2008=not so great

As I have several times before, malware/worms/spyware, etc. have been one of my biggest headaches as a PC user. I have done research on many programs that will keep my system clean of these nuisances, but it seems like a lost cause when a bigger, stronger worm is released. The article I found this week discusses a Symantec Internet Security Threat Report that reports a large increase in the number of computer security holes and Internet threats where browsers can be forced to download malicious software on peoples' computers. Frightenly, "trusted" websites are not always safe, as attackers can embed invisible frames within the website and control the browser, stealing user information. This stolen information is often sold by the attackers.
Other points from this report include:

• Conflicker worm, which is still affecting PCs today, downloading peer-to-peer.
• Identity theft, many phishing attacks have circulated inorder to obtain personal information of unsuspecting victims, many posing as legitimate companies. Keystroke logs have also been used to record the online banking actions of users.
• Spam, the number of annoying messages rose 200% in 2008
• Also, rises in/problems with Malware, vulnerability, Safari vulnerability, geographies (the US and China), critical infrastructure.

I wonder what will happen in 2009, considering Conflicker has already been such a problem. I think the most threatening of these reports is identity theft. It happens to many people unknowingly and can cause major problems down the road. Viruses are on thing, but stealing peoples' money crosses the line to absolutely malicious. I hope this year will be a decrease in the number of malware since the affects of last year were so great.

Interesting

A survey has concluded that Facebook users get worse grades in college! Uh oh... I don't think we really needed a study to figure this one out.

Conflicker...Again!

Unfortunately, the virus, Conflicker, which I discussed in my blog last week, is still making the news. Last week, there had been much build up leading to April Fool's Day when the Conflicker virus was supposed to take a mean grip on PCs around the world. Then... nothing happened. However, it has been a matter of time for the virus to come alive and begin causing problems. The article I found this week discusses Conflicker's awakening and what it will now do.
Conflicker is updating using peer-to-peer computers and dropping in a malicious code. Conflicker's infection of P2P computers was orginally thought to be a new kinds of Conflicker, but it has been determined that it merely a new side of Conflicker that was intended to come out.Experts who have analyzed the code suspect that it is a keystroke logger or another type of program designed to steal data, however the code is heavily encrypted and therefore hard to read. The worm also tries to connect to large websites to test internet availability, then deletes traces of itself from the host machine. The virus is set to shut down on May 3rd (my birthday!!) and cease replication, however infected computers will still be controlled.
Although Conflicker is still in the news, I feel it will not be a problem for much longer and will do less damage than orginally expected. It is unfortunate that we must deal with such problems, but it seems experts have a good handle on what is happening and how to control it.

Conflicker

It was one of the biggest build-ups to April Fools Day, putting PC/Microsoft users in fear of their computer's imminent downfall... and then nothing really happened. Conflicker has been in the news lately donned the reputation of possibly one of the most malicious, widespread viruses. It was predicted to infect the computers of nearly 300-500 million PCs and block Microsoft's ability to patch their program and eventually gain the ability to block users' ability to antivirus websites, then download a "rouge antivirus malware" that would demand the user buy something to eliminate the worm. The virus was supposed to be maliciously activated on April 1st, but the article I found this week reports that nothing has happened... yet. In fact computer experts do not know if anything widespread will happen, but they have their predictions. On Wednesday, the worm is expected to attach to 250-500 random Websites where it can prompt users to do something that will be harmful to their computer. The motives behind the Conflicker virus are thought to be money related. The "rouge antivirus malware" mentioned before tricks people into paying for something they think is getting rid of malware, but really does nothing. Microsoft is offering $250,000 for anyone who can catch the authors of the worm. Unfortunately, I wish I know more about this! That would be a nice chunk of change!! I believe I had something like the Conflicker worm earlier in 2009. It's really a nuisance, but since I have downloaded some great malware, antivirus, etc. software to keep my computer clean. These kinds of worms tend to make computers stronger in that Microsoft develops better patch protections against them and prevent further spread of the worm on existing and future computer models. Of course, MACs are virtually impervious to many of these nasty worms like Conflicker, but surprisingly are not protected from all. Although the Conflicker worm has yet to take the course of action originally predicted and could be snuffed out soon, there's no telling of future that will arise and how malicious they will be. Let's hope Microsoft keeps the ability to patch their software and keep computers (and the Internet?) from self-destructing.

Home Phone vs. Cell Phone?

The article I found this week involves decrease of households using landlines. Surprisingly enough, the leading states in the cell-phone only category are Oklahoma and Utah. For me, the idea of getting rid of the landline has been discussed for a few years at home. My mom really wants to get rid of house phone, which barely anyone, except telemarketers call. The service of our house phone is so basic that no long distance phone calls can be made from it, leaving that up to cell phones. I think the idea of getting rid of landlines in houses is a good idea. When we want to reach someone cell phones are the most direct way. It is unfortunate that the infrastucture involving landline telephones has costed millions of dollars, only to be gradually left behind. However, I do not think landline telephones will every go away 100%. Think of office, school, etc. telephones that are linked to each other, requiring landline connections. They serve a function that cell phones would not be able to. For family households, landlines are not necessary. Families/people who move constantly can keep one phone number no matter where in the country they may be. Overall, I support the decrease in household landline phones. Cell phones are a more direct way to reach someone and we will no longer battle changing phone numbers.

HTML practice

My Favorite Things!!

I'm going to write some of my favorite things so you can learn about me.

• IMS.. of course


• Miami Student Police Beats


• Pop Culture


• FmyLife.com

The Myth about the Digital Divide

I found this article about the myths of the digital divide from a trade publication to be very interesting because it talked mostly about the “second level” to the digital divide. While many sources I looked at blamed race, education, and socioeconomic class for the cause of the divide, this suggests otherwise. The gap is said to begin when people own old technology which leads to connectivity and online skill problems, and the inability to use the Internet effectively. Current technology is now almost critical. Students who do not own updated technology are limited because they are unable to access or run software on their computer that is essential for their studies. Also there are situations where broadband access is not available leaving users with an outdated dial up connection which in turn hinders their ability to effectively use the internet. This article would be useful for readers because it explains different causes of the digital divide and though some people own computers and have dial up access to the Internet, they are not necessarily successful users of technology. The information in this article is very relevant to our class and I can draw many parallels between the two. Without updated technologies we would not be able to access the applications that we use in class defeating the course’s purpose of technology literacy.