The behind the scenes of the bad guys

Photo by freezelight

Have you ever wondered how they find out your Email address or even find out your name or so called shipping address.   I've been wondering that for quite some time and have went researching online for the reason.  You see I've been getting spam email with my name and address  like this "Possible Check Pending [Last Name] [Mailing Address] Sender : Pam [Last Name]"

That email was a "Kevin Hoeffer" scam that advertise getting you money from Google, called the Cash Secret club.   Suffice it to say that the Rip of Reports all say this is a scam.  Seems they try to fool you into paying $1.99 and then charge an extra $98 after you give them your information.  The Domain that I looked up is protected by Whoisguard.com.  So I reported to them about this spam, this is a sure way to get off there list.  Reporting spam will black list you from getting spam because to there major providers.  That cost them money, if everyone did that the spammers would be stopped.  Although I think society as a whole isn't even trying to fight the spam this way they just try to keep it under control.  I believe that if 10% of the spam is reported then we are making the spammers and scammers  pay for their misdeeds.

[ad]So I went searching for the reason behind how they got my information and I found Email Finder, which offers people email address or it offers to find out all that is out there to find about the particular email address.  Such as Name, last known address, social networks, and it goes on.  They do have an Opt-out policy where you can request not be listed, I advise everyone to go check and see if your listed.  You would have to pay to get the information but I if you see the screen where they said they have found information that is enough for me to opt out.   Actually it only cost the scammers and spammers $1.95 a month to use this service so they are making money in the long run.  You should also do an SEO Search on your email address  in Yahoo, Google, Bing and Other services to see if your email is out on the web.

There is a FAQ file on how Spammers Get your Email address, I strongly recommend people at least looking at it because it is still quite relevant to today's spam.  I've also seen ways to Detect spam by using Bayesian filter but most companies now a days are using that from the get go.   Remember only you can prevent spam and from getting scammed, So do your research.

Skype has some Auto-Bots and Friendjungle.com

I was on Skype today and got an instant message from some girl:


The Instant message goes like this:

hello there! I was checking people near me and i came across your page, and you seemed interesting.. ;)


Mary Fowler says: Im not crazy about Skype though ... want to check out my picture and profile ?

use this link: http://www.matchshake.com/?id=4004&profile=rockergrl82


you just sign in (it's free) to get to me, my username's rockergrl82.

[ad]It looks like this is an Bot to help fool you into thinking it is a real person.  The link they give me is a redirect link that lands me on "Friendjungle.com".  I am sure no matter what you answer with the question it asks that it will still send you a link.   You can however tell Skype to only allow chat from people on your contact list but that is totally up to you.   There is a story from the Rip-off Report about Friendjungle.com, so it looks like they went from text messaging to Skype chat.  According to Yahoo Answers, this is more or less a way for them to get money from you.   You sign up and before you realize it they are charging your card, so it looks really shady.   Although, To Friendjungle credit, they do have a scam section to help you report these types of incidents.   I don't know if this works well or not but you can at least try.

There are some good comments about this Friendjungle on other sites that really make me wonder if they just don't want your money.  If you get this type of message from someone, either through SMS or Skype, I'd just go along with my life and not register there are more better places to go to find your true love.

The Next big Wave of Layoffs is Sony. (9,000 workers)

In a report from Engadget, there seems to be more Layoffs going on.   One such one is Sony.  Here is what Engadget said:

[ad#ad2-right]

The bad news from the Japanese consumer electronics industry continues. Sony just announced plans to cut about 8,000 global jobs from its beleaguered electronics business while making unspecified reductions to its seasonal and temporary workforce. The move, as Sony explains it, comes "in response to the sudden and rapid changes in the global economic environment." Ominously, it looks like Sony will also be raising prices in the countries where "Sony makes significant sales" (read: US and Europe) if we're reading this statement correctly:

[Via Engadget]

[ad#ad2-left]In Today's economy, you need to be prepared.  So I thought I bring back some old Favorites of mine and talk about them.  To see the other layoffs that I've talked about CLICK HERE.   If you wanted to know what you can do to be prepared here are some great resources for people who are worried about there jobs:

• 5 ways to improve your chance of getting hired.


• Are you asking to be scammed? (Don't get scammed while finding a job)


• Google : Job Resources
  
  

If you have any others you would like to suggest please leave a comment and let everyone know.   These are hard economic times and we all could use the help.

Rumor is that Itunes will Remove DRM!

[ad#ad2-right]A report from last week brought to AppleInsider's attention by French technology site ElectronLibre asserts that it's now "clear" Apple will spark new interest in its music store by removing DRM from tracks published by Sony, Universal and Warner on December 9th.

[Via Apple Insider]

Although, this is somewhat unlikely I've got my own theories on this.  You see If Apple did this tomorrow that would be a BIG deal, due to the fact that Microsoft will be releasing there patches on the same day.  I find it would be a momentous occasion.

[ad#ad2-left]I can only guess why and the guess is just a guess.  If Itune's did remove there DRM the same time as Microsoft Patch Tuesday, I'd have to guess they will co-inside because of the difficulty of using the DRM, Digital Rights Management, on other products.  For example, Windows Media Player .  If Apple decided to approach Microsoft and come up with a way to make sure all DRM is stripped this would be the ideal situation.   Although this is highly unlikely, I'd have to think Apple wouldn't wait till tomorrow to strip the DRM.  They know Microsoft schedule.  We will have to find out in the coming days.

Upcoming Patch Tuesday

[ad#ad2-right]I wanted to get prepared for the updates for this Tuesday and I thought I'd go through them and list what Microsoft said about each.   These are what's been said on Technet and I am sure there will be more.   Each one of these don't look to serious but I will post Tuesday if there is anything I've missed on this post.   As you might know this is not set in stone but just the direction of Microsoft for this Months Release.


KB955839

Update for Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP

Install this update to resolve an issue that is caused by revised daylight saving time laws in many countries. This update enables your computer to automatically adjust the computer clock on the correct date in 2008. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer. This update is provided to you and licensed under the Windows Server 2008 License Terms.

[ad#ad2-left]KB957388

Update for Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista

Install this update to resolve a set of known application compatibility issues with Windows Server 2008. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.

KB890830

Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool

Microsoft released the Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool to help remove specific prevalent malicious software from computers that are running Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP, or Windows 2000. After you download the Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool, it runs one time to check your computer for inflection by specific prevalent malicious software (including Blaster, Sasser, and Mydoom) and helps remove any infection it finds. Microsoft releases a new version of the tool every month.

[ad#ad2-right]KB905866

Update for Windows Mail Junk E-mail Filter [November 2008] (KB905866)

Install this update for Windows Mail to revise the definition files that are used to detect e-mail messages that should be considered junk e-mail or that may contain phishing content. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer. This update is provided to you and licensed under the Windows Vista License Terms.

I am sure there are going to be others but right now this looks like the normal things Microsoft sends out.  I am sure they are keeping a tight lid on the really serious stuff until last second so I'll have to report the really important stuff Tuesday.

Viacom and ATT layoff some people. (12,850 People)

Today, we are announcing a company-wide restructuring plan that includes staffing reductions in all divisions. This will result in a reduction of our worldwide workforce of approximately 7 percent, or about 850 positions. We are also suspending salary increases for the Company's senior level management in 2009. In addition, after a comprehensive review of our operations, we will write down certain programming and other assets. These three actions will bring us significant cost savings and other efficiencies.


[via Gawker]

[ad#ad2-left]This is a Sad day for the telecommunications industry both AT&T and Viacom are laying off people. According to reports Viacom will lay off around 850 people. ATT will layoff 12,000 Jobs. Here's the quote from Associated Press:

AT&T Inc. joined the recession's parade of layoffs Thursday by announcing plans to cut 12,000 jobs, about 4 percent of its work force.


[Via Associated Press]

So in all today total that is 12,850 people who are going to be laid off. This is another set of layoffs but isn't the last to see the whole list of of Layoffs in the Tech industry that I've talked about please click this link. You may find some usefull tidbits if you search my blog enough, I've got some great tips on getting hired and what you should do to be prepared.

Adobe Lays off 600 people

Adobe might also hire new workers within Europe, he said. The cuts will be formally announced on Dec. 15 when the company releases its fourth-quarter financial report.


[via Infoworld]

[ad#ad2-right]This is another technology company to lay off people, there are some talks that it would be around 600 workers on some blogs. Others are just talking about the Management shakedown, and some workers are going to be moved around. I don't know who is going to be laid off, or if there will be a tremendous amount of people who will need to start looking for a job. I do know that Adobe is looking for ways to cut cost, and I expect they are having problems just because of the Recession.  If you want to check out other jobs that have laid people off, just click this link.



[ad#ad2-left]

Adobe also announced the implementation of a restructuring program, and has taken steps to reduce its headcount by approximately 600 full-time positions globally. The restructuring will result in anticipated pre-tax charges totaling approximately $44 million to $50 million. The Company expects approximately $28 million to $30 million of the restructuring charges to be recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2008.

[Via Adobe Blog]

This the press release for Adobe and I wanted to share with you what they said. So it is confirmed they want to get rid of 600 people. Sad to hear, but that isn't the only layoffs in the industry. If I find out anything else I'll let you know!!

Apple's Immunity, Botnet sanctuary.

But is Apple projecting a false sense of security just to save face? Many experts repeatedly warn that all operating systems are susceptible to viruses, and as the Mac becomes more popular OS X will inevitably become a bigger target for malicious attacks.

[via Pcworld]

Having said that I feel the notion that Apple is trying to keep there reputation as a virus free system. I can only hope that they stay that way. Which as much as I know, Apple will most like start to be the main source for botnets, because of the lack of security.


[ad#ad2-right]According to reports on this blog, people are worried Apple stance on it being the safest and having so much immunity to viruses. Apple in the past has stated they have mislead people with there firewall. Yet Apple takes down that suggestion of having an Anti-virus(Quietly).

[ad#digg-left]Everything I've seen suggest that virus writers and Malware writers will MOST likely start targeting the Mac OS X, they know Apple sense of security is Vulnerable to attack and they will exploit it more and more. So what does that mean for Apple, it just means that soon every hacker who has a botnet will want a piece of the Apple Pie and is right now.

[ad#ad2-left]As PC Trojans go, the programming features of RSPlug.E look fairly basic. PC malware is more highly evolved and usually cleverer. But a programmer - probably a Russian - with knowledge of OSX had taken time to create a Trojan that hits Macs instead of PCs, James pointed out.

[via Techworld]

Which looks like it has already begun. So what can Mac users do, get an Anti-virus and maybe Apple will have to start backing down from the Virus commercials and actually admit it. Sooner or later someone will have to challenge Apple to get them to start admitting to it.

GTA 4 Causes fatal error mma10, how to fix it!!

[ad#ad2-left]After seeing all this happened I thought I would help people out on how to fix it.   This seems to be a DRM problem according to some reports.  Others are thinking it is the Securerom.  Anyways the problem seems to be with the Rockstar Social Club and not to log in to that.  That will fix the problem, you will at least be able to play the single player game.  This is a temporary fix till the developers fix in the update.  This will also fix the Steam version of the game.

You asked for it, Now it's real -- Vista SP2 Dec 4,2008

Beginning Thursday Dec. 4^th, we will be making the Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 Beta available to everyone through a Customer Preview Program (CPP). The CPP will launch on TechNet and be available to anyone interested in trying out this service pack. The CPP is intended for technology enthusiasts, developers, and IT Pros who would like to test Service Pack 2 in their environments and with their applications prior to final release. For most customers, our best advice would be to wait until the final release prior to installing this service pack.

[Via Technet]

[ad#ad2-right]Yes you heard right, you can get into the Beta of Vista SP2 and not have to wait till April.  Some things to remember:

• It is a Beta


• It will Have Bugs


• It is for people who want to test it out


• It should only be installed for people who need to test it out

Some of the changes that they are going to incorporate into Sp2 are support for new types of hardware and emerging standards that will grow in importance in the coming months.  The complete list of changes can be found here.   I will be testing this out sometime this weekend to give it a full thorough check out.   I will give a report later on this month possibly first part on January I would like to give it a complete test.   To test it out yourself, check out this link for directions on how to download it.

Vista To release Service Pack 2 in April 2009

[ad#digg-right] Some sources are reporting that Vista SP2 will be out in April.   According to Engadget they claim TechARP is a bunch of Malaysian Kids that like to boast about how they broke the Vista SP1 and XP SP3 release schedules to the world.  They claim though that Vista Release candidate is to be out around February.Microsoft has indicated that this SP3 will include Windows Search 4, Bluetooth 2.1 wireless support, faster resume from sleep when a wireless connection has been broken and support for Blu-ray.   I personally think it will include some of Windows 7 features to better get people accustomed to Windows 7 when they come out.

[ad#ad2-left]Although this is speculation and no hard evidence I think it has some merit due to the fact that Microsoft has admitted in the past that Vista was a big Letdown.  I don't think they can any more to damage than they have already done.   If anything Windows 7 will be a easy Success if they pull it off in the right way!!!  Although with WIndows 7 be leaked online there is no telling what will happen. I am sure what ever happens will be interesting to say the least!!!

Citigroup bank might be saved through the recession.

According to reports from ABC News, Citibank is having a hard time and might need to be assisted by the government.

[ad#ad2-right]The company has seen its shares lose 60 percent of their value in the past week, reflecting a crisis of confidence among skittish investors. They are worried all the risky debt on Citigroup's balance sheet will turn into losses as the economy worsens and the markets stay turbulent — losses that could be nearly impossible to reverse.


[via ABC News]

Although this is somewhat expected, I don't think we can afford to pay the debt of a bank.  We are all having to deal with this recession.   I don't know how they can afford to pay for Citigroup and expect this to help bolster the economy.   I guess only time will tell!!!

Google SearchWiki dies after two days!!

According to Techcrunch Google Pulls the Google SearchWiki.  Unsure as to way  but here's what they said:

Users are reporting that the recent changes to Google’s search engine, called SearchWiki, have simply disappeared from the site. It’s certainly gone from my account.

[ad#ad2-right]User reactions were mixed but weighted heavily towards “this is lame,” and there was no way to turn off the features other than to conduct Google searches without being logged in. Another way to turn it off was to switch search engines.

[via TechCrunch]

I've got my theory on this, and it's quite a good theory.   I think it was a making search results come up wrong or not at all.   The last two days they've had that going my page views have drop BIG time.    According to my Stats I've had 236 Unique Visits for Thursday, and 232 Wednesday.   My Friday stats show that I only got 185 Unique Visits, dropping 40 to 50 people.  My stats for today which is incomplete shows that I've only gotten 136 unique visits.  Although that is complete you can see where I dropped drastically.   I think Google was getting yelled at by websites due to the stats dropping.   I am guessing people could tell if they wanted to go to a site just by reading the comments.  This will hurt every site, including TechCrunch.   I will say this is only a theory and this might or might not be the case.

This however is the best possible explanation that I could come up with.  Do you know why they did that?  I don't know?

How to disable autorun the easy way!!!

I read a report from Cnet about USB devices spreading Virus and I will quote:

The bad guys are intentionally developing new flavors of malware designed to propagate through USB devices," said Gunter Ollmann, chief security strategist for IBM's ISS security division. "They are today's floppy drives."

[ad#ad2-right]An infected computer can spread a virus to a clean USB thumb drive that is inserted. That USB drive will then be spreading the virus onto other computers if the operating system on those machines has an AutoRun-type feature enabled. The AutoRun function in Windows launches installers and other programs automatically when a flash drive or CD is inserted. The Mac has an equivalent function, according to Ollmann.

[Via Cnet]

In order to disable "autorun", which in Vista is called Autoplay. In order to disable Autoplay from starting when you insert media into your computer here is how you do it:

You will need to be Logged in as Administrator before this can be done:

Next click start and type "Autoplay" without quotes. It will bring up a screen but all you have to worry about is this:



You will need to make sure there  is no check mark for "Use AutoPlay for all media and Devices".   Click save and close.

[ad#ad2-left]Once that is done, you will have no more Autoruns from USB devices.  If you want to disable Autorun in XP, I'd suggest reading some of these articles for XP.

• Wikipedia - AutoRun


• How to Disable Autorun

These are just a few and are really nice to articles but there are others out there that might be more to your liking.  I suggest searching Google for them.   I hope this helps you out!!!

Is Vista just Windows 7?

[ad#ad2-left]According to Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols from Computer World, He talks about how Microsoft is scared on Linux and that people are flocking to remove Vista off there Machines. I say otherwise, you see according to some experts like Mark Hall from Computer World, he states Vista is better than Mac OS X. So why do people say one thing and do another?

Now I know Vista isn't what people expected and that it had high expectations when they first released it.  I think that is due to the fact Microsoft tried so hard to make Vista seem more than it actually was.  Now According to Ina Fried from CNET her post was about Windows 7: A better Vista?. In her post she talked about the features of Windows 7, and how Windows 7 is almost like Vista. I tend to agree because of the look from screenshots I've seen to make me think it will be Version 2 of Vista. I don't think it is anything that will change from Vista to Windows 7. It will however be more ready to boot up and shutdown that is according to what Microsoft said to Ina.

What is Windows 7 going to have?  Some reports are saying:

• Windows will have only one "Ready Sticker"!


• Better Battery Life and Boot Faster


• Lean, Faster, and even Embedded


• Dialed Down on the UAC


• Will be released in Mid to late 2009

[ad#ad2-right]I did some research and everything so far is either confirmed to be in this next release of Window 7 or is speculation.  I don't know if these are true.  I do know however everything they talked about is looking to me to be like Vista Version 2.  Nothing they've said so far couldn't of been an update like a service to pack to fix all these things people are wanting right now.  Vista to be faster, have better battery life, be lean, be embedded, better Uac, and boot faster.

Now I could be wrong but that is everything Vista could of done and still is possible to do!!  If only Microsoft would do what is needed people wouldn't be wanting Windows 7.  Although I suspect people will have there hopes broken, or complain about it when it comes out.  I suspect the ones who want Windows 7 will be saying Vista is great!!  I will just have to watch what happens in the future!!

Circuit City to layoff employees and might close several stores!

[ad#ad2-left]

Some sources are say this:
The newspaper cited one of the affected workers, who indicated that between 500 and 800 employees would be let go. The layoffs reportedly began yesterday with the departure of several “upper management” executives, the source said.

[via Twice]

Now I know people hate when I blog about this because it is so depressing but I do like to let people know about this stuff so you can know what to expect in the coming future. This is all due to the economy and the recession that is on our doorsteps. If you would like to find out what other companies are laying off that I know about just click this [LINK] and it will show you all the other blog posts that I talked about that have or are laying people off.  I keep telling people to keep there resume's ready for just this type of outcome.

Reports are coming in that WPA is no longer secure!

[ad#ad2-left-1]

According to a media reports, Erik Tews and Martin Beck claim that they have found a way to unlock the Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) key, used by WPA, to read data sent from a wireless router to laptop computers. According to the researchers, the key can be cracked in 12-15 minutes.

[via Sophos]

According to Sophos, they are claim that people can now watch what you are doing on a Wireless router to a laptop. Although this isn't to be unexpected this is a very serious out come. It is now easier to watch what people are doing online. So does that mean people can see everything you do? Not necessary. According to some people this is harder than it seems, most of the websites you visit are not encrypted, but websites that use the "https" protocol are more safer to use online. You should be safe if you are buying things online as long as you are sure it is secure. Some other steps to take to help make it harder to unencrypte your wireless single is to use Roboform promotion codes you will get for 10% or 20% off the purchase price!!

[ad#ad2-right]Some other steps to consider are:

• 10 ways to keep your wireless router Secure


• Understanding your wireless router

If you have a wireless router and want to be secure with any transactions online you might think about hooking up to the internet via the CAT5 cable.  This is one way to prevent anyone from seeing what you are doing online and protects your privacy.  Although this too can be overcome in certain circumstances they are much harder to do and implement so you are safer this way than with most others.

Paypal is having troubles today.

[ad#ad2-right]

According to Sue Bailey and I'll quote:
Many sellers are reporting a problem this morning with PayPal withdrawals: attempting to move cash to your bank account throws up an error page beginning Sorry, an error occurred after you clicked the last link.
[Via Tamebay]

It seems to be something going on with Paypal. I've not tried it to day but I might just to see what happens. If anyone else is having this trouble let me know. Accord to Sue it seems to be limited to Merchants but that doesn't mean sellers and others are having the same trouble. I also don't know if it is just affecting the United Kingdom area or not but I wanted to let everyone know that this might affect you to. So let's find out if it is affecting the US also.

Sony recalls 340,000 batteries.

Sony Recalls Notebook Computer Batteries Due to Previous Fires

The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed.

[ad#ad2-right]Name of Product: Rechargeable, lithium ion batteries containing Sony cells used in Fujitsu Computer Systems Corporation, Gateway Inc., Sony Electronics Inc., and Toshiba America Information Systems Inc. notebook computers.

Units: About 340,000 batteries (an additional 3,080,000 battery packs were sold worldwide)

Battery Cell Manufacturer: Sony Energy Devices Corp., of Japan

Hazard: These lithium ion batteries can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: There have been 16 reports of notebook computer batteries overheating, causing minor property damage and two minor burns. All of these reported incidents and injuries have been associated with earlier recalls of notebook computer batteries containing these Sony cells. There have been no incidents involving batteries sold by the notebook manufacturers participating in this announcement.


[via U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission]

[ad#ad2-left]This is something that is going to hit Sony hard. The recall affects some Fujitsu, Gateway Toshiba, and Sony Laptops. If your worried about your laptop go to the site and see if your have the right laptop. It only effects people who bought there laptop from Oct 2004 to Oct 2006, before or after that date you will not have to worry. If in Doubt call your manufacture and find out.


Some other things to do is also remember to back up your data and if your not using your laptop battery if at all possible just take the battery out.

Fidelelity to Lay off more than 4000 people in 2008.

Fidelity Investments acknowledged yesterday it is studying cost cutting but declined to comment on an industry report that it plans to lay off up to 4,000 employees as plunging stock markets cut into the value of its mutual funds business.

[via Boston.com]

Now this is another example of all the layoffs that are coming due to the recession. If you want to find out all the other layoffs that I have found just search my site. There are far to many for me to list now. I am not happy with what seems to be and down ward spiral.