Sometimes we harbor virus on our computers (PC) without knowing that they really are there. If we do know how these viruses behave, and the main feature and effect on our systems, we will not that there are a whole lots of them on our system and we thereby give them space to operate to their fullest until a lot of unrecoverable damage has been done to our system. This article will help you to detect virus, worms, spywares and malwares without anti virus and anti spyware software.

How to Detect Viral Infection of Your PC (Computer)

Wondering how to find out if your computer has a virus? Some of this virus might even appear invisible that our anti-virus can never detect them and we will generally believe that our system is virus free without knowing that our system is the home ground of well-groomed virus that deals with people’s files. So as to avoid this and even detect the status of virus on our system even without the help of anti-virus, I will like to talk about some things to take note of so that we can detect the presence of virus on our system.

Programs take too long to Load

Part of the things that virus does once it have the avenue to enter the system is to go and attack the files that once opened, they will have the avenue to spread to other file. The reason for this is that those file will always need some other file to enable them run easily and smoothly and those file needed are hidden on the system. But once they have the opportunity to attack those files, it will aid them in spreading to other hidden files that are on the system.

As tis is been done, it will make it hard for anti-virus to detect them and if they eventually detected, the anti-virus that did not have the capacity of healing them will not be able to deleted those files because some of those hidden files are important operating system files that must be deleted because they aid in the smooth running of the O.S.

Once these files are deleted, you will discover that the system will complain of missing important O.S files and therefore will not be able to boot. Once the anti-virus have attack this programs, you will then discover that whenever you run those programs that run easily, they will be taking long before they will run. Once you see this, note that virus are already having their way on your system.

Accessing Disk Takes a long Time

Usually, the data disk that we sometimes want to install on our system contains executable files that always need the permission to access O.S files so that they can register the program which they represent into the folder that contains other programs. This folder is one of the major file that virus always look to attack because it takes them closer to the O.S files.

Check Out This List of Top 6 Best Antivirus Protection Program of 2011

Now, once this software are inserted into the CD/DVD drive on our system, and the presence of those executive files have been detected by the virus, the y will now attack that file with all they’ve got that is why access the disk during their attack makes the dis takes longer time before it can be accessed.

*Note: This only applies to a situation whereby the disk you want to read is a clean one. That is, it hasn’t scratched.

Files Disappear and File with Strange Name Appear

After your files have been successfully attacked by virus, as a result of the virus destroying your files, the files will one after the other begins to disappear. You might even be making use of that particular file and then you suddenly discover that the file will just change from what it used to be to something you have never seen before. Once you see this, know fully well that there is virus on your system.

Executable Files Change in Size

Once the virus has the access to attack the executable files on our system (mostly those people that like storing software on their system) you will discover that they will change in size and either the size increase abnormally or it reduce. This is because the main file that is very important for this executable file has been taken over by the virus. Once this is done, the virus then has all authority to alter the size of these files.

If this situation has not gotten out of hands, you can easily use a good anti-virus to scan your system and once the anti-virus have discovered the virus, you can ask the anti-virus to repair those files. But in a situation whereby important O.S file has been tampered with (that is the out of hand situation), the only and best solution is to reload (reinstall) the operating system.

Guest Author: Odesanya Taiwo is a tech writer and a tech blogger who writes for a technology blog, techatlast. He also spends time to provide latest news for thenewsofthepeople, a news website.

So believe it or not; your MacBook’s Battery is vulnerable to Viruses, Malware and Meltdown if a hacker decides to target it and bring it down.

What Apple Macbook Battery Hacking is About?

Charlie is just someone who wants his Mac to be safe from hackers. He is not out there to make Apple feel embarrassed. He wants Apple to go one step further, and make its devices foolproof. “I don’t want to be their adversary. I want to have them fix stuff — and I want them to get better“, Charlie said.

If you have a software problem or if someone hacks your device, you can reboot and have your system running like a horse again. But what to do when someone can affect the hardware with the use of a software? Charlie Miller has found a way to shut down the charging system in your Mac by playing around with the software.

How Apple Macbook Battery Hack Works?

There is a dedicated system for charging your laptop. There is a constant interaction between a computer and its battery module. The battery module is responsible for calculating how much more battery the computer needs, when to cut the power off. And for running that battery module, Apple has given software.

This software has passwords, so that a user does not rupture it in any way. Charlie Miller just goggled for those passwords and found them. He hacked his Mac, entered the passwords and changed the software according to what he wanted it to do. And now he can do many queer things.

Also Check: Best Tips For Macintosh Crash/Freeze Troubleshooting

He can change the software in a way that the computer doesn’t know whether the battery is connected to it or not. And your Mac won’t get charged, and you will just keep checking the battery wire connectivity to your Mac. And will keep checking if the battery is plugged in properly to the electric socket.

Implications:

If someone is heartless enough, he can force your Mac to blow. And it’s not in theory. If someone changes the battery software in such a way that the computer keeps getting charged, then it can blow up, leaving you with burns.

Solution:

The solution is that Apple should change the default passwords which are keyed in when the Mac is manufactured. Charlie presented his hacking technique at the Black Hat security conference. And he thinks that changing the passwords will stop this kind of Mac hacking. So, if next time you are going out to buy a Mac, then do open your wallet with a pinch of concern.

Author Bio: This guest post is contributed by Amanda Kidd, who by profession,  is a blogger and writer who is very vigilant while selecting perfume she selects only top perfume. Writing on beauty portal is something she loves to do and she believes that a healthy body is a prime requisite for a beautiful skin. Beside this she also likes to write on Environment Issues.

Two security consultant (ethical hackers) have used text messages to unlock the doors and start the engine of a brand new Subaru Outback. This event was conducted by two security researchers from iSec Partners named Don Bailey and Matthew Solnik. Don and Matthew got an Android phone and used a technique they referred to as “war texting” wherein they used two unnamed remote control products that are for locking and unlocking.

The men set up a GSM network and, after just a couple of hours, hacked the password and authentication messages sent between the server and the car.

With this information, they were able to send text messages that opened the doors and brought the car engine to life, effectively allowing them to steal the Outback off the conference floor. And we thought, controlling the 1969 Pontiac GTO via an iPod Touch was a cool hack!

Black Hat is an annual gathering of hackers and security professionals in Las Vegas. Researchers hope that by showing off how to hack certain systems, the computer industry will take steps to make infrastructure and consumers safer.

Don Bailey says he can unlock thousands of cars across the United States simply by sending a few texts from his Android phone. And that’s not even the scary part.

“I could care less if I could unlock a car door,” Bailey told during the conference at Caesar’s Palace. “It’s cool. It’s sexy. But the same system is used to control phone, power, traffic systems. I think that’s the real threat,” he stated.

The hack affects many kinds of devices that connect to cellular GSM networks, like the one used by AT&T. As cars and plenty of other stuff — from pill bottles to trees — start connecting to cell grids and the Internet, they become more vulnerable.

It’s indeed worrisome that this technique could be used on traffic control systems, security cameras, SCADA sensors, which are employed in industrial systems like the power grid and water supply.

Thankfully, the research hackers said they would not reveal information about their hacking technology or any other vulnerable cars until manufacturers had the opportunity to make design changes. Keeps in mind that similar remote-control apps are used by General Motors, BMW and Mercedes.

Also check out – How to Send a Text Message (SMS) Using Email? At any rate, isn’t it concerning that modern cars like Subaru Outback can be hacked by something as simple as an SMS? What do you think?

Google redirect virus is a browser hijacker that causes redirection to infected websites while you are simply browsing the Internet. Basically, after you type in a specific word or phrase into Google search engine and click Enter, you get redirected to some advertisements, p0rn-related websites, etc.

It can also completely block certain websites. This activity is not only annoying but it can also infect your system with some spyware infections which later on may reveal your private information, including passwords or credit card details.

If you are an experienced computer user you may fix this problem by entering the registry. However, if you are not sure which files to remove or change do not mess with it. These files can have random names so it is difficult to track them.

The easiest way to fix Google redirect virus is by scanning your system with a reliable antispyware program. if it doesn’t work, you can try these easy steps:

1. Check your hosts files for malicious entries. If you see more IPs, you should delete them.

2. Go to Control Panel -> Network Connections, right-click on your Local Area Connection icon and choose Properties. Select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click Properties. Select “Obtain an IP address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically”. Save the changes.

3. Check you proxy settings on Internet Explorer. Launch it and go to Tools -> Internet options, Connections tab and click LAN Settings. Unselect all checkboxes and click OK.

4. If you use Mozilla Firefox, check you proxy settings there too. Go to Tools -> Options, click Advanced and open Network tab. Go to Settings, select “No proxy” and click OK.

5. Check Internet Explorer add-ons. Go to Tools -> Add-ons. Disable all add-ons that you cannot verify. You can reinstall good ones later.

If nothing works, it’s very likely that it’s a tdss rootkit. In this case and generally, the easiest way to fix Google redirect virus is by using a reliable antispyware program: Malwarebytes, Spyware Doctor, Superantispyware, Hitman Pro, etc. And here is a list of top 6 Best Antivirus Protection Program of 2011.

Guest Author: This is a guest article by Renata who is blogging for 2-viruses.com covering the main security issues there and writing tutorials on how to remove newest malware infections. Renata follows the latest news of computer security industry and alerts visitors of 2-viruses.com about latest vulnerabilities and parasites.

Here are some more variation of wall post phrases that this worm seems to be using while spreading on Facebook:

1. OMG <your facebook profile name> you should untag yourself in this vid
2. OMG <your facebook profile name> why are you in this vid
3. hey <your facebook profile name> you look so stupid in this vid
4. hey <your facebook profile name> why are you in this vid
5. hey <your facebook profile name> i can’t believe youre tagged this vid
6. ROTFL <your facebook profile name> what are you doing in this vid

When the user clicks on the video, it seems to be loading in an enlarged video player window.

But the real problem starts when the user clicks on the apparently innocent ‘Play’ button on the enlarged video screen. Once you click the Play button, it does not play any video, but instead displays a message that reads, “Select Address bar.  Press Ctrl+V. Press Enter.“

But here is what it does in the background. As soon as the user had clicked on the first video link, it starts scanning the user’s friends list and generates a malicious code, which the worm copies into the clipboard memory.

When the user selects the address bar and presses <CTRL>+<V> (which is the keyboard shortcut for paste) then <ENTER> , he/she ends up posting a similar OMG why are you tagged in this vid type message on one of his/her friend’s Wall.

At this moment, it is not yet known what kind of data, apart from your friends list, is accessed by the worm. But knowing some of the past Facebook worms and their malicious abilities, the possibilities of this OMG/WTF worm can be scary!

So how to prevent this spam? Simple, don’t click on any suspicious links in Facebook however attractive it may appear! Hackers are just exploiting the curious nature of human mind to good use in doing their job. To avoid getting such malicious wall messages, you may restrict other people (who are NOT your friends and not in your contact list) from posting on your wall. For doing this, choose:

“Account -> Privacy Settings -> Customize Settings -> Things others share -> Friends can post on my Wall ( Enable / Disable ).”

There are over 200,000 applications on the Android App Store/Market today – up from 50,000 a year ago while the store was launched – but the huge growth in the platform has brought with it a rise in malicious apps designed to steal user data.

Unfortunately, this issue highlights the flaws in Google’s open store approach compared to the tightly controlled nature of Apple’s iTunes App Store.

Over the past few months, Android users have been victims of threats ranging from various levels of intensity. What began first as a threat tool for desktop users has now furthered onto the mobile users.

Keeping this view in mind, a host of anti-virus applications have been released in a last ditch. For instance, this week security firm Webroot released its Webroot Mobile Security for Android software, which is available on the Android Market. There is a free and paid version.

Even Google has been trying to be proactive to fight such malware attacks, but often the outcome has been far from desirable. One instance would be the attacks that a malicious app called DroidDream began doing rounds. Although Google did intervene but most of the damage had been done already.

In another instance, on Wednesday, Google removed multiple applications from its official Android Market application store that contained malware.

Google’s move came after AegisLab, a security firm based in Taiwan, released a security alert warning that applications including iBook, iCartoon, iGuide, iCalendar, Sea Ball, LoveBaby, and 3D Cube Horror Terrible — all published by “zsone”–contained code designed to quietly send SMS messages to premium telephone numbers in China, resulting in either a one-time charge or an ongoing subscription.

At least 11 Android apps contain malware that is rigged to automatically send text messages from your Google Android smartphone to phone numbers in China. Moreover, 17% of all reported smartphone infections “were due to SMS Trojans that sent SMS messages to premium-rate numbers, often at irretrievable cost to the user or enterprise.“

However, even though alarming the four-fold increase in malware targeting Android isn’t unexpected. “You don’t have to be extraordinarily smart to write mobile malware these days because most devices don’t have any security tools to stop the malware,” said Dan Hoffman, chief mobile security evangelist at Juniper Networks.

Asked whether the reported rise in Android malware meant anti-virus programs for the platform were desirable or necessary, a Google spokeswoman did not directly answer the question.

“We are committed to providing a secure Android Market experience for consumers,” the spokeswoman said.

In the meantime, watch where you procure mobile device applications, and especially beware third-party application stores, for example in China, where access to the official Android Market remains blocked. In particular, criminals often hide malware in clones of well-known applications, and especially Android games.

So if you are a Google Chrome fan and had enjoyed it as a browser that can not be hacked (thanks to Chrome’s inbuilt sandboxing approach which is key to the browser’s core protection from hacking attacks), then rejoice no more — Google Chrome browser now has been hacked and cracked!

This attack code is designed to pierce key defenses built into Google’s Chrome browser, allowing the hackers to reliably execute malware on end user machines.

The security firm said that the attack required sophisticated attack code and breaks through Chrome without exploiting a Windows Kernel vulnerability. They released video proof showing that it’s possible to force the browser to download and run a calculator application without the browser crashing or computer showing any signs of something going on. In a regular attack, this calculator would be replaced with a hacker made payload (malicious program).

The exploit apparently works with “default” Chrome installations on all 32-bit and 64-bit Windows systems. The tested Chrome version was 11.0.696.65.

Google said it was unable to confirm Vupen’s claims. “The exploit … is one of the most sophisticated codes we have seen and created so far, as it bypasses all security features including ASLR/DEP/Sandbox,” said Vupen in a blog post Monday. “It is silent (no crash after executing the payload), it relies on undisclosed (‘zero-day’) vulnerabilities and it works on all Windows systems.“

VUPEN Pwned Google Chrome Sandbox Bypass [Video]

This video is showing the latest version of Chrome running on a 64-bit version of Windows 7. By loading the address of a specially designed website, the researchers are able to force the browser to download and run a calculator application without crashing or showing any other signs of anything fishy.

And evidently it is not just Google Chrome’s security that has been exposed by this hack. The Vupen attack code also bypassed Windows 7′s ASLR (address space layout randomization) and DEP (data execution prevention), two other security technologies meant to make hackers’ jobs tougher.

“This code and the technical details of the underlying vulnerabilities will not be publicly disclosed,” said Vupen. “They are shared exclusively with our Government customers as part of our vulnerability research services.“

But even though Vupen has  refused to reveal to the public or Google what the holes are, hopefully Google fixes the vulnerabilities soon before other hackers catch wind of the exploit and start making use of it.

For example, a recent study which tracked 40,000 networks in six UK cities found that just under half didn’t have a password and no, or only very basic, security encryption that can be hacked within seconds.

It’s not just a privacy concern either; allowing hijackers on your wi-fi could slow your connection significantly. So what can you do? Here are three simple things that take just five minutes and will leave your wireless broadband network much more secure.

1. Change WEP password to WPA:

Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) was the old standard method of encrypting wireless networks. The idea is that the router generates a random sequence of letters and numbers – either 10 or 26 characters long – and that becomes the network password.

Sounds secure and, for a while, it was but it turned out that breaking the technology was a walk in the park for hackers. Don’t believe me? Try Googling ‘hack WEP connection‘. Scary isn’t it?

That’s why WiFi Protected Access (WPA) and WPA2 are now the standard form of protection for newer wireless routers. As well as many in-built security improvements, WPA means that you can choose your own password for the network, making it potentially much more secure.

In short, if you have a choice, always choose WPA. If your router only allows WEP connections that’s better than nothing but it may be time to upgrade.

2. VID (that’s very important devices):

Most routers now allow users to set an ‘access list‘ of specific devices which can gain access to the wireless network. All routers do this slightly differently so I’m not going to go into too much detail but, in general, entering the router’s IP address into your browser and then look in the advanced settings to find a way to set a list of allowed devices.

Some routers also allow you to simply check a box saying that new devices are not allowed to join the network. That’s ideal if you only really have one or two devices using the wi-fi.

3. Change your SSID:

Your SSID is the name you see when you search for wireless networks in the local area. You can usually configure your router so that the network name isn’t broadcast at all but that’s not so convenient if you’re looking to connect devices yourself.

Another deterrent to hackers is simply to change the SSID network name from whatever the factory setting is. That shows that you’ve changed your wireless network setting and makes your network look more secure right from the off.

Guest Author: This is a guest article by Julia Cook who is a staff writer for Choose.net, a consumer site that helps users to compare broadband deals. The site also features guides on topics such as where to get the best mobile broadband for iPad.

Though it is by no means uncommon for user data to be stolen by hackers, this is one of the largest and most high profile online data thefts to come to light. Playstation owners are upset and angry over this escapade ever since PS3 network went down last week!

PSN Accounts Hacked: How to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft

Termed as one of the biggest internet security breaches, a hacker reportedly broke into Sony’s PlayStation video game online network and may have obtained access to personal data of about 77 million users, including credit card information, addresses, user names and passwords.

“We have discovered that between April 17 and April 19, 2011, certain PlayStation Network and Qriocity service user account information was compromised in connection with an illegal and unauthorized intrusion into our network,” Sony said in a blog post Tuesday.

In response, the company said it has now turned off both of the services — which weren’t working anyway — and hired a well-known security firm to conduct “a full and complete investigation” into what happened.

Nevertheless, Sony is likely to face questions about when it knew that customer data had been stolen and why it waited so long before issuing a statement.

“They have almost let people believe that it was a harmless problem, when in actual fact they just weren’t telling us that someone might have our information,” a PS3 gamer stated.

“While there is no evidence at this time that credit card data was taken, we cannot rule out the possibility,” Sony said. “If you have provided your credit card data through PlayStation Network or Qriocity, out of an abundance of caution we are advising you that your credit card number (excluding security code) and expiration date may have been obtained.“

Now, while a credit card number is not required to set up a PSN account, the information listed above could be used to access bank accounts, so even if you didn’t attach a credit card number to your account, you’re still not entirely free and clear. For now though, just let’s just say your credit card info (minus the security code, per Sony’s statement) and personal data have been compromised.

The company also advised users to change their PlayStation Network passwords as soon as the service is restored. Sony expects to restore services “within a week,” their blog post says.

Sony now advises users to “remain vigilant” and be on the lookout for e-mail, telephone and postal scams. Hackers will sometimes use personal data they have stolen to target users with phishing attacks or try to trick them into handing over further data. If you have attached your credit card to your PSN account and if  are concerned that your account has been compromised then read our guide on how to protect yourself from identity theft.

Every computer needs a firewall, especially ones that are used at work. For a big company, there is a more serious threat of someone from outside accessing information or giving your whole network a virus. Companies can use the firewall to control how the network is used by, for example, only allowing or blocking certain computers to access their web servers. Many companies use a thin client so they can control what content is pre-loaded and can be installed onto a work machine alongside their firewall.

How A Firewall Works To Keep Your System (PC) Safe?

There are several different types of firewalls and they each work a little bit differently:

Packet Filtering – This is a system where data enters the system through chunks or packets. The loose stuff that’s not connected (which is often the malware trailing along) is tossed out.

Proxy Service – With proxy service, the firewall gets the data from the internet and then sends it to the system that’s requesting it.

Stateful Inspection – This is a new style of firewall where it analyzes the packets of data by checking it against a database of known malware.

Your firewall also analyzes the data that comes from your computer to the net. It looks for similar patterns of data. When it receives data that doesn’t fit into these patterns, it keeps it out.

It protects your computer from all kinds of bad stuff. It’s a long list that includes viruses, spam, remote login, programs that contain hidden bugs (application backdoors), e-mail bombs, source routing, SMTP session hijacking and much more.

How To Get The Best Firewall For Your Computer?

There are two ways to go if you want to get a firewall. You can either download a free one from an open source community, or pay for a licensed program. Of course, the paid ones are better, but a free one will block lots of nasty stuff. The main thing you miss with a free one is the customer support and upgrades.

Here is a List of Top 6 Best Antivirus Protection (2011) Software

A great free firewall program is Comodo Internet Security. It’s known as one of the hardest working firewalls out there and was named as PC Magazine Online’s Editor’s Choice. The most popular paid firewall programs are Zone Alarm Pro 2010 and Outpost Firewall. Both have lots of handy features and are easy to use.

Guest Author: This is a guest article by Steven Papas who is the owner of VeryBestSoftware.net where one can find reviews for known Internet Security and Parental Control software as well as the Norton 360 5.0 coupon and Acronis coupons.