Computer Support Blog

A recent survey has revealed some troubling data for corporate technology users when it comes to Internet security.

According to the Sixth Annual Enterprise IT Security Survey, conducted by Amplitude Research, 67% of large companies (minimum of 5,000 employees) reported at least one significant security intrusion.

That was over 25% higher than the year before.

Companies cited various potential reasons for the increase, ranging from significant Internet security weaknesses to employee Internet usage.  No matter the reason, one thing is clear:  large corporations are coming under increased attack. Read more »

SYRACUSE, N.Y., October 8, 2010 – Stuxnet, the most sophisticated piece of malware ever, highlights the dangers of malware.  Stuxnet’s method of infection and the likelihood of imitation put everyone’s Internet security at risk. RESCUECOM’s computer support experts explain what you need to know about Stuxnet, Internet security, and protecting yourself.

Most malware targets an individual’s Internet security, but Stuxnet worked on a much larger scale.  Stuxnet targeted industrial computers, intent on compromising their Internet security and taking control of them.  “It’s larger and more sophisticated than most other pieces of malware,” says RESCUECOM CEO David Milman.  Read more »

As Apple continues to aggressively market the iPad, one of its expected competitors has dropped from the race.

This past summer, LG announced plans to build and release a tablet device running Google’s Android OS.  LG’s Android tablet was expected to be released this year, as a competitor for the iPad.

LG announced today that will not happen. Read more »

A new Internet security attack spread through email Thursday, though it came in somewhat old packaging.

The attack, dubbed “Here you have” after the subject line of the phishing attack emails, was reminiscent of attacks from 2000 and 2001.  Those attacks, the ILoveYou and Anna Kournikova worms, were the last significant mass email attacks, until now.  The Kournikova worm even used the same “Here you have” subject line. Read more »

Users of Apple’s iTunes store have been victimized yet again, but not because of Apple.

A series of ongoing phishing scams have tricked users of Apple’s online service into revealing login information.  In turn, this has allowed hackers to bypass the Internet security of those users with ease.

Once logged into the account, hackers have rung up hundreds or even thousands of dollars in charges.

Most of the attacks have happened with accounts linked to PayPal.  In many cases, hackers have used the stolen funds to purchase iTunes gift codes – online gift cards – which they can then resell on the Internet for a profit.

Unlike many Internet security attacks which originate with a security breach on the part of the vendor, this attack seems to be largely caused by trusting users being victimized by phishing emails.

These sorts of fraudulent emails are sent to users, often requesting that they verify login information.  Because the emails appear to be legitimate, many users click on the links within them or enter their private account information.

Once hackers posses that info, they simply log in.  The account, and everything linked to it, is easy pickings.

To protect yourself and your iTunes and PayPal accounts, follow these simple Internet security tips:

• Never provide your login information via email
• iTunes and other legitimate businesses will not request such information through email
• If you suspect an email is a phishing attack, report it to the merchant, your ISP, and/or your email provider
• Verify the legitimacy of an email by contacting the supposed sender at the email address or website you know is real

For more information on protecting yourself, read Rescuecom’s 5 Tips to Detect Phishing.

About RESCUECOM:

RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.

For More Information, Contact:

David Milman, CEO

315-882-1100

david@rescuecom.com

The number one cause for concern among Internet security and computer repair experts is malware.  A little known threat just a few years ago, these malicious programs can slip past Internet security and bring on extensive computer repair costs.

But what is malware?

Malware involves several different kinds of programs:

• Trojan Horses
• Rootkits
• Viruses / Worms
• Data Thieves Read more »
  

For users of Windows and its associated applications, the news is not good this morning.

Noted Internet security researcher HD Moore, of Rapid 7, reported Wednesday that 40 different Windows applications have serious security vulnerability.

The vulnerabilities are, according to Moore, similar to one found in Apple’s iTunes for Windows.  Apple has patched the vulnerability in that program. Read more »

SYRACUSE, N.Y., August 16, 2010 – McAfee, a top Internet security company, recently announced that malware attacks are at an all-time high.  According to McAfee, 10 million new pieces of malware were cataloged during the first half of this year.  With this Internet security threat reaching such significant heights, Rescuecom offers these tips to protect your computer from such an attack.  Read more »

Facebook users may have been victimized by yet another scam.

Internet security firm Sophos has release information on another ‘clickjacking’ scam that hackers recently used to defraud Facebook users out of $5 a week.

While that may not sound like a very big scam, multiply $5 by even a fraction of Facebook’s 500 million users, and the totals add up quickly. Read more »

Facebook, the world’s number one social networking site, will hold a news event tomorrow at its corporate headquarters, to announce its new location-based service.

While Facebook has confirmed little, it has been rumored that the social networking site might be partnering with Foursquare, which Facebook attempted to buy earlier this year. Read more »