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Security

New malware warning

Tuesday, December 4th, 2012

Please take note that a new malware threat has emerged on campus. Some users have reported the following:

A pop up will appear on your screen (see below) prompting you to update your Antivirus package due to a threat (in this case a trojan). However, this notification in itself is a malware application. If you click on the option to update, it will install itself on your pc. Under no circumstances should you click on the button.

Close the pop up screen immediately and if you’re worried that your pc is infected, contact the IT helpdesk. Read more on http://www.hoax-slayer.com/fake-fedex-invoice-malware.shtml

You personal info in the wrong hands?Jou persoonlike inligting in die verkeerde hande?

Friday, November 9th, 2012

If admin and filing is just as frustrating to you as it is to me, you receive all your statements and accounts by e-mail rather than by snail mail.

How many times have we heard how important it is to make sure the information on your pc is safe and secure. Most of the time we think in terms of work related data and we’re not too worried. You have more personal information on your pc than you think. How easily we send bank details, passwords and other important info to other people via e-mail, because we just assume that it’s safe. 

Have you considered how much personal information you have stored in your mailbox and what a cyber criminal can use it for? For this reason it’s of the utmost importance that you take certain measures when it comes to your computer’s security.

1. If you leave your desk for longer than a few minutes, rather lock your pc by typing the Windows and L key or using the Lock this computer-function when you type Ctrl+Alt+Delete. Your info will be safe from passing, prying eyes.

2. Choose passwords wisely (For more handy tips on the selection of a secure password, click here)

2.1 Be careful of using a password forming a pattern on your keyboard. This is one of the popular ways of choosing a password and also one of the easiest one to crack for a cyber criminal. Avoid something like 1q2w3e4r5t,  !QAZ@WSX, qwertasdf or 654321 of 123456.

2.2 Rather be creative when selecting your password and think of a sentence unique to you, yet easy to remember. Use the first letter of each word and through in a digit or character to make it more difficult.

2.3 Always choose a password with at least 8 characters (letters, numbers, punctuation marks or special character like @$%^&*, etc.

3. Do not write down your passwords. It’s the same as leaving your key on your front doo’r’s steps.

4. Never save passwords in your browser, for example Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome or Safari. It’s extremely easy for someone to access those passwords. If your browser or any programme asks if the password should be saved, rather choose no, even if it’s less effort.

5. Do not give your password to anyone over the phone, e-mail or  instant message (IM). Never reply to an e-mail requesting any passwords, account numbers or PINS.

(INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY  NEELS BLOM)

As jy enigsins so sku vir administrasie en liasseerwerk is soos ek, ontvang jy ook deesdae al jou state en rekeninge per e-pos in plaas van slakkepos.

Ons het al tot vervelens toe gehoor hoe belangrik dit is om die inligting op jou rekenaar te beskerm. Meeste van die tyd dink ons slegs in terme van werksverwante data en ons is nie te bekommerd nie. Maar jy het meer persoonlike inligting op jou rekenaar as wat jy dink en ons stuur maar te maklik bankdetails, wagwoorde en ander belangrike inligting via e-pos omdat ons glo dis veilig.

Het jy al gedink wat `n kuberkrimineel met al daardie inligting kan maak as hy sy skelm handjies daarop kry? Daarom is dit tog belangrik dat jy steeds sekere maatreëls tref as dit kom by jou rekenaar se sekuriteit.

1. As jy vir langer as `n paar minute wegloop by jou rekenaar, sluit dit eerder deur Windows en L of die Lock this computer-funksie te gebruik. Jou inligting is dan weggesteek vir nuuskierige, dwalende oë.

2. Kies wagwoorde versigtig. (Vir nog handige inligting oor wagwoorde en hoe om die beste wagwoord te kies, lees gerus hier)

2.1 Oppas om ‘n wagwoord te gebruik wat ‘n patroon op die sleutelbord vorm. Dis die algemeenste manier om `m wagwoord te kies en gevolglik ook die maklikste manier vir `n kuberkrimineel om jou wagwoord in die hande te kry. Vermy iets soos 1q2w3e4r5t of !QAZ@WSX of qwertasdf of 654321 of 123456.

2.2 Wees eerder kreatief en dink ‘n sinnetjie uit wat jy maklik sal kan onthou, en gebruik dan die eerste letter van elke woord, maar gooi so ‘n syfer of twee of dalk ‘n leesteken tussenin.

2.3 Kies altyd ‘n wagwoord wat minstens 8 karakters (letters, syfers, leestekens en spesiale tekens soos @$%^&* ens) het.

3. Moenie wagwoorde neerskryf nie. Dis net so goed as of jou voordeursleutel op jou stoeptrappie te los.

4. Moet nooit wagwoorde in jou webblaaier, byvoorbeeld Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, ens stoor nie. Dis geweldig maklik vir iemand om dan daardie wagwoorde in die hande te kry. As die blaaier vir jou vra of dit die wagwoord moet onthou, sê eerder nee al is dit minder moeite. Dieselfde geld vir Remote Desktop sessies en gestoorde wagwoorde.

5. Moenie jou wagwoord vir enigiemand oor die foon of via epos of ‘n kitsboodskap (IM) gee of reageer op enige epos wat vra dat jy dit (of jou bank rekeningnommer en PIN) aanlyn intik of per epos stuur nie.

(INLIGTING VERSKAF DEUR NEELS BLOM)

Suffering from password fatigue?Ly jy aan wagwoord-uitputting?

Friday, November 9th, 2012

According to a study conducted in America in August of this year nearly 3 in 5 adults have 5 or more unique online passwords to remember. It’s no wonder we struggle to remember them all.

Believe it or not, there’s even a recognised psychological explanation for your inability to remember all your passwords and the subsequent effect it has on your psyche. Yes, indeed, you might be suffering from password fatigue. This “disorder” can be defined as the feeling experienced by people who have to remember a large amount of passwords as part of their daily routine. This could include any password or code – from the code for your bicylcle’s lock to your pc or atm pin code. Read more on password fatigue here..

However, if you can’t remember your average 5 passwords, don’t panic, there’s hope for you yet. There’s software to help you remember on the days your grey matter struggles to keep up with all the information.

The most popular and possibly best of these is KeePass Password Safe.

KeePass is free open source software enabling you to manage all your passwords in a safe and secure manner. With this programme, you store all your passwords in one central database and lock it with only one secure master key or password. Storing your passwords in one central place behind a secure password is much safer than using the same password for all your programmes and applications, because you’re worried you might forget them!

Another additional advantage of KeePass is it’s usability on most platforms. Although it was originally intended for usage on Microsoft Windows, it can also be used with ease on Linux, Mac OS and various cell phone platforms.

The software has various functions, amongst others one able to generate passwords automatically – handy when you’ve run out of ideas for a strong password. Read more on KeePass here.

If you’re interested in other software available for password management, www.smashingapps.com has a few suggestions.Volgens `n studie wat in Augustus in die VSA uitgevoer is, het 3 uit 5 volwassenes, 5 of meer unieke aanlyn wagwoorde. (Verskillende studies het natuurlik ook verskillende opinies oor die spesifieke getal wat ter sprake is!) Dis dan ook geen wonder dat ons so sukkel om almal te onthou nie.

Daar is selfs `n erkende sielkundige verklaring vir jou onvermoë om jou wagwoord te onthou en die gepaardgaande effek wat dit op jou het. Ja inderdaad, daar is iets soos wagwoord-uitputting, of te wel password fatigue! Hierdie verskynsel word gedefinieer as die gevoel wat ervaar word deur persone wat daagliks `n groot hoeveelheid wagwoorde moet onthou as deel van hulle daaglikse roetine. Dit sluit enige wagwoord of kode in – van jou fietsslot tot jou rekenaar of otm-wagwoord. Lees hier meer oor wagwoord-uitputting.

As jy nie al 5 wagwoorde kan onthou nie, is daar egter hoop vir jou. Gelukkig is daar handige sagteware wat jou kan help onthou as jou grysstof die dag net nie meer kan byhou met al die inligting nie.

Die bekendste hiervan is KeePass Password Safe.

KeePass is gratis oopbron-sagteware wat jou kan help om jou wagwoorde op `n veilige, sekure wyse te bestuur. Jy sit al jou wagwoorde in een databasis en dit word dan gesluit met slegs een master key of wagwoord. Dis veiliger om al jou wagwoorde op een sentrale plek te stoor agter een sterk wagwoord as om dieselfde wagwoord te gebruik vir al jou programme omdat jy bang is jy vergeet dit!

Die addisionele voordeel van KeePass is tweedens sy aanpasbaarheid op die meeste stelsels. Dis oorspronklik bedoel vir Microsoft Windows, maar kan ook suksesvol geimplementeer word op Linux, Mac OS en `n verskeidenheid fone.

Die program het `n wye verskeidenheid funksies, onder andere `n funksie wat outomaties wagwoorde genereer. Lees meer oor KeePass hier.

Indien jy wil sien watter ander sagteware beskikbaar is vir wagwoordbestuur het www.smashingapps.com `n paar voorstelle.

[:en]Vaccinate your pc[:af]Tyd vir jou rekenaar se kuber-inenting![:]

Friday, November 9th, 2012

[:en]

Every year you have to go to your doctor to get an anti-flu injection. You have to get one every year because the influenza virus mutates and adapts every year into a new strain. Computer viruses are exactly the same! Here are a few handy tips and hints to ensure the whole process is as painless as possible. But first things first –

  • Use an AntiVirus Software – It is very important that your computer has an antivirus software running on your machine. By having an antivirus program running, files and emails will be scanned as you use them, download them, or open them. If a virus is found in one of the items you are about to use, the antivirus program will stop you from being able to run that program and therefore infect yourself.

See this link for a listing of some online/stand-alone antivirus programs: Virus, Spyware, and Malware Protection and Removal Resources

  • Update your AntiVirus Software –  There is no point running an antivirus program if you do not make sure it has all the latest updates available to it. If you do not update the software, it will not know about any new viruses, trojans, worms, etc that have been released into the wild since you installed the program. Then if a new infection appears in your computer, the antivirus program will not know that it is bad, and not alert you when you run it and become infected. Therefore it is imperative that you update your Antivirus software at least once a week (Even more if you wish) so that you are protected from all the latest threats. If you are lucky then you will have an anti-virus product that will update itself automatically via the internet, but never blindly trust this. A large number of the more virulent viruses and trojans can deactivate your anti-virus software’s updating functions.
  • Install an Anti-Spyware Program – Just as you installed and use an antivirus program, it is essential these days to use a Spyware protection and removal program. These programs can be used to scan your computer for spyware, dialers, browser hijackers, and other programs that are malicious in nature. The 4 program that I recommend are SuperAnti-SpywareSpybot – Search and Destroy, andLavasoft’s Ad-Aware, and Windows Defender.A tutorial on using some of these programs can be found below:

Using Spybot – Search & Destroy to remove Spyware , Malware, and Hijackers

Using Ad-aware to remove Spyware, Malware, & Hijackers from Your Computer

  • Commercial Spyware Removal/Protection Programs – If you feel more comfortable installing a commercial Spyware removal program then I recommend WebRoot’s Spysweeper or Lavasoft’s Ad-Aware Professional. Both are fair products and a worthy addition to the arsenal of software protecting your computer.

Spysweeper Product Information

  • Occasionally Run Online Virus Scans – Unfortunately not all antivirus programs are created equal. Each program may find infections that other antivirus programs do not and vice-versa. It is therefore recommended that you occasionally run some free online antivirus scanners to make sure that you are not infected with items that your particular antivirus program does not know how to find. Three online scanners that we recommend are:

Every once in a while, maybe once every 2 weeks, run one or both of these scanners to see if they find anything that may have been missed by your locally installed antivirus software. Believe me, you will not regret it!

ARTICLE BY David Wiles, GERGA

For regular updates on the latest spam, malware and ransomware threats, please check or blog regularly.

[:af]

Elke jaar gaan jy dokter toe om `n griepinspuiting te kry. Jy moet jaarliks gaan omdat die virus verander en nuwe mutasies ontwikkel. Rekenaarvirusse werk presies dieselfde!

Hier is `n paar handige idees om seker te maak dat die proses so pynloos moontlik verloop. Maar eers vir die belangrikste en mees voor-die-hand-liggendste deel  –

  • Gebruik Anti-virus sagteware – Dis noodsaaklik dat al jou rekenaars een of ander vorm van anti-virus sagteware installeer het. Die sagteware sal alle programme op die rekenaar, leêrs, sowel as e-posse nagaan vir potensiële virusse. Indien die program `n virus ontdek in `n program wat jy besig is om te gebruik, sal dit onmiddellik jou toegang daarheen blok om te voorkom dat die virus versprei.

Vir `n lys van aanlyn, sowel as losstaande anti-virus programme, kyk gerus hier.

  • Dateer jou Anti-virus sagteware op  –  Jou anti-virus sagteware is heeltemal nutteloos as jy dit nie gereeld opdateer en sekermaak dat die nuutste weergawes gelaai en op datum is nie. As jy nie die sagteware opdateer nie, sal dit nie weet van die nuutste virusse, wurms en trojaanse bedreigings wat op gereelde basis in die kuberwêreld vrygestel word nie. As `n nuwe infeksie dus te voorskyn kom, sal die sagteware nie weet dat dit kwaadwillig is nie en jou nie waarsku wanneer dit op jou rekenaar installeer en dit besmet nie.
     
    Dit is dus nodig dat jy ten minste eenmaal `n week jou anti-virus sagteware opdateer (selfs meer as jy verkies) sodat jy beskerm is teen die nuutste bedreigings.  As jy gelukkig is, sal jou anti-virus produk self outomaties opdateer vanaf die internet, maar dis nie wys om dit net blindelings te vertrou nie. Maak eerder self seker dat jou sagteware op datum is. Baie van die gevaarliker virusse en “trojans” kan selfs jou anti-virus sagteware se opdateringsfunksie deaktiveer.
     
  • Installeer `n Anti-Spyware program – Net soos dit nodig is dat jy `n anti-virus program installeer, is dit ook nodig om `n anti-“spyware” program te installeer.
    Hierdie tipe programme word gebruik om jou rekenaar te beskerm teen “spyware”, “dialers”, sagteware wat jou webblaaier oorneem, sowel as enige ander kwaadaardige sagteware.
     
    Die vier aanbevole programme is SuperAnti-SpywareSpybot – Search and DestroyLavasoft se Ad-Aware, en Windows Defender. Tutoriale vir sommige van hierdie programme kan hier onder gevind word:

Hoe om Spybot te gebruik – Search & Destroy vir die verwydering van Spyware , Malware, en Hijackers

 Hoe om Ad-aware te gebruik om Spyware, Malware, & Hijackers van jou rekenaar te verwyder

  • Kommersiële Spyware verwydering- en beskermingsprogramme – As jy meer gemaklik is met `n kommersiële Spyware verwyderingsprogram, gebruik WebRoot se Spysweeper of Lavasoft se  Ad-Aware Professional. Beide is goeie produkte wat waardige toevoegings is tot die arsenaal vir die beskerming van jou rekenaar. (Spysweeper-inligting)
  • Loop af en toe aanlyn `n virusskandering – Ongelukkig is nie alle anti-virusprogramme ewe goed nie. Elke program mag ander infeksies optel wat die ander moontlik nie kan nie. Daarom is dit wenslik dat jy sporadies ook gratis aanlyn anti-virus skandeerders gebruik om seker te maak jou rekenaar is nie besmet met iets wat jou eie anti-virus sagteware nie kan optel nie.  Die drie handigste programme hiervoor is:

Gebruik so elke twee weke een of albei hierdie programme om te sien of jou anti-virus sagteware iets gemis het. Jy sal nie spyt wees nie!

ARTIKEL deur David Wiles, GERGA

Vir gereelde nuus oor die nuutste spam, malware en ransomware, kyk gerus op ons blog.

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Scam: Cancellation Of Debit Order (Absa)

Monday, October 29th, 2012

Please note the following phishing scam: These scams are becoming far more fine-tuned to South African victims and especially university accounts. Earlier this month there was a specific scam using Alexander-Forbes as a means to attack, Alexander-Forbes being the university’s preferred consultant for insurance, medical aid consultancy etc. Barely a week later Virgin Active’s name was used to attempt to scam university personnel. This week it is the turn of Outsurance. The e-mails are virtually identical, only the names and the servers in the background change, but you should be able to see that they are homing more and more to South African users, which tells me one thing that either they are getting this information from South African victims or these scamming operations are South-African based.   Here is an expurgated version of the scam. Please take note and be very careful!  From: Absa [mailto:ibt@onlinedata.co.za] Sent: 29 October 2012 01:46 PM To: Name <university_email@address.goes.here> Subject: Cancellation Of Debit Order(Absa) Dear Customer, We received a Debit Order alert on your account this morning from Outsurance Insurance Company to deduct the sum of R3150.00 from your account. If you don’t want to authorized this Debit Order you can cancel by following the instruction below. Click below to Cancel the Debit Order on your profile. You will receive a message on your cellphone with a link, type in the last Eight digit RVN on the SMS message to complete the cancellation. click here to Cancel. . Regards, Security Department

(INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY DAVID WILES)