PLEASE READ-New Computer-Internet Threat
 

As some of you know, I make my living as a computer security consultant to the federal government.

Today I became aware of a new threat and I wanted to make you aware of it so you can avoid it.

The threat comes through forums similar to this one, or may even come through this one.

An attacker will join the forum to get into the area of trust and then unleash the maleware in the form of a Private Message to every member the "bot" can find.

So if you receive a Private message from a member that you are not personally acquainted with, be sure to NOT click on any link that is inside the message. The link will take you to a website that is either virus laden and will infect your computer OR you will be transported to a PORN site that will try to keep you from exiting... and probably leave some form of tracking software or malware on your computer for the future.

so LET's BE CAREFUL OUT THERE... being forewarned is being fore-armed...

BACK UP YOUR CRITICAL DATA and update your antivirus software definitions OFTEN

A big thank you for your warning John.

John,

It always helps to mention what platforms are susceptible. It saves all the Mac and Linux folks from running around checking.

David, since the extent of the threat is not known, ALL computer users need to be aware that the threat exists and take whatever precautions their operating system supporting software (antivirus, etc.) suggests...

I would imagine that any operating system that will run scripts, and especially java is susceptible.

Thanks for the heads up John, i've had this type of thing happen before to me, BIG headache to fix

This is why I run 4 different anti-virus/ ad-aware/spyware programs every week... NO I'M NOT PARANOID!...just really really careful....

I just had to do a full recovery thanks to one called "Antivirus XP 2008". It slows everything to a Dial-up speed and gradually locks up your computer. I was told by my security help desk that it will mutate each time it hits a firewall, etc., and will eventually find a way around it.

It comes in attached to e-mails.

Thanks for the heads-up John. I'm being pestered by a program called "Winspywareprotect" Any info on it?? Thanks--Al

Thanks for the warning. I am on a couple of other forums, and have passed along the message.

Kurt

Al, when you run across something like this, put it into www.google.com and see what comes up;

http://www.wiki-security.com/wiki/Pa...SpywareProtect


Ed

Thanks Ed--I found it and and was able to delete it in the" task manager" A very handy device!! Al

Here's another new threat... be really careful what you click on to "update" something you already have...

http://www.windowsvistaplace.com/ant...pyware-removal