Recent Virus Activity
3 Jan 2007
Current threat level: LOW
HSTC recommends AVG from Grisoft for all your anti-virus needs.
Grisoft AVG version 7.5 is out. This is a major upgrade from the previous version, 7.1. Please note the new version is not available through AVG's internal updater; you must download and install the new version by clicking the link above.
Grisoft has announced that support for version 7.1 will end in after January 2007. Please upgrade at your earliest convenience.
Barracuda Spam Firewall User's Guide
21 Feb 2006
Barracuda Networks released a User's Guide (147kb PDF) that covers everything you want to know about monitoring and controlling the spam filter for your incoming e-mail.
Additionally, Baltimore Country Public Library's website has a no-nonsense online guide that includes screenshots and configuration tips.
Mission Impossible: Malware, Adware, Spyware
6 Jul 2006
It's the phone call every computer owner dreads: "Sorry, but the only way we can be sure your machine is no longer infected is to erase everything and reinstall from scratch."
But don't take our word for it. Mike Danseglio, Program Manager of Security Solutions group at Microsoft, admits getting rid of all malware infections is frequently and increasingly impossible. According to him,
"When you are dealing with rootkits and some advanced spyware programs, the only solution is to rebuild from scratch. In some cases, there really is no way to recover without nuking the systems from orbit."
What's Not A Virus But Can Bring Your Machine To Its Proverbial Knees Faster Than Most Viruses?
14 Jun 2006
SPYWARE -- that's what.
Here's a two-page article that describes the whole phenomenon in more detail.
Despite its nefarious sounding name, spyware is not as threatening to your computer or your personal information as its name implies. What it is, however, is a serious impediment to the reliable and secure operation of your computer.
In fact, in the past two months we've had more customer support calls at HSTC that ultimately pointed back to spyware as the cause rather than viruses, even in the midst of the MyDoom and NetSky extravaganza that's been going on.
What can you do? Unfortunately, anti-virus programs do not detect spyware; after all, that's not their job. But there are some free programs out there that do a fantastic job of cleaning your machine of these virulent vermin.
We recommend these anti-spyware programs for everyone:
Those are usually all you need for a reasonable amount of protection. If, however, your computer is already infected or you want to go the extra mile to ensure it isn't, both of the these anti-spyware applications have proven very effective as well:
Download and install one or more of these programs run them once every couple of weeks to clean out any spyware garbage that has snuck its way onto your machine. Your machine will thank you by being faster, more responsive, and much more stable.
Firewalls
21 Jul 2006
A firewall is a program that helps protect your computer against unauthorized network access. You can read this longer definition if you'd like to know more.
While dial-up users can benefit from a firewall, it's primarily DSL customers who are most susceptible to network attack. Windows XP ® includes a basic firewall which provides an acceptable level of protection but if you'd like to boost and customize your firewall, or if you're running Windows 98/Me, you might want to check out ZoneAlarm from ZoneLabs.
ZoneLabs offers a free version for personal home use. The commercial version has a lot of extra bells and whistles but the personal edition is more than adequate for basic firewall protection.Finally, please remember just because we recommend 'em doesn't mean we support 'em. All software mentioned above is “use at your own risk”. Thanks!