Watch for the next post on the top 3 Antivirus Software.
Here’s the kicker: This embedded-file threat makes creative use of functionality built into the PDF standard. As such, it works not only on Adobe Reader but on other PDF readers, too, even if they’re up-to-date.
“…Now, a new threat allows for launching malware hidden inside a PDF file. In this type of attack, discovered by researcher Didier Stevens, opening the PDF file triggers an attempt to install the malware. The action causes Adobe Reader to produce a confirmation pop-up, which gives you a chance to halt the attack by clicking the ‘Do Not Open’ button–but Stevens found that attackers could tweak the pop-up’s message. His example reads, “To view the encrypted message in this PDF document, select ‘Do not show this message again’ and click the Open button!” Using such a message, attackers could allay potential victims’ suspicion.
Here’s the kicker: This embedded-file threat makes creative use of functionality built into the PDF standard. As such, it works not only on Adobe Reader but on other PDF readers, too, even if they’re up-to-date. The makers of the Zeus Trojan horse are already using this new technique to spread their evil software.”
“…Finally, a good antivirus program may stop a malicious PDF before it can launch an attack. And VirusTotal.com is excellent for scanning any downloaded or e-mailed file with a multitude of antivirus engines. Regardless, always back up your defenses with your own good sense.”
Jump for joy! We usually do.
Seriously though, jump for joy!
Ha. So, without getting too verbose the first thing you ought to do after setting up the computer/laptop (henceforth machine) is to install anti virus software.
Personally, we like both Avast and Zone Alarm. Zone Alarm is also reasonably priced – as of February 2010 $29.95 for the Anti Virus software to $79.95 for the Extreme Security Suite Suite. The price includes a license to use the software on up to 3 computers.
With so many anti virus and computer security software available, including FREE versions, there is NO excuse for users to forgo this step. We cannot stress this enough.
Why? Because it will save you a lot of problems later on when you’ve been using the machine for a few months and it not only slows down but sometimes shuts down on its own.
Why should I install anti virus software when I only go to “good sites” and never download anything?
That’s just not true though. Whenever you go to any website, you are downloading whatever is on that page. Most sites are harmless, however there are sites that automatically download malicious software to your machine. Often these sites have been infected without knowledge of the owners.
Here’s a real life example: We had a client who was on a Mac – that most users wrongly assume cannot be infected – and we believe the client managed to infect and reinfect their website because they did not have anti virus software on their machine. This translated into delays on launching their website (which was a source of livelihood) and extra costs associated with cleaning up their websites three times.
The frustration the client experienced was enough reason for them to install anti virus and internet security software on their machine.
That is just one real life example out scores of such examples that we have come across over the years.
The moral of the story? Jump for joy and then install anti virus software. Use the protection you can afford, but use something. You will be glad you did.
Note: GrafiQuest is not affiliated with either Avast or Zone Alarm. They have however protected our machines for many years.