Category: Security

Intel Centrino Driver downloads to avoid Vulnerability

Vulnerability : Intel Centrino Wireless Driver Malformed Frame Remote Code Execution

Last week a new security problem was announced in the Intel Centrino wireless drivers. It appears to affect the 2200BG and 2915ABG wireless hardware. These are extremely common components that are shipped in many laptops. You would do well to check whether yours or the ones you support have this hardware. The easiest way to check is to double-click the wireless icon in the system tray and then click Properties.

Download updated driver here (via)

According to Intel, “Security vulnerabilities exist in the Microsoft* Windows* drivers for the Intel® 2200BG and 2915ABG PRO/Wireless Network Connection Hardware because of the way that they currently handle certain frames. An attacker could potentially exploit these vulnerabilities which could potentially lead to remote code execution and system control“

Use Google to get warning about unsafe websites

Google has started warning users if they are about to visit a webpage that could harm their computer.

The warning will pop up if users click on a link to a page known to host spyware or other malicious programs.

How does it work?

The technology to do this has been developed in partnership with StopBadware.org project. According to StopBadware:

We’re entering a new phase here at StopBadware.org. Google — which is one of our partners — is now presenting people with a warning before they visit websites that have been reported to StopBadware.org as sites that distribute badware.

BBC marks following keywords as DANGEROUS:

  • Free screensavers
  • Bearshare
  • Screensavers
  • Winmx
  • Limewire
  • Lime wire
  • Free ringtones

Read more at BBC news

Windows vista hacked and security tested by computer hackers

Windows vista the next super duper version of windows is handed over to hackers aka computer security experts to test for bugs and security exploits.

According to this site, “Microsoft made a test version of Vista available to about 3,000 security professionals Thursday as it detailed the steps it has taken to fortify the product against attacks that can compromise bank account numbers and other sensitive information.”

In short Microsoft is asking hackers to crack or hack its own operating system. The main aim is to see how secure is os. However, Joanna Rutkowska, a Polish researcher at Singapore-based Coseinc, showed that it is possible to bypass security measures in Vista that should prevent unsigned code from running – thus os was hacked at Black hat conference in US.

Windows XP scan and clean computer from Malware with Free tools

a-squared Free Scanner

Malware is software program damage a computer system (or use computer system network resources to send spam and other illegal stuff), without the owner’s informed consent.

So how I am going to find (scan) and clean Windows XP computer from Malware and other stuff such as Trojans, Backdoors, Worms, Dialers, Keyloggers etc. Use the a-squared Free Scanner to scan your hard disk, remove all infections and restore your PC to maximum performance.

This program can be downloaded from Internet, which is free for private use. This is an excellent program.

a-squared removes following nasty stuff reliably:

  • Trojans, Backdoors, Keyloggers, Rootkits
  • Worms, Bots
  • Dialers
  • Spyware, Adware

Regardless of whether you are a computer expert or a beginner, you will quickly become familiar with a-squared Anti-Malware. You do not have to be a specialist to free yourself from Malware.

Download a-squared free version

Firefox 1.5.0.5 Available for download

Firefox logo Thunderbird logo

Just friendly remainder to all Firefox 1.5.0.5 is available for download.

This release of Firefox fixes 12 security holes including ability to execute malicious code. Therefore, you must upgrade your FireFox version. See the list of vulnerabilities fixed in this version

You can see live demo of one of such execute malicious code security hole here (it may crash your browser).

Firefox download link.

On a related note Thunderbird 2.0 Alpha 1 is available for download.

Why antivirus application from Symantec, McAfee and Trend Micro do not work?

This is an interesting piece of information.

Antivirus applications from Symantec, McAfee or Trend Micro — the three leading AV vendors in 2005 — are far less likely to detect new viruses and Trojans than the least popular brands.

This has nothing to do with the quality of the software or how long it takes the respective firms to update their clients with signatures and other malware countermeasures. Read more…

Anyways…

  • Make sure you have up to date patched window XP system
  • Latest virus definition
  • Do not open mails from unknown person
  • Do not accept attachments
  • Firewall turned on both Internet router/gateway (as well as PC level software based firewall)

Windows XP: How do I hide folders or files using encrypting file system feature?

If you are using Windows XP Professional edition, it comes with nifty feature called EFS (encrypting file system). Please note that, EFS is Windows XP Professional edition feature only i.e. EFS is not part of Windows XP Home edition.

Using EFS it is possible to encrypt and hide both files and folder.

How do I use EFS?
Make sure you are using NTFS partition.
Now select file or folder you would like to encrypt
Right click a file/folder > Select Properties

Encrypting file system feature
Click on Advanced

Click the box that read as “Encrypt contents to secure data.” > Click Ok > Click Ok

Windows XP Pro encrypting file system feature

Now if other users try to open your file or folder they will get access denied error message.

This way you can protect all the sensitive information on your PC from unwanted users. Now no one can read your files :) Encryption is really nifty feature of Windows XP Professional’s system.

How do I allow someone to view my encrypted files?
Windows XP allows you to add your co-worker or friend to view files. You need to provide them access over local or networked based computer.
Select file
Right Click > Select properties
Click Details
Click Add
Select the user you want to provides access to your encrypted files, and click OK

How do I decrypting files or folders?
Select encrypted file/folder
Click on File/Folder
Click on Advanced
Remove the check mark from the box next “Encrypt contents to secure data,”
Click OK twice.

Test your computer internet security online

Last Sunday I was at my friends’ home. During our discussion we talked about PC security subject. Question was – how do you I know, how secure is my PC from hackers or intruders?

If you are a sys admin or if you visit site such as Slashdot / digg everyday you know how to secure home pc. What about average user?

Not to worry. There is free online tool that can check your basic security and vulnerabilities. It generates reports about your PC.

The Shields UP! site conducts test against your PC for well known security issues on your PC via internet.

How do I test my system?

  • Just visit The Shields UP site.
  • Look for ShieldsUP! Security test > Click on ShieldsUP!
  • Here are screen shots of my Windows XP laptop.

est your computer internet security online

Test your computer internet security online