In The News: 17% Of PCs Are Unprotected–Is Yours?

The good news is that, according to McAfee Security researchers,  83% of the world’s computers have working security protection. However, the bad news is that only 83% of the world’s computers have working security protection. If you’re one of the 17% that have no working anti-virus software installed on your computer, please install some now…not when you get around to it; do it now, it’s that important. By the way, if anyone you exchange email with is in the 17%; you have an even greater chance of being infected with malware.

Internet Security: Malware Is Increasing and I’m Not Surprised

Malware across the Internet is increasing according to a recent study by McAfee Labs. The increases are in the number of botnets and they affect all platforms. “In the first quarter of 2012, we have already detected 8 million new malware samples, showing that malware authors are continuing their unrelenting development of new malware,” said McAfee Labs. The study also says that, because new malware growth in the Android smartphone and Apple Mac computer areas, that “total malware could reach the 100 million mark within the year.”

The reasons I’m not surprised are:

Internet Security: Facebook Users Being Attacked…Still!

Facebook users are constantly targeted by cybercriminals. Why? Partly because they are such a big target…almost 900 million users. Cybercriminals are attracted to the largest group they can find to attack because they can operate more quickly and efficiently in a group that is connected to one central application, in this case, Facebook. The other reason that comes to mind is that Facebook users, like other social networking groups, are very open with their personal information, and for the most part, less experienced in avoiding cybercriminal traps. And, consequently, susceptible to social engineering, the art of manipulating people into performing actions or divulging confidential information.

The latest scam is Facebook account cancellation malware, where an email is sent to a Facebook user

Cybercrime: Bank Card Theft Alive And Well

Bank card theft by organized cybercriminals is alive and well. In fact, the organized crime groups are getting better at it and like their business counterparts are using computers to do so. And just as businesses improve their productivity by fine tuning and standardizing their work practices; organized crime groups are also following suit. It’s hard to believe that $30,000 could be withdrawn (stolen) from unsuspecting accounts in five minutes time. That happened in Montreal, Canada recently.

Smartphones: Safe Disposal Tips to Avoid Identity Theft

Are you safely disposing your old cell phones? Do you know that there’s potentially a treasure trove of personal information on your mobile device? If that personal information fell in the hands of a cybercriminal, it could be used to steal your identity. If the phrase “identity theft” isn’t familiar to you, consider that someone could impersonate you in such a way that they can open credit cards and checking accounts in your name, and steal you blind.

Anyone Remember Abbott and Costello?

I recently received this takeoff of Abbott and Costello’s famous Who’s on First sketch in an email from a friend and can’t resist posting it. For my readers who don’t reside in the US: Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were a comedic team in the US years ago. They did a famous routine, similar to this, based on a baseball team where the opening lines were: Who’s on first? Answer: Who… and it went on from there. Mac owners will probably get a bigger kick out of this than PC guys….but it’s hilarious anyway.

Cloud Computing: The Pros and Cons

The business world is moving to a concept called Cloud Computing, where programs and storage of data usually residing on the companies’ computers is stored and operated over the Internet on computers owned by companies who provide the service. In other words, companies who, in the past, have guarded their software and data with extreme security are now deciding to let someone else run their software and store their data for them. While the Cloud Computing companies “guarantee” that the software and data will be kept in high security, safe from any and all hazards; I find that hard to believe. If governments around the world, including the U.S. and Great Britain, have been hacked time and again, sensitive data exposed and stolen from parts of the government who are known for their security, secrecy, and technological strength…can you say U.S. Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security?…then how secure do you think these Cloud Computing businesses will keep a client’s technology assets?