Huge Microsoft Security Patch Hits Tuesday, Includes Windows 7 Updates

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Microsoft will release a huge security patch tomorrow October 13th containing eight critical and five important security bulletins fixing 34 vulnerabilities.
Affected software includes Windows, Internet Explorer, Office, Silverlight, Forefront, Developer Tools, and SQL Server.
Windows 7 is also affected by this monster patch fixing a critical IE 8 bug and two important marked issues found in the Operating System. Windows 7's release is still 10 days away. So you will already have a security update waiting for your new Windows 7 computer when you get it. Read more

Posted on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:41:50 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Microsoft Security Essentials Gets Thumbs Up

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Microsoft released the free PC Security software Microsoft Security Essentials yesterday. I am running on Symantec Norton right now and have no time to test MSE. Good thing Ars Technica found the time and published a first look at the Microsoft Security Essentials and they are actually impressed with it. Read more

Posted on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 02:39:34 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Free Microsoft Security Essentials Download Available Now

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Microsoft just launched the download for their free Microsoft Security Essentials we reported about earlier today.
Microsoft Security Essentials provides real-time protection for your home PC that guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.

The new free security software, independently certified by West Coast Labs, is backed by the company’s global security response team and is built on the same award-winning core security technology found in the company’s security solutions for businesses. Read more

Posted on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:57:41 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Free Microsoft Security Essentials Is Available Today [Update]

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Microsoft announced that it will offer their new free security software today. Microsoft' new no-cost, core anti-malware service is supposed to help protect you against viruses, spyware and other malicious software.
Microsoft Security Essentials, independently certified by West Coast Labs, is backed by the company’s global security response team and is built on the same award-winning core security technology found in the company’s security solutions for businesses. Read more

Posted on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:43:16 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

iPhone Security Flaw Will Be Fixed.

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Yesterday we brought you news of the announcement being made at today's Black Hat conference. Charlie Miller and Collin Mulliner, two independent security experts, told the world today of a glitch in iPhone SMS security that would allow remote hackers to take over any iPhone they wished. Miller and Mulliner informed Apple of the flaw a month ago, but were not given any promise of a fix.

Apparently, though, the two men made more of an impression on Apple execs than they'd thought. A spokesman for UK carrier O2 said today that a patch fixing the vulnerability will be released this Saturday though iTunes. The vulnerability also effects Windows Mobile and Android phones, and Google has already taken steps to address the issue.

Posted on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:40:00 CDT | by Robert Evans

Windows 7 Pirates to Get Security Updates

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Much like a loving mother, Microsoft will let no harm come to Windows 7, making all copies of the OS, legitimate or otherwise (read: pirated) eligible for security updates. Softpedia reports that Microsoft’s Director of Windows Client Enterprise Security said as much in a recent Q and A.

“Let me be clear: all security updates go to all users. Not only do all security updates go to all users' systems, but non-genuine Windows systems are able to install service packs, update rollups, and important reliability and application compatibility updates,” Cook stated.

Posted on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:50:00 CDT | by James Douglas

Microsoft Strengthens USB Security

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Following the exploitation by the Conficker worm and other malware of Windows’ AutoRun system, Microsoft today announced new security features for Windows 7 to eliminate the loophole, in particular in regards to USB drives.

From the Microsoft Security Research and Defense blog:

AutoPlay will no longer support the AutoRun functionality for non-optical removable media. In other words, AutoPlay will still work for CD/DVDs but it will no longer work for USB drives. For example, if an infected USB drive is inserted on a machine then the AutoRun task will not be displayed. This will block the increasing social engineer threat highlighted in the SIR. The dialogs below highlight the difference that users will see after this change. Before the change, the malware is leveraging AutoRun to confuse the user. After the change, AutoRun will no longer work, so the AutoPlay options are safe.

Basically, now when you insert a USB drive into a PC, no programs will automatically launch, eliminating the threat of malware installation. The threat has been eliminated.

Posted on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:35:00 CDT | by James Douglas

Trend Micro Offers Internet Security for Netbooks

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One thing that many manufacturers seem to forget today with the popularity of netbooks is that most of them lack an optical drive. That means installing new software can be an issue for many netbook users. Trend Micro has announced a version of its Internet Security applications designed specifically for the netbook user.

The netbook version of the software applications comes on a USB drive making it easy for netbook users to install the software. The software will self-install, is auto-run, is enabled, and if it's not the software can be installed directly by accessing the USB drive. Read more

Posted on Wed, 8 Apr 2009 11:00:00 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

AuthenTec Adds Security Features to J3400 Tablet PC

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Earlier this month motion computing announced a new rugged tablet computer called the J3400. AuthenTec has announced today that it has integrated security features into the new rugged tablet machine. Highlights of the J3400 include a sunlight readable screen and an AuthenTec fingerprint reader.

AuthenTec's AES2550 fingerprint reader is used in the computer to secure the tablet PC, stored data and the networks that the PC connects to. Using the fingerprint reader access to websites, networks, and other features of the computer can be gained by using a finger rather than a password. Read more

Posted on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:00:00 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Mobile Armor and Seagate Team Up for Laptop Security

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Seagate and Mobile Armor announced that they have teamed up to provide improved laptop security for mobile users. Under the partnership, a data protection solution using Seagate Momentus FDE hard drives and software from Mobile Armor will be offered.

The Seagate FDE hard drive automatically encrypts everything on the drive with AES encryption. The Mobile Armor software solution provides users and managers with full audit control over the notebook and allows managers to audit all laptops from a single unified policy and management console. Read more

Posted on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:00:00 CST | by Shane McGlaun

New Login Security Software Helps Prevent Hacking

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Many people who use smartphones today carry tons of sensitive data on them from email accounts to login information for confidential business networks. Many smartphones have no security at all and those that do often use nothing but a simply password to access the phone.

A new login security program called PINoptic replaces the basic login procedure using a plain keypad with a login screen that offers numbers and images. The phone owner sets up a password using the images and at each login the images are randomly associated with different numbers. Read more

Posted on Mon, 2 Feb 2009 12:00:00 CST | by Shane McGlaun

Netgear Launches Enterprise-class Email Security Appliance

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Netgear announced a new enterprise-class web and email security appliance today aimed at the small business market. The product is part of a new line of Security Threat Management products that will be sold via Netgear resellers.

The first product is called the Netgear ProSecure STM and comes in three models including the STM150, STM300, and STM600 providing enough power for up to 600 employees. Netgear partnered with Kapersky Lab and Commtouch to bring email and web scanning to the product. Read more

Posted on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 08:00:00 CST | by Shane McGlaun

Obama said to keep a Security Software enhanced BlackBerry

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Now that Barack Obama is President, the question on weather he had to give up his beloved BlackBerry should be answered soon. According to a report by Marc Ambinder from The Atlantic, via CNET Obama's BlackBerry has been outfitted with a encryption software and now he is supposed to be able to use it for personal use. Update: Obama administration confirms that Obama will continue to use his BlackBerry. Read more

Posted on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 01:00:00 CST | by Luigi Lugmayr

Microsoft Morro Anti Virus and Security Software to be free

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Microsoft announced the release of a free security software suite in 2009 codenamed Morro to address the growing need for a PC security solution tailored to the demands of emerging markets, smaller PC form factors and rapid increases in the incidence of malware.
Morro will be available in the second half of 2009 and will provide comprehensive protection from malware including viruses, spyware, rootkits, and trojans. Read more

Posted on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:17:25 CST | by Luigi Lugmayr

Case Logic Security Friendly Laptop Case Introduced

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Case Logic announced two new offerings today that could make the life of frequent air travelers friendlier. The cases are security friendly and allow users to get through security checkpoints without having to take laptops out of bags.

Two options are being offered from Case Logic, the Security Friendly Case and the Security Friendly sleeve. The sleeves still require users to remove the laptop from their carryon, which really defeats the purpose in my opinion. Read more

Posted on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 10:34:18 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Bullguard and SteelSeries Announce PC Security for Gamers

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According to security software maker Bullguard about 20% of gamers don’t use PC security of any kind. To address the need for security among gamers, Bullguard announced its Gamers' Edition software.

The software doesn’t require lots of resources and when placed in game profiles the user gets no firewall or update messages while playing. The software provides full antivirus, antispyware, and firewall. Pricing for the software is EUR49.99 for a year's subscription. Read more

Posted on Tue, 2 Sep 2008 09:38:25 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Aluratek Tornado External HDD with RFID Security

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Aluratek announced the latest version of its tornado one-touch external hard drive that features a RFID security key and onboard data encryption. The drives can be had with storage capacity of up to 1TB with the lowest capacity 160GB.

The drives come in two different sizes -- 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch. Connectivity is via USB 2.0 and the drives are compatible with Windows and Mac computers. The drives ship with a pair of RFID security keys for an added layer of protection. The 160GB version of the external drive retails for $119 with the 1TB version going for $249. Read more

Posted on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:33:59 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Microsoft announces Security Information-Sharing Programs at Black Hat 2008

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At the Black Hat USA 2008 conference today, Microsoft Corp. introduced security-related programs that share early information with partners to help them protect customers quickly and effectively. The new programs also provide additional information and guidance to help customers evaluate risks and prioritize the deployment of Microsoft security updates.
Along with the predictability of Microsoft’s monthly security update process is the emergence of an undesirable cycle — the release of exploit code, related to those updates, sometimes within hours of release. Understanding this changing threat environment, Microsoft will offer the Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP), which gives security software providers advance information about vulnerabilities addressed by Microsoft security updates. This will allow security software providers to offer protections to customers quickly and effectively. Read more

Posted on Tue, 5 Aug 2008 09:48:46 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Latest Apple OS X DNS Security Update leaves Users still at Risk

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Apple rolled out Security Update 2008-005 this week that contained an important security update for the DNS service.

Now security experts say that Apple did not fix the issue in its entirerty leaving OS X users at risk.
Apparently port randomization is not built-in to help prevent cache poisoning attacks. Read more

Posted on Sat, 2 Aug 2008 02:42:28 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

OS X Security Update 2008-005 fixes DNS Flaw

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Apple finally fixed the DNS vulnerability issue with a new security update.

Security Update 2008-005 fixes BIND which was susceptible to DNS cache poisoning and may have returned forged information.
The new OS X security update also touches the Open Scripting Architecture, CarbonCore, CoreGraphics, Data Detectors Engine, Disk Utility, OpenLDAP, OpenSSL, PHP, QuickLook, and rsync. Read more

Posted on Fri, 1 Aug 2008 05:05:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Case Logic Offers Another Security-Friendly Laptop Case

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Lately most every laptop bag maker on the planet has been getting new bags ready that allow for x-rays of your laptop without removing it from your laptop bag. Case Logic has announced its own line of security-friendly laptop bags called simply enough Security Friendly cases.

The cases isolate the laptop so it can be easily x-rayed and provides an unobstructed view of the laptop to screeners. Two solutions will be offered from Case Logic; a case that isolate the laptop in a separate compartment and sleeves that will still have to be removed from the bag. The cases should be available later this summer. Read more

Posted on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 08:00:07 CDT | by Shane McGlaun