateway into the mail system where a business must protect itself via a variety of methods including hardware and software protection systems, such as spam filters and virus scanner[sintuhack].

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Common mobile viruses:Mobile Security Threat

How they spread and what are the effects:

Cabir: When this virus infects  your mobile then  message 'Caribe' will be displayed  at each  time you switch off and  on the mobile. These worms are generally  spread through blue tooth signals from surroundings  mobiles. 

Duts: A parasitic  file infector virus .its alos  known as Pocket PC. It try to infect all EXE files which are more than 4kb present in the directory where it saved. 

Skulls:  it is a Trojan horse. Means a piece of code will be  downloaded  on your mobile nad then the virus called Skull replaces your phone desktop into  image of skull as icon.it is very dangerous as  It is usually  transferred with all phone applications and also with SMS and MMS. 

Comm warrior: It's also spread through MMS  and  unsecured blue tooth  to other devices. It has more impact on devices running under OS Symbian Series 60. This virus launches The executable worm file and the worm  hunt for gaining access to your blue tooth devices and sends the infected files under various different  name to various random device.

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