Yesterday, I looked at how you can run an older version of Java in parallel with an existing installation and then explicitly use the older version for all Java applications. Whilst this is an easy solution to implement it does create potential security risks for computers that are using older versions of Java containing known …
Category: Security
Jan 20 2011
Upgrade to Microsoft Security Essentials Version 2.0
Quick tip for this evening. An update to Microsoft Security Essentials was released by Microsoft on 16 December, 2010 which saw the version number increment up to Version 2.0. This was after the second Tuesday of the month (AKA “Patch Tuesday”) where Microsoft releases patches and upgrades for its software through Windows Update. This meant …
Dec 14 2010
Beware the Twitter Worm Spruiking Acai!
Just a general warning for those of you using Twitter. It seems that there is a worm that is compromising Twitter accounts by enticing people to click on a link regarding “acainews”. News about how the exploit itself is still fairly thin on the ground but it has been noted that accounts belonging to users …
Nov 14 2010
Microsoft Temporarily Disables URLs in Windows Live Messenger
If you are using an older version of Windows Live Messenger you may have noticed that URLs have been disabled (i.e. they are not clickable). Microsoft has taken this step to help prevent a worm spreading through its instant messaging service (although presumably someone could still copy and paste the link manually into a browser). …
Oct 14 2010
Biometrics and Multi-Factor Authentication
As computing power increases and bad guys are looking for ways to steal things like usernames and passwords, it’s natural that the technology industry has been looking for new ways to make it more difficult for unwanted parties to gain access to information and resources (such as personal finances). Today, Citibank made an announcement that …
Sep 25 2010
Microsoft Allows Small Business Use of Security Essentials
Another quick one for this evening. Microsoft has changed its position on the usage of its Security Essentials software inside small businesses whereby it used to be prohibited under the End User License Agreement. Technically, there was nothing stopping small businesses (or anyone for that matter) from installing the software on a compatible computer, just …
Sep 01 2010
Intel Buys McAfee… But Why?
Just a quick one for tonight. A few days ago, it was announced that Intel had bought McAfee for under $8 billion. McAfee was not in any financial trouble despite sending out an update to its antivirus software that rendered computers inoperable when a critical system file was quarantined. The question here is what is …
Aug 28 2010
Manage Internet Access with OpenDNS
These days, parents and small businesses can find it difficult to make sure internet access is being used responsibly not to mention the potential security implications for visiting unknown websites on a frequent basis. The incumbent Federal Government put its web filter strategy on ice in the lead up to the election and still appears …
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