For years, we learned that clicking on certain links can cause malware. But yet, the hackers often seem to one up the good guys. Because it looks like they did it again. Can your mouse cause malware? Maybe.
So according to some cyber security leaders, cyber crooks discovered something evil. That evil is a Trojan malware that they can put on your computer. Furthermore, you don’t have to click a thing. All you do is point your arrow at at or around the hyperlink. Then, the PowerPoint hyperlink does the rest. This kind of malware isn’t coming. It’s already here.
Can your mouse cause malware? Maybe. Because it’s already happening overseas. They used it in a span campaign, mostly about finances. For instance, they saw hashtags like #invoice and #order. That gets the readers’ curiosity. Then, they attach it to a fake PowerPoint presentation. Furthermore, it says, “Loading…please wait”. But by the time you wait, the malware takes over. Before too long, the malware infects your PC.
But there is good news, especially if you use newer Microsoft Office. Most of us use it here in our Boston computer service shop. That’s because they have Protected View. What this does is warn you about ‘potential security concerns’. All you have to do is click ‘disable’. There’s also another way. I got hit by a sudden malware attack. I just restarted my computer and it was fine. We can’t stress this enough. If you’re hacked, and they tell you to call Microsoft, don’t do it! That’s a way to get your information, your money and goodness knows what else. Also, don’t hesitate to call us at Computer Geeks. Our computer repair experts are here to serve and protect you from these malware evils. I’m here reporting on such evils to keep you safe. Can your mouse cause malware? I’m afraid it’s coming to that.
Let’s talk about texting while driving. It is almost as destructive as drinking and driving. I say this because the statistics are alarming. Apple might have a solution. Texting and driving: Can your iPhone stop it?
So they call it ‘Do Not Disturb While Driving’. Let’s say before you start driving, your iPhone connects to your car through cable or Bluetooth. Now you’re on the road. This ‘Do Not Disturb While Driving’ setting puts the breaks on texts, emails, and other notifications. That way, they can’t even tempt you into distraction. It will be available fall 2017. Also, it will come out alongside the iOS 11 software.
Furthermore, you can send replies to people while you’re driving. You keep your eyes on the road and hand on the wheel, because this app will let people know for you. However, drivers can still use the Apple Map systems. But just make sure you program your directions before you turn on the ignition. Because once you hit the road, you won’t even be able to program that. This app is serious about stopping texting and driving. Advocates like Joel Feldman, leader of End Distracted Driving, praises Apple’s move. So do many others on Twitter and other aspects of social media.
And frankly, so do I. In computer repair, we tell our techs all the time. No text, no instant message, no email is worth dying over. It can wait until you get to your destination. That’s not just true in computer servicing, but in every other faction in the world. Apple did put on the this product. I’m very thankful for that. But it’s up to the people to get this app. If you have an Apple product, please get the iOS 11 software and get this setting. It could save your life and/or someone else’s. Texting and driving kills. Shouldn’t Google/Android have a ‘Do Not Disturb While Driving’ like app?
This is breaking news. Over the last 24 hours or so, a massive ransomware attack hit 99 countries. Many believe the hackers used NSA (National Security Agency) technology tools to pull this off. It’s the global cyber attack: United Kingdom hit hardest.
So how hard did the United Kingdom get it? Just ask the National Health Service (NHS) in England and Scotland. Because over 40 of their hospitals fell to this attack. One man couldn’t even have his critical heart surgery. ?But this was a slow, painful ransomware. British doctors’ computers went down one by one. Then there is a group WannaCry, demanding $300 in Bitcoin. The UK got the worst of it, but they weren’t the only ones. Russia, Spain, Italy, Germany, Portugal, and the United States all reported hacked systems. So did China.
Do you want to know something really ironic? This happened when world leaders fight the global cyber attack epidemic. President Trump signed an anti-hacking bill. ?In Italy, financial leaders met to talk about how cyber crime could cripple financial centers. But how did this start? A worm spread itself between computers. Then, it took off. Experts believe the anti-Trump cyber group The Shadow Brokers stole NSA technology. Also, here’s an ironic thing. Systems still using Windows XP and even Windows Server 2003 were hit hard.
And guess what system NHS uses. That’s right, Windows XP. Keep in mind Microsoft stopped supporting Windows XP back in 2014. Let this be a lesson to all of us in IT service. If Microsoft stops supporting it, stop using it! End of discussion! How else can we stop, or prevent this global cyber attack? They urge you to patch up your system, sooner than later. Also, computer repair companies like us fought these viruses for over 20 years. Don’t hesitate to give us a call. But back to another question. Why are major businesses and health organizations still using Windows XP?
When it comes to Malware, Microsoft does better at protecting themselves then most. But even they must watch their back. Because there is a new, powerful and scary threat looming over Microsoft, especially the anti-malware system. Microsoft fixes potential disaster, or did they?
Researchers say this threat is so powerful it bypasses any security. Then, it turns over your whole computer system to a hacker. But this threat needs a ‘specific crafted file’. They send this bad file either through email or send them the websites with hardly any protection. Windows’ malware protection system scans this file. But all this software does is let the hacker get into the system. Then, this malware can add or delete however it pleases. That’s how it gets and exploits private information.
This is why the threat is so scary. It abuses and exploits the very system it needs to protect. What’s even scarier is that Windows usually does a great job scanning all content for malware threats. However, this one just passes through. In fact, you don’t even need to open this vile thing before mayhem breaks loose on your computer. All it has to do is just show up. So what is Microsoft doing about it?
This is how Microsoft fixes potential disaster. They’re rolling out a patch. This patch is supposed to close this whole so this threat won’t get through. These updates can take up to 48 hours. However they don’t tell me how to obtain this patch. In computer repair, and at our Boston computer servicing shop, we haven’t seen this issue, yet. But now that you know about this threat, I suggest you do all you can to avoid it at all cost. And if you were hit, then do what you must to rid yourself of it before it destroys or exploits your system. I with I knew more about how Microsoft fixes potential disaster. What tips do you have for prevention?
Over the past several days, an Intel chip made news for all the wrong reasons. Because there is a flaw leaving people’s computers venerable. And because of this flaw, hackers can take over your system. The Intel chip bug: consumer alert.
So it turns out this isn’t a new problem. In fact, the problem is almost 10 years old. Apparently, this bug is so bad that it can allow hackers to control your computer even when it’s off. ?The bug took advantage of Intel’s Active Management Technology (AMT). This AMT lets you do your own maintenance and software updates. So you can see why it would be so popular.
But it’s potentially dangerous. It has been for years. One security expert says the AMT does give you remote services. But there is a price to pay, and I don’t just mean money either. The AMT needs network access, access to memory and disk/hard drive information, and more. Yes, one can protect their AMT through a password. But the problem is hackers can easily break into these passwords. In fact, security experts say the Intel chip bug began when the default admin still processes passwords. Therefore, anybody can log into your system because of this bug.
We don’t know how many PCs got hit. But some say the toll is about 8,500 worldwide, with 3,000 of them in the USA. But that’s on the low end compared to a lot of bugs and hacks in the past. Let’s hope it stays on the low end. In our Boston computer service shop, we haven’t yet got this complaint. But our computer repair company fixes bugs like the Intel chip bug all the time. We see plenty of bugs like this too. This is why I believe it’s so important to inform ourselves and the public about these dangers. ?Intel says they’re working on the problem and instructing manufacturers to do better. But is it too late?
To this day, some say hackers caused Donald Trump to win the brutal election of 2016. But in France, another brutal presidential election plays out. Also, some believe hackers are playing a role. The French election: Are hackers targeting?
Tomorrow is France’s Election Day. The presidential race is between politically moderate?Emmanuel Macron and conservative, and often controversial, Marie LePen. But yesterday, Marcon’s people said hackers dumped a massive computer hack on him. So here is their story. Somebody posted 9GB of data to website?EMLEAKS to Pastebin. That’s a secret document sharing website. The timing is funny. Because it’s just 36 hours before the election. However, polls show Marcon leading LePen.
So far, we don’t know who did the hacking. In fact, we don’t even know if a hacking took place. But if it did, it violates France’s rules regarding influencing an election. French leaders are staying far away from this one. But an election committee will investigate Marcon’s claims. Also, this non-partisan committee told French media not to publish the details. If they did, they could face criminal charges. Like I said, we don’t know where these potential hacks came from. But as usual, Russia gets the blame.
So what? What does an election in France have to do with computer repair? Maybe nothing. But these potential election hacks should concern us. It doesn’t matter if we work in IT support or on a farm or in a classroom, politics affect us all. Elections affect us all. And if hackers from other countries, particularly ones that don’t like us, can sway an election, that’s not good. France is already on edge. In fact, this election is so intense riots are already flaring up. And voting day isn’t until Sunday, May 7. The French election could have been hacked. Is this any good for democracy?
