Internet Security

Virus News and Alerts

Viruses, they're out there, lurking in the shadows of cyber space just waiting for the perfect moment to invade and infect your machine. Keep up to date on the latest threats, fixes, and preventive measures.

Email Hoax Alerts

Everyone gets them - everyone hates them - those annoying mass forwarded chain emails, and last but not least, those pesky little SPAM hoaxes. The problem now is, how do we differentiate between what is legitimate and what is a hoax. Find out what you need to be on the look out for.

Forwarding Emails

This is a huge, HUGE, big bad no-no, especially in business! We're talking about those emails that have been forwarded to a zillioin-million people and now, poor you, you're one of them. As well intentioned as some of these may seem to be - they are mostly an annoyance, but more importantly, they place your personal or business email address in the hands of SPAMMERS, listers and smart-alecky blankety-blanks who issue emails with viruses attached.

If you receive something in your email that you think is worth sending on, then by all means do this, but do it by copying the fun stuff and then pasting it into your outgoing email.

What to Do About Email Harassment and Scams

Spam, we all get it, but what if the unwanted emails you received were a step beyond Spam and were either threatening or an attempt to thieve you of your identity? How would you be able to report this abuse? The answer to that question is slightly easier than you think.

Canning the SPAM

Each day both inboxes and arteries alike are clogged by this vile substance. So where did this mystery meat of the inbox come from, how did it get distributed to your inbox? Find out.

Keeping Your Kids Safe on the Internet

Did you know that 80 percent of children who use email receive inappropriate, adult oriented SPAM? Did you know that 50 percent of children view the contents of the web without parental guidance? Do you know what your children are doing on the internet? You should. Find out what potential threats children face on the internet and what you can do to keep your children safe on the internet.

Government Information on Internet Security

The US-CERT Current Activity web page is a regularly updated summary of the most frequent, high-impact types of security incidents currently being reported to the US-CERT.

  • Apple Releases QuickTime 7.7.2

    Apple has released QuickTime 7.7.2 to address multiple vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial-of-service condition.

    US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review Apple Support Article HT5261 and apply any necessary updates to help mitigate the risk.

    This product is provided subject to the Notification as indicated here: http://www.us-cert.gov/legal.html#notify


  • Google Releases Google Chrome 19

    Google has released Google Chrome 19 for Linux, Mac, Windows, and Chrome Frame to address multiple vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial-of-service condition.

    US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review the Google Chrome Release blog entry and update to Chrome 19.

    This product is provided subject to the Notification as indicated here: http://www.us-cert.gov/legal.html#notify


  • Apple Releases Flashback Malware Security Updates

    Apple has released security updates to address Flashback malware in the following products:

    • OS X Lion v10.7.3
    • OS X Lion Server v10.7.3
    • Mac OS X v10.6.8
    • Mac OS X Server v10.6.8

    Apple has released a malware removal tool for the most common variant of the Flashback malware. If the malware is discovered, the tool will notify the user and remove it automatically. If the malware is not discovered, no indication will be given.

    Update: On May 14, 2012 Apple has released security updates to address Flashback malware in the following product:

    • Mac OS X v10.5 to v10.5.8

    US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review articles HT5247, HT5254, and HT5273 and apply any necessary updates to help mitigate the risk.

    This product is provided subject to the Notification as indicated here: http://www.us-cert.gov/legal.html#notify


  • Apple Releases Multiple Security Updates

    Apple has released security updates for Apple OS X and Safari to address multiple vulnerabilities for the following products:

    • Safari 5.1.7 for Mac OS X v10.6.8, Mac OS X Server v10.6.8, OS X Lion Server v10.7.4, OS X Lion v10.7.4, Windows 7, Vista, XP SP2 or later
    • OS X Lion v10.7.4 and Security Update 2012-002 for OS X Lion v10.7 to v10.7.3, OS X Lion Server v10.7 to v10.7.3, Mac OS X v10.6.8, Mac OS X Server v10.6.8

    Exploitation of these vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, obtain sensitive information, operate with elevated privileges, cause a denial-of-service condition, or perform a cross-site scripting attack.

    US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review Apple articles HT5281 and HT5282 and apply any necessary updates to help mitigate the risks.

    This product is provided subject to the Notification as indicated here: http://www.us-cert.gov/legal.html#notify


  • Adobe Releases Security Bulletins for Multiple Products

    Adobe has released security bulletins to alert users of critical vulnerabilities in multiple products. The following products are affected:

    • Adobe Illustrator CS 5.5 and earlier versions for Windows and Macintosh
    • Adobe Photoshop CS 5.5 and earlier versions for Windows and Macintosh
    • Adobe Flash Professional CS 5.5 (11.5.1.349) and earlier versions for Windows and Macintosh
    • Shockwave Player 11.6.4.634 and earlier versions for Windows and Macintosh

    Exploitation of these vulnerabilities may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or take control of an affected system.

    US-CERT encourages users and administrators to review the Adobe security bulletin and apply any necessary updates to help mitigate the risk.

    This product is provided subject to the Notification as indicated here: http://www.us-cert.gov/legal.html#notify