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 Posted by SecExtra on February 23rd, 2010

Companies must consider the implications of using free communications services (such as email and data hosting) on their data privacy, according to a new guide from managed security firm, Network Box.

Browser privacy and online security: a guide for IT managers (available free to download from Network Box’s website) warns companies to think carefully before using such services, and also to be aware of the privacy compromise that results from the use of some browser services. It gives companies the information they need to decide whether or not they should use free email hosting, browser and document storage services.

The guide gives …

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 Posted by SecExtra on February 11th, 2010

Pop-ups have always been a nuisance for computer users, but the FBI is warning consumers that they can be much more than irritating today. There is an ongoing threat involving pop-up security messages that have been spreading across the internet that the FBI is attempting to bring awareness to the public.

The messages have been known to contain a virus that can harm your computer, cause costly repairs, and even lead to identity theft. The viruses being spread contain scareware, which is fake anti-virus software that looks authentic.

While it can be difficult to identify viruses, keep an …

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 Posted by SecExtra on January 29th, 2010

More than half (55.59 per cent) of all malware sent on email is an attempted phishing attack, according to analysis of malware in January 2010 by managed security firm, Network Box. Phishing attacks soared before Christmas (to 57 per cent of malware), as criminals attempted to exploit the number of people shopping online, but the numbers have stayed at a similar level through January.

Brazil continues to dominate as the top source of viruses, though it is down slightly from last month, accounting for 15.7 per cent of all viruses (against more than 20 per cent last month). The number of …

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 Posted by SecExtra on January 24th, 2010

Are your children really protected from banned web sites in schools? Many are taking advantage of proxy servers in order to get around the schools’ internet security systems in order to play online games and use social network sites like Facebook. The risk is pupils logging on are putting themselves at risk of cyber crime.

In one secondary school classroom that was asked about proxy servers, every student had heard of them. While many schools are doing what they can by employing increasingly sophisticated software to prevent access to non-educational web sites, proxy servers make it extremely easy …

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 Posted by SecExtra on December 18th, 2009

2009 marked a significant increase in the level of sophistication of malware attacks, especially Trojans. Trojans such as ZeuS, Urlzone and Clampi – which have been developed not only to steal personal identifying and financial data, but also can hide their activity whilst carrying out the crime – show an increase in the level of sophistication of malware attacks in 2009.

Simon Heron, Internet Security Analyst for Network Box says:”With the ability to mount man-in-the-middle attacks, users are increasingly vulnerable to account takeover without having the slightest idea that something untoward is happening.”

2009 has also seen a flurry of attacks on …