Worldwide Ukash Virus Attacks

It is impossible to write about computer security and dismiss the infamous Ukash Virus family, to which the cunning FBI Moneypak also belongs. I have written about the treacherous infection a couple of weeks ago; however, one personalized report cannot even begin to reveal the significance of the entire faction that keeps spreading into more and more countries all over the world. In this report, I will try to review how the malignant group of ransom-ware has emerged, what its strategies and objections are and what Windows users need to do in order to remove Ukash Virus and protect their operating systems against it.

It is extremely difficult to determine which malignant ransom-ware from the vast Ukash virus faction emerged first; however, one of the first sightings must be the widely researched and reported PRS for Music virus. The infection was first reported in March of 2012 and suggested a threat to Windows users living in the United Kingdom. Since then, the country faced attacks from the Metropolitan Police virus, the West Yorkshire Police virus, the Police Central e-Crime Unit virus and other infections with similar, misleading names.

Surely enough, after getting the first taste of success, cyber criminals behind the group of malignant infections have moved on to infecting even more computers located in the richest countries of the world. This includes the U.S., Canada, Australia, Egypt, Germany, Luxembourg, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Spain and a few other European countries. In fact, the success of the initial Ukash viruses was so great that more and more forms of this cunning infection can now be indicated. This raises a question whether more groups of schemers have not applied the same techniques, as now tens of ransom-ware viruses are being categorized accordingly to the infections that initiate their existence.

When talking about Ukash viruses, the name of the Reveton Trojan must be mentioned, because this sinister application is responsible for the biggest part of Windows terrorizing viruses. Some of these infections are the GVU virus, the Federal Bureau of Investigation virus, the Luxembourg Police virus and the International Police Association virus. Regardless, all Ukash infections are represented in the same manner, and once malignant components lock down a computer and remove access to the desktop, Windows user is presented with a fictitious notification. Almost always this bogus alert is filled with accusations about cyber piracy, terrorism or pornography distribution.

Ukash virus removal is not an easy task and even experienced Windows users are likely to face serious issues generated by the rootkit Trojan functionality. Despite this, it is possible to unlock a paralyzed computer and remove Ukash virus, in whichever form it may come, without complying with the ridiculous ransom payment demands. To find more information on how to remove the infection manually and automatically, follow the resource link. All in all, Ukash viruses are meant to be destroyed, not trusted, which is why it is important to have this infection deleted in any possible way.

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Android Malware Is on The Increase - What Does This Mean To Users?

With the increasing number of people using smartphones powered by android operating system, there is a challenge, which the users are facing. The number of malware attacks on android smartphones is increasing day in day out. This is creating many problems to users and it is essential that people learn how to protect their phones from such invasions.

According to a report released by Kaspersky, the number of attacks perpetrated on android devices has tripled from the first quarter to the second quarter of 2012. Kaspersky has hinted that in the second quarter of 2012, attacks on android iOS reached close to 15,000 malware. This figure is up from about 5,500 malware, which were recorded in the first quarter of 2012.

This suggests that there is an increasing target of android iOS by malware attackers and this is something that should sound an alarm to the device users. Androids are used by business people who carry out transactions online. This means that if their banking information is compromised; they are likely to lose their money.

In addition, users also store personal and business data on these devices and if intruders have access to such information, they can use it to sabotage their businesses. What this means is that users of these devices should get information on the nature of malicious software they are likely to encounter when using their phones. The more information they get, the more they are likely to keep away from these attacks.

Some of the malicious software like Trojan may come in form of multiple bundled apps, which look attractive to unsuspecting users. As soon as the users click on those apps, their devices are infected. When the infected phones are rebooted, the software launches in the background and begins to broadcast the device's phone number, IDs and other confidential details.

The malicious software uploads that information on a command and control server. The most targeted android users are those with premium accounts. Moreover, those people using these devices for mobile SMS payments are also at risk from the attacks. Recently, a Trojan malware was encountered by mobile phone subscribers in China and this affects functionality of SMS operations.

This could be devastating considering that many people are turning to mobile payment because of its convenience. The Trojan takes control of the SMS functionality of the devices and can send, forward and drop SMS contents on the phones. Worst of it all, even when it is discovered, the malware is difficult to uninstall from the smartphones.

This means that a removal tool has to be released to the apps store so that users can download it and remove the malware. The Trojan is able to generate unauthorized payments and also steal credit or debit card numbers. It is also able to steal money transfer receipt information. This means that it could be difficult to detect payments that are initiated by the malicious software. In essence, there is a new wave of malicious codes, which are targeting iOS smartphone users, and people need to know how they can prevent such attacks.

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Viruses and Anti-Virus Programs

These days, telling the difference between viruses and anti-virus software is like trying to choose the right door on Let's Make A Deal; either you win that new security system or accidentally choose the virus hiding behind door number two.

The viruses often look identical to the real thing. Take, for example, the Security Shield Virus, the Windows Defender Virus, or any other malicious software removal tools.

Viruses like these, block real anti-virus software from working and infect the computer with threats of malware, prompting users to perform fake scans, where the virus mirrors a security scan tool. The scans don't actually work, but they will nonetheless list an absurd number of viruses and malware that aren't actually affecting the computer.

Then the pop-ups start, asking users to pay for an upgrade to remove the fake malware. These websites are scams asking for personal information to defraud unwary customers.

It's easy to download these types of viruses: stumble across the wrong site, accidentally click a link or download a file from that sketchy website and voila, you've picked up a virus like a kid with chicken pox.

So the computer's already infected

There are a few options: check out IT computer repair service, manually delete the virus or buy new anti-virus software.

With the right website, it's easy to find a good anti-virus program. However, don't trust online virus scans. These are generally phishing websites where viruses get downloaded so that hackers can steal credit card info to get paid for their viruses.

Here Microsoft has a helpful list of safe anti-virus for Windows programs.

A word of warning: If the computer already got a virus, then downloading new programs usually won't work. Previously or newly-installed software can be blocked by the viruses and can even block the task manager from opening.

An alternative is to channel that inner nerd and get rid of the virus manually. Start with a system restore. If you don't know how to do that, then this is probably not the way to handle the virus-move on to option 3. If the system restore doesn't work (because many viruses will continue to infect the PC after the restore), then it's time to take out the big guns.

Google how to delete the virus using a description of the anti-virus program it's pretending to be. There are many online guides, like this one for the Security Shield Virus, for removing viruses. Unfortunately, it's not always easy to know which virus is causing the problem and these manuals are often convoluted and filled with jargon that can leave the inexperienced with a headache and a million Wikipedia tabs open.

Remote Computer Repair Services

IT support services are a quick solution. They're reliable, efficient, and they don't come knocking on your door. Remote computer repair technicians will clean up the computer and prevent the same problems from happening in the future.

My Computer Works is a good example of an easy-to-use service with technicians that will remotely access your computer, get rid of threats, and install new anti-virus software.

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How Can You Protect Your Android From Malicious Software

As android devices continue being targeted by hackers and cybercriminals, it is clear that users need to understand the ways in which they can protect their devices from the intruders. Some of the most dangerous malware attacks on androids are fake banking apps, android Geinimi and DroidDream. The fake banking apps lure customers to enter their login information and this compromises their bank accounts.

Similarly, android Geinimi malware corrupts android games download sites and users downloading these games end up infecting their devices. Android fake player manifest as a media player and silently sends SMS to premium phone numbers. Bank accounts, confidential business information and personal details can be stolen by these malware thus causing financial loss and reputation damage.

Apparently, smartphone users are not very keen on malware vulnerabilities of their devices and this means that they are not taking strong measures to curb the problem. There are different ways in which android malware invasions can be prevented. One way in which the malicious software programs and codes are spread is through downloads. The most targeted are games download sites.

It is advisable that users not download apps from unauthorized or illegal apps stores. It is essential that you read and understand apps permissions before you download them. Users need to pay attention to apps they install in their devices. Hackers and phishers use popular apps to spread malware to your android devices. You may think that you are downloading the real legitimate apps but in the real sense, you are infecting your smartphone.

If you see free apps that are mainly found in paid versions, you need to watch out. These spammers will lure you because they know that you will not let go a free app that is initially in paid version. Another way in which you can protect your smartphone device is by using passwords. You also need to make sure that you change your passwords often and not use one password throughout.

Smartphones are mainly targeted because users do not update their operating systems when new versions are released. This is one challenge users have faced. In addition, some carriers and manufacturers of android devices are releasing older OS platforms in the market, giving hackers an opportunity to invade the devices. Users should make sure that they get the latest secure versions of operating systems immediately they are released in the market.

Moreover, users should refrain from sharing their confidential or personal information in public internet connections like Wi-Fi. Installing antivirus and anti-malware programs that are sourced from reputable companies is another way in which users can protect their devices from attackers. Such anti-malware apps help detect and remove malware from your smartphone.

The anti-malware programs should also be updated regularly to make sure that they are able to detect and remove newer versions of malicious codes. In a nutshell, android users should get more information about their device vulnerabilities and how they can keep off from the attackers. This will ensure that they do not infect their androids with malicious software that could steal their confidential information

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Invasion of the E-Mail Snatchers - A Halloween Story

October 31, near the witching hour. Darkness engulfed the land. A weak light from a lamppost uncovers a thin line of mist that runs across the street. Suddenly, leaves rustle, swept by a gust of wind.The night is moonless. A howl breaks the silence.

In a dark room, a blue light flickers.

A bodiless head makes its appearance.

It's Alice, Alice Blooper, screen saver/ cursor. "Hey, hey, what do you say!" Alice blurts out.

A hard guitar rift comes off the speakers, Alice segues into a song "What have I got?"

"Cut it off Alice and get me to my email" I curtly responded.

"Very good sir"

The app is from a tekkie master friend of mine, totally out of this world. He pasted voice recognition programs from telephones, slapdashed animations and a bit of that jeeves thingy to give responses.

Anyway, I have had problems with my e-mail for several months. It had suddenly been hard to access.

Well, you know the drill, the host asks for your address and password. In my case, after posting the password, the screen shows the dialogue box that requests for a phone number. Has that happened to you?

After posting the country origin and phone number, another dialogue box appears requesting for a code. A few minutes later, the phone alarms for a text message and gives out a code. Sometimes, the program denies the code it sent and takes a couple of tries before access.

In the last several months, this box requesting a phone number replaced the box that requested account holders to copy the figures inside the box. It had become difficult to read my mail.

Wrong Turn. Problems with my e-mail started several months earlier when I opened an e-mail of a female co-worker and got surprised. The e-mail came attached with family pictures and then some. There appeared bare back poses, breastfeeding ones, all probably taken by the husband and for private viewing. I immediately closed the page, well, after another viewing or two. She did have a nice back.

Seeing her at the office, I asked about it. Having not deleted the file, I showed her. Boy, was she surprised, red-faced and all. Needless to say, the files were immediately deleted.

In another instance, I again received an email from another co-worker, also female and upon opening, popped went an ad for a sex potency drug. The ad was almost R, nice actually. Of course, I asked my co-worker about it because we never communicated through the email, unlike the first one. She told me my email ad was in her address box for information.

A few months later, my e group started sending me messages about weird e-mails I've been supposedly sending. My account sent pictures, draft agreements, reports, all by itself.

Apparently, a virus infected my unit and opened my folders and started sending e-mails of my files to others. Why would someone want to do that?

Jigsaw. The solution had been there in front of me all along which I just deliberately ignored. The host warned, before opening the mails, that it thought the account was compromised, suggesting a change of password. So I changed my password and presto, access problem went away, temporarily, maybe.

Does the change in password neutralize a virus?

I continue to receive junk mail, now from my e-group. Those without subjects, I immediately delete, which I also do for mails from people in the office. There are mails about products that I also delete.

Shining. Donald opened his mouth wide and let out a high-pitched noise of an alien.

I caught the movie's last frame waking up from a light sleep at my desk top.

"Alice close the TV then log off"

"Very good sir"

As I walked to my bed Alice starts to sing 'sunrise'. It was my alarm for my morning run.

"Alice shut up!"

"Very Good sir."

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