A Microsoft security report has found that 97% of all emails sent are spam emails, which cover a wide range of subjects and advertisements. The report also showed that Office document attachments and PDF files are increasingly being targeted by hackers. The worldwide ratio of infected machines is 8.6 to every 1,000 uninfected machines, with the UK average being 5.7 to every 1,000 uninfected machines. However, Microsoft is encouraging people not to worry about the high levels of spam, as “the majority of that never hits your inbox” (Cliff Evans, head of security and privacy for Microsoft in the UK).
This report has highlighted the need to keep anti-virus software, anti-spam software, operating systems, web browsers and applications up to date with the latest versions. If you do not have anti-virus software or require advice on how your computers could be protected from such viruses, do not hesitate to contact Plum.
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
97% of all emails sent are spam
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Wednesday, 1 April 2009
The threat of the ‘Downadup' worm is diffused
Based on the evidence so far today, leading experts have fortunately downplayed the impact of the reported ‘Downadup’ worm. Those monitoring the progress of the worm across the globe have said that there had been no reports of any unusual PC behaviour today.
It had been reported that the ‘Downadup’ (also known as’ Conficker’ worm) would strike many computers today. It was believed that the worm would update itself and then try to connect to other computers through servers and networks, by generating 50,000 domains names and then picking 500 random domains to connect to. The worm is rumoured to trigger ‘poisoned’ machines to access personal files, send spam, clog networks or crash sites. It does this via a net connection or by hiding on USB memory drives used to transfer data from one computer to another. Once in a computer, it digs deeps, setting up defences making it hard to extract. Some FAQs regarding the worm can be found here.
To check whether your computer has been hit or not, it is recommended that you check your anti-virus vendor's website for disinfection instructions, restrict USB stick usage and block unnecessary traffic at your firewalls.
If you do not have anti-virus software or require advice on how your computers and networks could be protected from viruses and hackers, please contact Plum Communications.
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