Facebook malware sending people to junglemix.in Phishing!

It looks like this is the newest phishing attempt for the Facebook community.  According to Sans, there is malware trying to send out messages to go to "junglemix.in".  I visited the site and it redirects me to "http://fblight.com/".   This is a phishing site because you can see from the address bar.   As of writing this post, it has been flagged by Phishtank that this is a phishing site.  I am glad people are reporting these types of sites to prevent people from getting there account stolen.

Find out the other phishing attempts that have been talked about, keep yourself safe.  Also this is a good time to[intlink id="2205" type="page"] install some free Anti-virus or Free Firewall[/intlink] software to help protect your computer from Malware.

Cellular Modem common problem -- DNS LOOKUP

With Cellular Modems being used more and more, the common problem is:



Address not Found

This is something that comes with any ISP the DNS lookup problem. In which your connection acts like a VPN connection, it connects to a cell tower and then gets transported to the nears server and then goes on the internet. The Server does the DNS lookup for you and send you to the right page. There seems to be a problem with my Cellular DNS server because it doesn't have a complete list and if it doesn't know where you to go you get that screen.

[ad#cricket-right-ez]So I found an easy way to fix this problem. I have been using my Host file to tell my computer the IP of the server that I am having the problem. So how do I find out the Ip of the server? This can be a problem to an extent.

I found that visiting the OpenDns.com Cache check will tell me the internet protocol of the server for the time but it could change. I just edit the host file manually and insert the need information by hand. Like I said the IP may change from time to time depending on where you are going or if it is a big server. The servers ip will rotate to help the bandwidth and keep it even on all servers, so this only works with servers that have a Static IP.

There is a program that will help you manage your host file it's called Hostman and this does makes editing your Host file a little more easily. I have used this and I haven't found anything that does do anywhere better than this. If you have a suggestion on a good Host Manager, please tell people in the Forums or leave a comment. I'd love to hear some good programs to help update the Host file more easily.

Miketechshow Listener Roundtable : #242 Backups

We had a great time talking about backing up our system. On a side note, I'd like to tell people that During the Round table, I was restoring my system due to a major network issue. The system wouldn't stay connected at all to my network or my [intlink id="3059" type="post"]USB A600 Cricket Modem[/intlink].  I used the A600 Modem during the podcast [intlink id="2601" type="post"]with Skype[/intlink], so the quality isn't as good as it should but that is due to two different factors.  One I had a cheap headset and two the bandwidth limitations.  This however shows that this is possible and works really well.  I also used the [intlink id="3387" type="post"]Antenna[/intlink] for the Skype meeting.   It actually seems like a stable connection.   Although Mike has told us in his email this might be the last Round Table, so if you want this to continue you can either email him or twitter him telling him you want to keep seeing these podcasts.  I also talk about [intlink id="2646" type="post"]Roboform[/intlink] and how I make sure the passwords are backed up.   We did talk about making sure to test our backups, so we know if the backup process works.   I have to say my backup procedure was without doubt working for me.   Even though I had some issues with Vista security updates after the restore, my restore to laptop didn't take more than an hour to get the programs that I wanted back on the system.
Mike Tech Show Listener Roundtable #242 Backups

Follow us on Twitter -

• Mike Smith - twitter.com/miketechshow


• Paul - twitter.com/laforge129


• Winston - twitter.com/brainstomp

IRC chat log from show [here]

Show Links -

System Image:

• Acronis


• Clonezilla


• DriveImage XML

Syncronization Programs:

• SyncBack


• SyncToy


• Super Flexible File Synchronizer


• Allwaysync


• Viceversa


• RoboCopy


• RoboCopy GUI

Backup Software:

• Storagecraft


• Backup Exec


• SuperDuper (Mac)

Online Backups:

• Carbonite


• Jungle Disk


• mozy


• Sky Drive


• Gladinet (for Sky Drive)

Online Photo Backups:

• flickr


• Picasa Web Albums


• SmugMug

Other Solutions:

• Windows Home Server


• clickfree Automatic Backup


• spritebackup


• xmarks


• WordPress Database Backup

Microsoft sends out KB955430 to get ready for SP2

This looks like it is to help with some problems with other issues of updates that they have been having.  I am unsure of why they are wanting to install this update but it doesn't look to be harmful.  I am betting this is to fix a flaw that has been exploited by the warez community to make them either pay for there copy or go with another OS.   For the one fact that this "will enable future updates" and "This update may be required before selected future updates can be installed".

[ad#cricket-right-ez]I went to  KB9555430 support page:

Updates to the Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 installation software are included in this update. The installation software is the component that handles the installation and the removal of software updates, language packs, optional Windows features, and service packs. This update is necessary to successfully install and to remove Windows Vista SP2 and Windows Server 2008 SP2 on all versions of Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. This update is not necessary to successfully install the service pack if you install the full file version of the service pack. The full file version of the service pack includes this update.

This is probably to get ready for the Service Pack that they are going to release soon for Vista. So I am guessing this will be required when the Service Pack comes out.

Dear Friend Spam Emails from Yahoo

The email from our[intlink id="3233" type="post"] old friend has come back[/intlink] into now compromising Yahoo accounts by sending out this email:

Dear friend:
What are u doing these days?I am going to recommend a Eshop to you.Yesterday I found a web of a large trading company from China,which is an agent of all the well-known digital product factories,and facing to both wholesalers, retailsalers,and personal customer all over the world. They export all kinds of digital products and offer really competitive and reasonable price and high quality goods for their clients,so i think you will make a big profit if you did business with them.And they promise they will provide the best after-sales-service.If you are interested to do business with them,in my opinion, you can make a trial order to test that.
Their Web address: www.nekcn.com

In what seems to be the way of this advertisment company, it seems they have been doing what they did with Hotmail.  Deleting your contact list and emailing your friends with this message.  Now I am thinking it is being done by them [intlink id="2660" type="post"]Phishing for the password and Account name[/intlink], they probably set up an web page to look like Hotmail or Yahoo.  One thing to remember to do is check to see that you address bar looks like this:

You should make sure you see the "https", meaning that is a encrypted login and also make sure you see either Mail.yahoo.com or Login.yahoo.com.  If you see anything else included in your the screen like maybe a .ru or .pl then you aren't logining into the true yahoo account.  Obviously the website shouldn't be trusted until they advertise the right way, and find ways to advertise online other than spam.  If you get an email saying you need to do something with your Hotmail account or yahoo mail account you should not click any links and go to the site manually to investigate the problem.  You should never click links in email that you don't know where they are going.  Thanks to Jazzcorner for Alerting me that they have started to do this with yahoo.  I am betting the next one will be for Google Mail, or Gmail as some will call it. It wouldn't hurt to have a [intlink id="2205" type="page"]firewall and Anti-virus[/intlink] and also check your system out just to be sure.

Mikeyy Worms stills going around Twitter

It seems Mikeyy has spawned a new and improved little advertisement:

Twitter, hire Mikeyy! (718) 312-8131 :)

As you can see from tweets:


It seems this is the new campaign started earlier this morning around 1am or so for Mikeyy and people have found this rather annoying but it is teaching Twitter a lesson, this would be good PR if they hired Mikeyy. Obviously he has a lot to offer but I guess who ever wrote this variant for the Mikeyy Worm went and found his number on a stickcam website:



Anyone who just Google the number right now could find out the stickcam profile, so I won't direct you to it. I just hope this doesn't keep up to much longer. If you've been infected with this worm I would refer to my other [intlink id="3308" type="post"]post about removing the worm[/intlink]. I do know if you aren't logged into twitter through your browser you will not get the worm. This is a simple exploit where they use your browser cookies to infect your Twitter account. So if you view any twitter accounts just keep logged out of Twitter in your browser and you should help prevent this from happening until Twitter gets this under control.

StalkDaily.com was the culprit afterall!!

In my previous post, [intlink id="3308" type="post"]about StalkDaily[/intlink] I thought they were the innocent party in all this:


[ad#cricket-right-ez]Now he talks about how he did this and claims responsibility for the Twitter calamity. According to him he did this out of boredom, and needed a way to make money. I am wondering if Twitter will do some legal actions against him for the time it took to fix the problem and fact that it caused so much widespread panic for people to not trust Twitter makes me think that Twitter would have a real good case against a 17 year old who was trying to gain the system.

Then the people who have lost followers or have had problems with their twitter are going to be mad to, They were the innocent party and did not know about the Cross Site Scripting Vulnerability, although it doesn't appear to have gotten any passwords or sensitive data.

Although It does prove a p0int that the no script addon in Firefox is looking to be more and more needed as people search through the web.

Online Episodes helps Adware Installer Zango

I was surfing the web hoping that Mythbusters would start putting there episodes online and I the first link that I get a website that looks like this:

This site even has the Theme music playing as if it was affiliated with Discovery Channel's Mythbusters show.   If you look at the screen shot above you will see who someone has been keeping this site updated with the most current episodes of Mythbusters.   So I check out The Season 7 Episode 1 - Demolition Derby Special and I was curious as to what would happened if I clicked that link, and this screen pops up:

So I have to install this Zango Software to view this show?  So I find out go doing my research about Zango and Wikipedia says:
Zango, formerly ePIPO, 180solutions and Hotbar, produces software that provides access to partners' games and DRM-restricted videos and software. Zango software is listed as adware by Symantec.[1] McAfee states, "this program may have legitimate uses", but describes it as a "potentially unwanted program", and an "adware downloader"

[Via Wikipedia]

I didn't like the sound of this but I wanted to see what my AVG would say when I downloaded this software, and it pops up with:



[ad#cricket-right-ez]Windows Defender comes back with Win32/Zangosearchassistant warning,  and thus I go around checking out this adware out around Google and I am seeing reports after reports on asking how to get rid of this Adware.  Some of the ones that I think would help people get rid of this program is:

• How to Remove Zango Toolbar


• Zango Removal Instructions and Help


• ZangoSearch (Zango Search) Removal Instructions for Vista Users

If you haven't installed [intlink id="2205" type="page"]anti-virus or Firewalls[/intlink] this would be the first thing to do.   I've also read some reports about Zango that are quite disturbing like these:

• Zango Practices Violating Zango's Recent Settlement with the FTC


• Zango's Latest Trick: Pitching Fake Batman MMORPG To Get People To Download Adware


• Zango Just Needs To Stop, Or Be Stopped

Although these are just a few examples of what I found out just Googling Zango, I thought I would share these with you.  There are more examples like Zango's Facebook Widget that I will say acts like adware and encourages you to send to 5 different users.  Although Facebook as Stopped this widget, we all know that Spyware and Malware is being used on social networks and will be undoubtedly be more and more in the future.   Remember you're the only one to prevent having a virus.

A side not, if you did  try to install this software you would need to be and Administrator and that also concerns me because the type of stuff they are claiming in the EULA is Browsers stuff which shouldn't need Administrator rights or at least I am not going to give Adware that right.   Zango is being Classified as Adware and I am only reporting that the software is being clasfied as Adware, but Zango claims it not.   This is where the End Users decide if it is or not, I however think it is!! I am also sure there are other sites like this that are trying to get you to install this software to view movies, and shows. Your best bet is to not install the software and go to Hulu or Fancast to find safe movies and shows.

Conficker Gets a new Look : Spyware Protector 2009

Looks like the Conficker Worm has changed directions according to Viruslist:

One of the files is a rogue antivirus app, which we detect as FraudTool.Win32.SpywareProtect2009.s. The first version of Kido, detected back in November 2008, also downloaded fake antivirus to the infected machine. And once again, six months later, we’ve got unknown cybercriminals using the same trick.

The rogue software, SpywareProtect2009, can be found on spy-protect-2009.com., spywrprotect-2009.com, spywareprotector-2009.com.

[See Pictures of website at Viruslist.com]

[ad#cricket-right-ez]From my understanding of this worm, it seems to be trying to [intlink id="3114" type="post"]scareware tactic[/intlink] trying to get you to pay $49.95 to remove these threats. F-secure has also seen this worm and thinks this is doing what the Waldec virus is doing by becoming a spambot. According to Eset, the botnet is larger than most and this could create a problem in the future.  It seems that it used the p2p to distribute this update so they could bypass the domain blocks that were in place.

I will tell you this, if you get the warnings you are infected by all means go to my [intlink id="2205" type="page"]Malware resource page[/intlink] and do a scan from the trusted sources.   I will update as I get more information on this little development.

Microsoft released April Patch list for Patch Tuesday

To see what systems are affected please see the bulletin for further details.   Some of the updates have to do with IE 6 and IE 7, maybe it is time to update to IE 8.  It looks like if you update to IE 8 you will not have to worry about the Remote Code Execution.  There also seems to be a remote code execution for DirectX 9.0A, B, and C.  This however doesn't affect DirectX 10 and if you have a Vista machine please consider updating to DirectX 10.

[ad#cricket-right-ez]

The other one is a MSDTC program that has a vulnerability of Elevation of Privileges that needs to be fixed.  There will of course be more than this for April but these are the ones that Microsoft has determined to be release for Tuesday.  There are going to be at least 8 Different patches for Windows XP, and some For Vista.  Some will be only for XP and others will be for XP and Vista.

Then Microsoft Internet Security andAcceleration server will have an update to prevent a Denial of Service attack.  This will be needed to patch on the server side as soon as possible.  Then there is the Excel Remote Code execution that needs to be fixed.  It looks like CVE-2009-0238 is the one that this is being patched for but this is only a guess.

Now is the best time to get [intlink id="2883" type="post"]Autopatcher[/intlink] ready for this update because this will be quite a big update.  You should also update your [intlink id="2205" type="page"]anti-virus software and Firewall[/intlink].

Electric Company fear Mongering gone wrong!!

I saw this talking going on at Arstechnica and SANS Interenet are Talking about the Elecric Company Fear mongering. Here's what Ars Says:

It sounds like something straight out of Hollywood. Current and former US security officials have reported that foreign nations have penetrated the cybersecurity barriers surrounding the US electrical grid, water system, and even financial networks. Although no known attempts have been made to activate the booby traps said black hats left behind, such sleeper cells could activate suddenly during a war or crisis, plunging the nation into a disaster only Bruce Willis and that Mac dude could avert.

[Via Arstechnica]

[ad#cricket-right-ez]This was posted today with people asking the question Is the Electric company have a viruses or have a worm? I don't know but these fears are coming from the Wall Street Journal:

WASHINGTON -- Cyberspies have penetrated the U.S. electrical grid and left behind software programs that could be used to disrupt the system, according to current and former national-security officials.

[Via Wall Street Journal]

Now let's talk about this, This is being a talked about on a friends Podcast, The Caffination Podcast. This is where I have figure we should talk about this. I think Sans Internet Storm says it better than I could:

One email stated that The power systems we have in place today are ran by Knobs and Switches. Mostly built int he 70's and 80's, these power stations are mostly ran by manual intervention. The power stations that _have_ been stood up since then, a couple of Nuclear Power stations, are federally regulated to not have any connections to anything, let alone the Internet.

Since this particular email comes from a very trusted source, I am inclinded to believe this person. Is it possible that there ARE computers in power stations that are connected to the Internet? Yes, I am quite sure there are. However, is it possible that the computer or computers (if there are any) that actually CONTROL the power are connected to the internet, I tend to not believe that.

[Via Sans Internet Storm]

I agree with what Sans is saying but I don't think there is anything to worry about, for the fact that I think that the computers that control electricity are not hard wired to be online. This is meaning that if someone virus or worm gets on those computers there is no way these viruses or worms could talk back to command and control. This is my Theory and I don't work from the electric but I do think this is the most plausible way they are preventing this type of attack. The First Tier, just like tech support, is for Corporate and technicians to talk to eat other over the intranet. The 2nd Tier, this is the important computers that would control Electric process. I don't know this for sure but I think the 2nd tier would be used to isolate the computers from being accessed externally. Like I said before I don't work for the electric company and this is all theory on how the electric has this set up!! So you can take it with a grain of salt or come up with your own ideas.

Spam Messages go out with Fake Conficker Alerts

Sopho's blog is reporting:

This past weekend, SophosLabs noticed a new “Conficker” theme in the content of these spam messages. Instead of saying there is a critical windows update that needs to be applied, they say that “your Internet company” believes you to be infected, and to click the link to scan your computer

[Via Sophos]

[ad#cricket-right-ez]As in [intlink id="3114" type="post"]previous post about fake Anti-virus Software[/intlink] sites trying to scare you into sending them free money.  You should always be cautious when it comes to these sites that make you think you have a virus.  Some things to consider when you visit sites that are claiming you have a virus:

• Is this a true anti virus company?  If your unsure you can always google the company to better help you determine if this a fake site.


• You also should consider going to the real deal on anti-virus there are several different companies that I know of off the top of my head but it should always be one that is not a fly by night type of anti-virus company.   The real companies have people and resources watching for the latest viruses, and other Maleware.

According to Sopho's the Maleware site is detected as Mal/FakeAV-AH with there system.  Remember you don't always have to buy anit virus software there are [intlink id="2205" type="page"]several good free versions[/intlink] out there that do a pretty good job at defending against a virus, Trojan, or a Computer Worm.  If you feel you might have a virus you can do a free anti-virus scans to make sure you are not infected.   I also suggest having a firewall installed if you have not done that yet, that will also greatly help prevent a virus or worm but remember you are the last line of defense with Maleware!!

Securing your Windows Machines

After a Long day at work, you sometimes feel like there isn't much you want to talk about. Then this idea comes to me? Why do people blog and why do people talk about security?

I've come to realize something, I'm not one who was grew up understanding bits from bytes. I grew up as any family does fighting with my siblings.

Having been blogging the past few years, it seems like only yesterday that I started blogging. Cliche I know but still very much true. Most blogs do what they know, I aim to learn and teach each day I blog. Like days like this when the world is pretty much quite and the [intlink id="3214" type="post"]remnants of the conficker[/intlink] worm dies to a rumble.

[ad#cricket-right-ez]So how do you secure your Windows Machine?

After a day long battle with  my wife's system, I grow to wonder if there is something I should do differently with how to prevent Viruses and Worms on her system.  So I've groomed my Knowledge base and come up with 5 good points when it comes to locking down your Windows Machines:

• [intlink id="994" type="post"]Lock down your Router/Modem[/intlink]  -- Some people don't know that having an insecure router with weak passwords is a way to get on another system.   This can easily be prevented if the users takes some steps to prevent. it.  Although if a hacker wants to break your encryption and find your Signal there is really nothing you can do but try to prevent that.


• [intlink id="2205" type="page"]Firewall and Anti-virus[/intlink] --  Although I know people think I am a broken record this will always be something I encourage for everyone who reads my blogs.  I will never stop beating people over the head with this.   Seeing the [intlink id="3272" type="post"]Conficker map[/intlink] tells me there are quite a few without an Anti-virus or a Firewall, which might of given someone a heads up find out if they do or not!!


• [intlink id="2984" type="post"]Disabling AutoRun[/intlink] --  This can prevent a USB stick from installing software it shouldn't.  Remember Microsoft has issued an statement on how to disable it for sure.  Although I must say The Security Now episode 187 seems to talk about this really well and how to make sure you do disable it the right way.


• Make sure it is a Limited user account --  Most people always run as administrator when in fact that sometimes makes you more vulnerable to viruses, worms, and trojans.   Any software you install as an administrator will automatically be given Administrator rights.  That can be very bad when it comes to virus and such.


• [intlink id="2883" type="post"]Keep your System up to date[/intlink] -- This is essental for people who to prevent exploits to be used against you.  Although  if your like me and you want to make sure your software is up to date some of that can be done with [intlink id="553" type="post"]APPSNAP[/intlink].

With These tips, your system can be a little more safer.  Just remember there is no perfect way to protect your systems 100% only some of the time.  The rest depends on you, because your the last layer of defense.  Also it isn't a bad idea to [intlink id="2407" type="post"]back up your system from time to time[/intlink].

So it Is April 1, 2009 Now What?

So you survived the [intlink id="3214" type="post" target="_blank"]April Fools Joke[/intlink] that most people were talking about. Are you more Mindful of what a Virus is and how to best defend against it.  If not let's go back in the past and talk about some of the necessary Programs:[ad#cricket-right-ez]

• If you haven't already installed a [intlink id="2205" type="page"]Free Anti Virus[/intlink], this would be the time to.  Also install a Firewall to better protect you.


• Never install any software from unknown site -- This is most important even though they seem harmless enough there are sites that have [intlink id="2991" type="post"]fake adobe updates or even flash updates[/intlink] that will install Maleware into your system.  So if you have any doubt should visit the main site like Adobe.com to check for updates.


• [intlink id="3114" type="post"]If something scares you, count to ten[/intlink] --  That is very useful when it comes to scareware sites that like to scare you into buying there fake anti virus software that doesn't do anything.  I say count to ten because by the time you did you will go looking for information on either that site or that warning and come to the conclusion it was scareware.


• [intlink id="2991" type="post"]Don't download untested software[/intlink] --  This is good for those who like to look for programs that are to expensive to buy but they want to have them.  Most of the time Hackers like to use Crackers to infect systems.  Although anything that is questionable can sometimes be infected with a virus so you should stay away from all of them.


• [intlink id="3248" type="post"]Apple's OSX isn't as secure as you may think[/intlink] -- I hate when people say they are so glad to have a Mac, and yet it seems to be on the rise.  Macintosh Operating system seems to be getting some attention from Hackers because their more virus and trojans being made for the the Macintosh, so don't get over confident.

Although these are just a few steps to consider when dealing with virus, trojans, and Worms.  It all depends on the End user to prevent this from happening.   So if you want to protect your identity and system you should consider using the right software.  If your a Vista you should also make sure your not running as an Admistrator, this will also protect your from getting infected.

The April fools Joke, You've got a computer worm!

Cluely's blog talks about this and I thought I would talk about it a little myself!!

[ad#cricket-right-ez]This is the newest version of the Conflicker/Downadup variant of the little worm.  There seems to be people who are worried that April 1, there will be a major wake up in security no holds bar problems.

Some people have got rather confused as to what the April 1st deadline really means. The truth is that Conficker is not set to activate a specific payload on April 1st. Rather, on April 1st Conficker will begin to attempt to contact the 50,000-a-day potential call-home web servers from which it may receive updates.

[Via Graham's Cluely Blog]

Now let's talk about this a little, this worm won't do anything else but ask for updates on April 1, and we don't know when the virus writers will implement the update it could be a month down the line.  You could[intlink id="3171" type="post" target="_blank"] Backup[/intlink] your software and use the free program [intlink id="2883" type="post" target="_blank"]Autopatcher[/intlink] to help make sure your system is completely up to date with windows security.  You can't forward the to that date to find out what will it call home to.    We don't know what it will do when they update to the conficker.c program all we know it starts to try to call to certain domains on April 1, 2009.  So you should install [intlink id="2205" type="page"]Anti-virus and Firewalls[/intlink] where you think it is needed.

I am sure though this will be an really big April Fools Joke from the Virus Programmers, they will be laughing at the hysteria of people trying to find out all the important information on April 1, and yet it might not start to happen until much later!!  You are the first line of defense from getting a virus or any malware.  So let's keep our heads on straight and not go over board!  Only time will tell, and I am sure what happens on Apr 1, 2009 will be a new day.

Updater.exe can't be found Troubleshooting

So you wroke up with this problem, of can't find the program called updater.exe or it tries to access the internet.  Here are some things you should check out to make sure it isn't a virus:

• [ad#cricket-right-ez][intlink id="1802" type="post"]Hijackthis[/intlink] --  This will help determine if a virus changed the program.   You would need to check to see where this so called Updater is by search for it.


• [intlink id="2205" type="page"]Firewall and Anti-virus Software[/intlink] --  You should check to see if you have the updates for that or if you don't you should have them installed.


• [intlink id="2205" type="page"]Do an online scan[/intlink] -- This might also reveal if there is a virus or not.

It is most likely a Windows function but you should be cautious when things like this happen and you should check to make sure it is what it says it is.  Some people from WOW have had this problem in the past.  So it could just be a program that didn't update the right way or a Trojan or Virus.  You should use [intlink id="2883" type="post"]Autopatcher[/intlink] to patch your system to  be sure it is up to date.  Remember if the system isn't patched that gives the Virus people a chance to install malware into your system and you know you don't want that.

Fake Scareware Sites Popup after the Pifts.EXE Conspiracy

There Seems to Be a Fake site that are popping up today right after what happened with PIFTS.EXE. I just happen to Google it to see what people are talking about and this appears on the front page.



As you can see this leads to a server in Poland and once you go to it you see:

I will be reporting this to Phishtank. This is scareware which means  there is no real VIRUS because and you
Should never believe the screens when you see something like this. According to Wikipedia:

[ad#ad2-right]Some websites display pop-up advertisement windows or banners with text such as: "Your computer may be infected with harmful spyware programs. Immediate removal may be required. To scan, click 'Yes' below." These websites go as far as saying that a user's job, career, or marriage would be at risk. Products using advertisements such as these are often considered scareware. serious scareware applications qualify as Rogue software.
[Via Wikipedia]

So if you are worried you have a virus or think you have a virus I would advise you to download one of the free Many anti-virus software and firewall. This is nothing new with the companies who are doing this but don't buy anything because people are trying to scare you into thinking you have a virus. That rarely is a valid software and you should use the ones that you trust. If you find a site like that please report them to Phishtank and other sites that way we can protect everyone who goes there.

Reviewing the 3G A600 Cricket Modem

So I got the Modem and wanted to test out the speed being stationary, So I go to my usual site Speedtest.net look at the speed, check below for speed.
As you can see this went fairly well. It does depend on your Cricket Coverage area. So you want to hear all about it.

First thing if you are upgrading from the UM100 Broadband Card, You'll want to uninstall the Quicklink Software.  To do that you can uninstall it by going to:

Computer > C: Drive > Program Files > Cricket > Quicklink > UNWISE.EXE

(This will uninstall the Quicklink software, I'd suggest after you uninstall it you reboot.)

How does the USB Modem work?

Once you do that you can then insert the A600 Modem into your USB.  The Nice thing about this is the software for the Modem is on the Modem itself, so you don't loose the CD for the modem.  It currently only supports Windows and MAC OSX operating system but I have seen there is a work around to use the A600 Modem with Linux if your wondering.Once you insert it into the USB you'll find you have a new Drive.  It will say a Cricket CD Drive with 24 megs used.  You'll want to run that program on the Cricket CD and that will install the software.

The Connection

As you can see this is the provided application to connect to the Cricket Network and the speed and signal strength can differ from location to location due to coverage areas. This application can do several different functions:

• Connecting to Cricket


• Text Messaging (Free with broadband connection)


• Bandwidth Monitor (Helps makes sure you don't use to much Bandwidth, they do have a soft cap of 5 gig's but haven't affected me yet.)


• Statistics, this is good for those who want to try to get the most out of the modem.


• Logs, Also good for those who want to keep track on how much they used the modem. It however only logs activity on the system it is connected to.


• Activation -- Seems to help get updated tower positions when your traveling and can be done as long as you can get a signal

Pro's to this EVDO MODEM:

• [intlink id="3174" type="post"]Memory Slot[/intlink] to have backups on files in case the worst case scenario happens (1 to 4 Gigbyte Capabilities)


• Speed and Bandwidth (See above for speed test)


• No loosing CD -- I have the [intlink id="3067" type="post"]program files[/intlink] online if you need them.


• Independent card reader without having to install the Modem Software.


• Able to take the modem with you as you go. (There is a clip slot for you to carry it anywhere you go.)


• Found out there is an External antenna connector and will be looking at Antenna's for it in the future.


• Swivel USB port, You can swivel it up or down 90 degrees or side to side 180 degrees. (X and Y Axis)

Cons:

• If you use it primarily internet you'll expect some slow downs from time to time during HIGH Peak Zones.


• This has a dormant signal feature that I will have to figure out how to disable but easily fixed by reconnecting to the tower. You can get out of dormant mode by web surfing, just load up your browser and the dormant mode will go away.

Twitter Comments:

@Laforge129 I sure am trying out the Cricket broadband.!I just started it last week and so far it never ceases to amaze me! (Via Twitter)

Conclusion

I and others would recommend the Cricket Broadband Modem a600 to anyone who wants an inexpensive and portable internet connection for $40 dollars and no contracts. Though with all the things you can do with this modem makes it an invaluable extra incentive in buying this modem. You should always check the Coverage area for Cricket and make sure you are able to use this modem in the first place. I'll have another update on this later on but I'm really impressed with all the features of this modem.

Clicker here to buy it now.

Check out my Extended Review of the A600 and All the programs that I added to my 4 gig MicroSD Card.

If you want to comment on the A600 just twitter me and tell me what you think. Maybe you'll twitter will be on my review site.

[gsom-optin]

I hate Snopes Spam

As you know Snopes is used to find out about urban Legend and Rumors:

I received a Virus alert from my RSS feed about Email virus warning.  It even adds a Snope URL.  The Author just copies and pasted the virus warning into the blog without even going to Snopes.
[ad#ad2-right]

According to Snopes and I'll quote:
Although the Postcard virus is real, it isn't a "BIG VIRUS COMING" (it's already been around in multiple forms for a long time now), it will not "burn the whole hard disc" of your computer, CNN didn't classify it as the "worst virus" ever, and it doesn't arrive in messages bearing a subject line of 'Invitation.'

[Via Snopes]

Now as you can tell the link described in the blog post was "http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/postcard.asp". If you went there, you'd have seen this as a not really true and some parts of this might be but that part about burning your Hard drive or even consider the Worst virus isn't true.

Some things you need to consider before forwarding anything is:

• Is it completely True?


• Is it Legitimate?  (True blown warning about something like a product recall  or something important like that)


• Does it Say to Forward? (if so it is probably not wise)


• is it from a Friend (If so you might want to remind the friend nicely that it isn't nice to send spam)

If you follow some of these suggestions you'll be making the Internet a far better place for everyone.  Remember if you don't know, it's time to learn.  if you do know, it is time to teach.  These are the fundamental aspects of using the internet the right way.  Also if it is a fake virus warning you should tell them to get a Free Anti-virus and Firewall to better protect them.  Also  remind them that if they keep their system updated then they shouldn't be too worried.  Remember only you can prevent a Computer Virus and it's up to you keep your system up to date.

Facebook Goes Phishing again

In one of my Previous articles about the Koobface Worm, I talked about the way they were infecting the systems and what you need not do.

It seems that Trend Micro has seen an even more rise in people downloading the WORM_KOOBFACE.AZ and Seems to be on the RISE. This is all done with a Social engineering and Has had some attempts before with this little worm on Facebook.

[ad#ad2-right]After your Infected with this new Variant, it searches for cookies and Sends out a message to people from:
* facebook.com
* hi5.com
* friendster.com
* myyearbook.com
* myspace.com
* bebo.com
* tagged.com
* netlog.com
* fubar.com
* livejournal.com

This seems to be a social engineering Nightmare for these websites and as yet are unsure what else it does but it says the same thing it did before by saying "This is a Video of You on the Street." Which is bogus but none the less people click and think they have to download a codec or update their Flash. Social Engineering is on the rise and will be taken seriously. You should read the full report from Trend on what it does but you also should have an anti-virus and Firewall installed to prevent this from happening in the first place. The only true way of preventing this is not to be fooled, you should NEVER Download from a site you don't know or trust. See all the Facebook articles for more information.