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Wednesday, April 27, 2011

HOW DO U FIND IF YOUR PC IS HACKED?- PART 1

1.   We all keep ourselves worried over issues pertaining to our PC security including issues like if or not it is a zombie or if the same is already a compromised one etc. But how would you find the answer to these......call an expert and pay from your pocket? NO....the answer is MS it self...yesss!!....Microsoft Windows has a series of commands with the help of which a normal PC user would be able to find out the answers.....

2.   Following are the list of commands which would be used

WMIC Command
            - C:\> wmic process
            - C:\> wmic process list brief
- C:\> wmic process list full
- C:\> wmic startup list full
- C:\> wmic QFE list full
- C:\> wmic process list brief /every:1

The net Command
-         net localgroup
-         net localgroup administrators

Openfiles Command
          - C:\> openfiles /local on

Netstat Command
-         C:\> netstat –nao
-         C:\> netstat -s -p icmp
-         C:\> netstat -na 2

Find Command

For more details on these commands...click here....

Tuesday, April 05, 2011

Beware of 'Radioactive' Emails

1. Japan has been struck with the worst ever crisis in all aspects of human lives,infrastructure damage,economy slowdown and sadly the list goes on.....now to add to worries this is being exploited by criminals seeking access to your personal online information.

2.  Spam emails titled, “Japan Nuclear Radiation Leakage and Vulnerability Analysis,”claiming to have a detailed reports on the nuclear radiation being emitted from the Fukushima-1 nuclear power plant are being circulated across under the false origin from Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.The alleged nuclear report is included in a Microsoft Excel file attached to the email.

3.   Now anyone actually wanting to know what course of events took place might be allured to open the Excel file, but the file is corrupted. Opening it exposes users to a bug that allows a hacker to remotely exploit an Adobe Flash vulnerability and execute malicious code on the victim’s computer.Rest can be easily then taken control by the back end criminal.....
4.   Now aren't we seeing a number of cases coming up in form of hacker trying to remotely exploit an Adobe Flash vulnerability
.......too many have come up in past 2-3 years.......infact the case of SHADOWS IN THE CLOUD & TRACKING GHOSTNET were largely based on this......so whats the message.....BEWARE...keep yourself updated of such spams.....keep your antivirus updated

Monday, April 04, 2011

Revenge : YouTube Style

1. Now this one is really good....we already know that IT has revolutionized our lives in so many aspects...all aspects like banking,office work,exchanging mails,,,blogging.....making a social networking identity....keeping updates etc etc...but how many thought out the way to take REVENGE in such a effective manner that the culprit bows down...and pleads GUILTY....GUILTY..... 

2. An original lift from http://www.securitynewsdaily.com is putup below for details.....


“A computer thief in Boston learnt the hard way that performing an embarrassing victory dance is not the best way to celebrate your crime.
After his MacBook Air laptop was stolen two months ago, Bentley University freshman Mark Bao took digital revenge, accessing a cloud server on which his computer’s data was stored to identify the culprit who’d taken his computer, Gawker reported.
According to messages posted on Bao’s Twitter account, Bao used the backup server Backblaze to download the thief’s Safari Web browsing history and Facebook profile.
The sweet revenge, however, came when Bao found a video the thief had made of himself dancing to the Travis Porter song “Make it Rain.” Bao uploaded the video to YouTube with the title “Don’t steal computers belonging to people who know how to use computers.”
The video, posted on March 19, quickly became a viral hit, and has been viewed more than 376,000 times. “Come on, if you’re about to record a video of yourself dancing on a stolen laptop, at least be good at dancing!” Bao wrote on Twitter on March 19.
From here, the story of savvy techie versus celebrating crook takes an unexpected turn. Embarrassed that his dancing routine was made public and open to ridicule, the thief returned Bao’s laptop to the police and wrote an email to Bao expressing his regret and asking for the video to be taken down.
In an email the thief wrote to Bao, which Bao then posted on Reddit.com, the crook said, “I know I am in no position for asking you for favors but Can [sic] you please put down the videos that you have put up of me. I know what I did was wrong and if I was a different person fine leave it up but I do have two Professional jobs that iif [sic] something like that gets leak I can get in more [sic] trouble and be more embarrass [sic] as well.”


3. So what does the episode mean…we should all start taking backups in cloud…or do we start using Backblaze or….or….or what?....the best way to keep out from this …is to KEEP A CLOSE TAG OF YOU LAPTOP……    Thanks http://www.securitynewsdaily.com

Sunday, April 03, 2011

The weak password problem : Now solved????

1.    We are part of the first phase of IT revolution across the globe where every thing is happening....methods to secure...methods to hack....stronger and powerful servers....patching vulnerabilities....fighting malware....analysing stuxnets genre...and what not....every thing is happening.....now the following text (org from http://lanl.arxiv.org/abs/1103.6219) opens another dimension to make the passwords secure.....

"Vulnerabilities related to weak passwords are a pressing global economic and security issue. We report a novel, simple, and effective approach to address the weak password problem. Building upon chaotic dynamics, criticality at phase transitions, CAPTCHA recognition, and computational round-off errors we design an algorithm that strengthens security of passwords. The core idea of our method is to split a long and secure password into two components. The first component is memorized by the user. The second component is transformed into a CAPTCHA image and then protected using evolution of a two-dimensional dynamical system close to a phase transition, in such a way that standard brute-force attacks become ineffective. We expect our approach to have wide applications for authentication and encryption technologies."

2.    Thanks http://lanl.arxiv.org

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

How to Disable/Enable Use of USB Storage Devices in Windows

 1.         How often in office and home, we desire to lock our USB drives from not being used by the regular circle around to avoid any compromise on data.I m sure its many a time....either we resort to keeping the 3 level regular strong password option or try out some third party USB Blocker option or more simply leave to GOD and trust.But their is a way out from this...and a real easy one to atleast defy the circle with a small trick....it goes this way.....

2.         The situation to block the USB will fall in either of the categories :

(a)        USB storage device is not installed in system
(b)        USB storage device is already installed in system

CASE -1 : USB STORAGE DEVICE IS NOT INSTALLED IN SYSTEM

- Type %windir%\inf in Explorer address bar or RUN dialog box and press Enter. It'll open "inf" folder.

-  Now look for following 2 files:
usbstor.inf
usbstor.pnf

3. Now to change their user permissions setting Right-click on each file and select "Properties". Goto "Security" tab and select the desired user or group in "Group or user names" list which you want to restrict from using USB drives. Now in "Permissions for Users" list, click on "Deny" checkbox next to "Full control" option and then click on OK.


 NOTE : - In Windows Vista, click on "Edit" button after selecting the user or group in "Group or user names" list and then again select the same user or group in new dialog box. Now you can click on "Deny" checkbox.

4. That's it. Now users will not be able to install any USB storage device in system.


CASE 2 : IF THE USB STORAGE DEVICE IS ALREADY INSTALLED IN SYSTEM

5.    Type regedit in the run taskbar and reach at :

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\UsbStor


6. In right-side pane, change value of "Start" to 4

7. Now whenever a user will attach a USB storage device which is already installed in system, Windows will not detect it and it'll not be shown in My Computer.

NOTE: If you want to revert it back to default, then change the value of "Start" to 3.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

QUALITIES OF A GOOD ANTIVIRUS

1.   Each Antivirus software in the web market today claims as the First and the topmost rated antivirus amongst all.Each has a claim that says "We check what others don't".A large percentage of typical user have actually got no way to check out who is the actual one...Who is the BEST? They then generally select the one that is based on the recommendations of their social circle and the convincing factor generated by the site of the product or simply put...it can ba random selection at last. In fact in my quest to search the best one amongst all....the number of QRs that one needs to check for one antivirus is a long one.Few of the qualities that should not be missed at all are briefly enumerated below.

WEST COAST LABS ANTI-VIRUS : The West Coast Labs Checkmark certification for antivirus effectiveness. WCL stands as a global leader in research, testing and certification for information security products and services. They have market-leading technology and testing facility in the UK, USA and india.Their services are being used by the leading global brands to create market advantage and by large business enterprises for obtaining crucial technical insight into product performance.WCL provides an authoritative and independent service, delivering sound, meaningful technical information on which critical business decisions can be made.More at http://www.westcoastlabs.org/


ICSA CERTIFIED : The ICSA is an independent organization that has a set criteria for certifying antivirus software.


AV COMPARATIVES : Anti-Virus Comparative test conducted in 2010. Overall scores are presented as Advanced + (A+), Advanced (A), Standard, and Tested.


SCOPE OF PROTECTION : Does the product protect from every threat? This rating evaluates the breadth and depth of security from the software. While most security solutions tout “multi-layered” protection, “360 degree” defense and/or even “100%” security, some are certainly more thorough than others. The best antivirus solutions will include traditional protection from viruses, worms, Trojans and spyware, but should also include defense from keyloggers, phishing scams, email-borne threats and rootkits. While antivirus programs are by no means full-blown internet security suites, they should protect from as many threats on as many fronts as they can.


EFFECTIVENESS : How effective is the application at protecting your computer from harmful viruses and other malware? This rating combines various tests and certifications to determine how well the software performs. Antivirus is specifically designed to protect your computer, so if it doesn’t do that well, what good is it? All the features, bells and whistles, or sleek interface can’t make up for poor performance. We look at results from the industry-standard security software testers and professional security organizations to find the most effective software available and evaluate overall effectiveness. In general, our highest ranked programs are also the most effective.


HACKERS : Anyone trying to take control of your computer for malicious purposes.


PHISHING : These criminal scams attempt to obtain your identifying information by disguising as legitmate sources (like your bank, eBay, or facebook).


ACTIVEX : Several Microsoft programs use ActiveX controls for good, but these components can also be taken advantage of.


USER PROFILES : The software includes distinctive interfaces or features for particular users (often beginners or advanced users).


SELF-DEFENSE : The software monitors itself and the computer, effectively protecting from intrusions or unauthorized changes.


SCHEDULING : The ability to schedule specific scans to occur at a specific time or interval.


HISTORY/REPORT LOGGING : The software keeps a record of the performed tasks and results for future reference or reporting.


SILENT / GAMER MODE : The 'gamer' mode allows you to use the computer in full-screen mode (for games, presentations, or videos) without interruptions from the security software.


LAPTOP / BATTERY SAVING MODE : The software can be set to delay scans or intensive processes for later in order to increase battery life.


LINK SCANNER : An integrated web tool that monitors web links and prevents/warns users from clicking on malicious sites.


BOOTABLE RESCUE CD :In the event of a complete system crash, you can use the bootable rescue disc to preempt the OS and clean the system.


FREE VIRUS SCAN ONLINE : The security manufacturer offers a free virus scan online (often with incentive to purchase their products for removal capabilities).


AUTOMATIC DEFINITION UPDATES : The program automatically updates virus definitions or DAT files. A virus definition is basically the formula that the software uses to determine if a file is infected by a specific virus.


MANUAL DEFINITION UPDATES : You can manually check for virus definition updates.


SCHEDULED UPDATES : Updates can be scheduled to run at a specific time or interval.


PULSE/PUSH UPDATES : Small, regular updates are initiated by the manufacturer as needed to deliver important updates.


ROLLBACK : The ability to revert to a previously working state if the most recent update causes a problem.


MANUAL SCANNING : Manual Scanning is the ability to start a scan of your hard drive at any time.


QUICK & DEEP SCAN : Manual and/or scheduled scans can either be quick (scan most important areas) or deep (full scan of computer).


OPTIMIZED SCANNING : The software is configured to scan efficiently, only scanning areas and files that have changed since the last scan.


SCAN INDIVIDUAL FILE(S) : The software can scan an individual file for viruses. This is often available by right-clicking on the file and choosing to scan.


EXCLUDE FILES : The software allows the user to designate certain files, folders, or drives NOT to include in the virus scan.


SCAN COMPRESSED FILES : Scans zipped (.zip) or other compressed files that are usually obtained through emails or downloaded from the web.


QUARANTINES INFECTED FILES : If a file is suspected of being infected with a virus, it moves the file to a "quarantine" area where you cannot accidentally access it.


AUTO-CLEAN INFECTED FILES : The anti-virus program will automatically clean or fix files that are infected.


SCAN USB (AND OTHER EXTERNAL DRIVES) : The software is capable of scanning external drives for viruses.


PASSWORD PROTECT SETTINGS : Prevents the Anti-Virus settings from being modified by other users.


ADJUSTABLE SECURITY LEVELS : Security can be customized and set to a particular level of potency.


VULNERABILITIES : Microsoft and third-part software vendors are constantly providing security patches or other updates. Some software takes a proactive approach and helps you stay on top of the most recent updates.


COOKIES : Though not typically malicious, cookies are little chunks of code stored on your computer from web sites.


SCRIPTS : Script Blocking technology monitors Java and VBS scripts and alerts users of virus-like behavior. They stop these viruses before they can infect a system without needing virus definitions.


SPAM : Spam is unwanted email, whether it's annoying advertisements or a link to a virus.


AUTO USB DETECT : Most antivirus software can scan USB drives, but some automatically detect when an external drive is plugged in and will block malware from automatically running.


VIRUS SIGNATURES: Traditional virus detection is based on identifying malware by matching it with known viruses.


BLACKLISTING : Setting a file or website on the "blacklist" means that it should never be allowed.


WHITELISTING : Setting a file or website on the "whitelist" means that you trust it and don't need the security software to scan/block it.


HEURISTICS : Proactive virus blocking is possible with behavioral analysis, file emulation, and/or generic signature detection.


REAL-TIME : Real-time protection means that the software protects you from viruses automatically, while the data is being accessed.


SECURITY NETWORK : This security approach involves the software manufacturer gathering anonymous information about your system in order to benefit everyone. If a virus is found on your computer, they can quickly find the cause and update definitions for all users.


ON-ACCESS SCANNING : Your files are scanned when you receive them and when you try to access them.


ON-DEMAND SCANNING : You can determine which files and when to scan for viruses. It's like manual scanning but you can be more specific and scan a file at a particular time. Simply right-click on the filename.


ADWARE : Though not always harmful, these annoying programs cause advertisements to display on your computer without your permission.


EASE OF INSTALLATION : How easy is the product to download, install, and setup? This rating is determined by install speed and simplicity. Security software shouldn’t be a chore to install, and should have you protected as soon as possible. From download to install, to the first scan; implementing antivirus software should be quick and easy.


EASE OF USE : How usable is the product? The Ease of Use rating reflects how easy the product is to use, run, and maintain. Antivirus software is complex stuff, but shouldn’t require a degree in computer security. The best security programs have all the features security experts want, but are just as easily used by a beginner. Everyday computer users want a security solution that they can install and forget about; software that doesn’t require constant maintenance or have annoying interruptions. The best antivirus software is flexible enough to do exactly what you want to (even if that means running by itself).


FEATURES : Does the software include additional benefits? Whether for added security or simple convenience, more features usually means better software. A well-rounded feature set takes a security solution from good to great. More than bells and whistles, added features provide security, usability and performance benefits.


UPDATES : Are timely updates delivered effectively? This rating is based on the frequency and versatility of virus database updates. Security software is only as good as its latest update. Viruses are being identified and added to signature databases all the time, so it’s important that your virus definition list updates accordingly. Modern antivirus software are equipped with automatic updates that perform regularly enough that you get faster updates that don’t slow down your system. The best security providers even “push” updates to you as soon as they’re available.


HELP & SUPPORT : Does the product offer additional support and helpful resources? This rating is based on the quantity and usefulness of additional product support. The best software doesn’t require reading an in-depth manual to use, but still has one available. For specific questions, troubleshooting, and additional help, the best antivirus manufacturers provide superior product support online and off. Additional support for software may come in the form of assistance over the 24x7 phone, email, live chat, or through a number of additional resources (knowledgebase, FAQs, tutorials).


BACKDOOR : A special type of trojan (often called remote access trojan or RAT), they essentially give control of your computer to a hacker.


THREAT DETECTION includes : Virus,Worm,Trojan,Spyware,Malware,Rootkit.


BROWSER EXPLOITS : malicious code that takes advantage of an internet browser vulnerability to make the browser do something you don't want (freeze, crash, change settings, etc.)


OS EXPLOITS : Malware that is designed to take advantage of a vulnerability in the Windows Operating System.


KEYLOGGERS : A virus designed to track and monitor user keystrokes, often used to steal passwords, credit card numbers, etc.


INBOUND EMAIL PROTECTION : The anti-virus software scans files received through incoming emails on a POP3 account.


OUTBOUND EMAIL PROTECTION : The software scans outbound email attachments so you don't spread viruses to others.


INSTANT MESSAGING PROTECTION : The anti-virus software scans files received through instant messaging (MSN Messenger, AIM, Yahoo Messenger).


P2P/FILE SHARING PROTECTION : The software protects from malicious files downloaded and/or accessed from peer-to-peer file sharing programs.


REGISTRY STARTUP PROTECTION : The software provides protection before the OS loads, or has the ability to scan registry files.


DIALERS : Malicious program that takes control of your computer and uses it to dial expensive phone numbers.


SUPPORTED CONFIGURATIONS : Does it incl compatibility with Windows 7 (32 bit),Windows 7 (64 bit),Windows Vista (32 bit),Windows Vista (64 bit),Windows XP (32 bit),Windows XP (64 bit)


2.   Thanks http://www.toptenreviews.com/ and for those who want a pdf click here to access http://www.scribd.com/doc/50645603/Qualities-of-a-Good-Antivirus

Wednesday, March 02, 2011

ANDROID & GOOGLE : AT LOGGER HEADS????

1.    This news is bound for only one thing.....a first big dent on Google's untouched Kingdom in the cyber world.There is a reported discord among the Android developers who are irked at Google’s Android Market policies.They have formed the Android Developers Union to protest the policies.The new union has compiled a list of seven demands including renegotiation of the 32pc ‘Google Tax’ on app sales, public bug tracking, algorithmic transparency and increased payment options.They threaten Google that if these demands are not met they will cease development and move their efforts to rival platforms.

2.  "If the demands are not met, we will move our applications to alternative marketplaces or the web, cease Android development in favour of other more open platforms, we will dissuade other developers from developing Android projects, and we will work tirelessly to counter any of Google's hypocritical claims about openness in the media."

3.   This seems to be the first kind of big set back to google who may find loosing an edge in its battle for the smartphone operating system and applications market vis-a-vis Apple and Microsoft.The seven demands of the android union can be seen here...

4.   This writeup does not reflect my views of standing against anyone or supporting anyone but wishes to inform the readers only for info........

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Be veri careful : Recent cases of duping online in DELHI


1.    Inspite of regular discussions,regular readings of various advisories,the tongue(greed) of lust for more money doesnt stop..& it keeps looking for opportunities and thus keeps succumbing by loosing more ....In a recent case both pertaining to saadi own dilli...two understandably IT educated pers were robbed of a high value money transaction...how????briefly mentioned below :

- New Palam Vihar Resident case : The case pertains to the resident of New Palam Vihar at New Delhi, India, Mr Dalbir Singh who recently recieved the typical e-mail of winning a lottery of ` 14 Crore ($ 37,000 approx) in the UK.Mr Dalbir Singh contacted the accused for ascertaining the lottery amount and was convinced to pay Rs 17 Lakh for exchange purpose as foreign currency had to be converted to rupee.Mr Dalbir Singh instantly transferred money from his account to the account of the fraud.Since that day of transfer Mr Dalbir Singh has been only recieving CONDOLONCES from all his friends and relative circle around.A very typical case of cyber lottery fraud.....

- E-mail Scam Tricks Student of JNU : This case pertains to the a Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student who was recently defrauded off Rupees 3 lakhs when he fell for a malicious e-mail scam.Initially an e-mail came to the student apparently from an institution called Global Watch Institute, asking him for being present in dual seminars on the topic: Racism and Human Rights the Institute was holding one each in Madrid and New York.The student stated that the first message came to him on December 17, 2010. And, according to him, since his field of study had a connection with the topic, he responded stating he was interested.The e-mail also promised about bearing the entire cost of the student's trip. However, over time the fraudsters started asking for money from him to take care of certain expenditures such as booking his hotel at Madrid along with health insurance asserting that they'd all be refunded when he'd arrive in New York.The student, believing the e-mail, wired the money, but neither heard of any seminar nor a trip abroad, he stated. Indeed, all the things written inside the electronic mail was false.Worryingly, the above mentioned e-mail fraud, according to security specialists, is an edition of the 419 scam, which's also called Advance-fee Fraud.They (specialists) outline that the method of operation in these malicious e-mail campaigns involves duping a victim with fake pledges about certain huge reward to such an extent that he acquiesces to remit money. For example, in the current instance, the scammers tricked the student into transferring cash after promising falsely about arranging his presence at the seminars abroad.This is more organised form of the frauds and scams that are happening all across.....

2. A Netizen need to know that they cannot win a lottery unless they have not invested money on it.Please always take care of what you do on the net specially when u r doing some kind of finacial transaction

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Easy Upgrade from USB 2.0 to USB 3.0 :Transcend's USB 3.0 Express Card Adapter


1.  Transcend has come up with a USB 3.0 Express Card Adapter, an easy-to-install add-in that allows users to speedup their notebook with blatant flying speed of USB 3.0 technology.The new USB 3.0 Express Card Adapter comes with 2 high-speed USB ports that fully support Super Speed USB 3.0 standard with bandwidth of up to 5 GB/s. In addition to this, its quick and easy 2 install, the card enables speed enthusiasts to experience data transfer rates up to ten times faster than USB 2.0 with optimized power efficiency.

2.  Transcend's PNU3 USB 3.0 Express Card Adapter is fully compatible with Windows 7 and comes at an affordable price of approx Rs 1900 with 2 years Warranty(check out Nehru Place rates before buying)

3.  Thanks http://itvoir.com

NOKIA should have merged with GOOGLE : Google CEO

This comes straight after the earlier post news spread across about the merge of Nokia & Microsoft......When asked about Nokia's choice of Windows Phone 7 as its smartphone system, Schmidt said "Google would have loved to see Nokia pick Android instead. Google tried to convince Nokia to choose Android, and it can still make that decision in the future".....(ha ha ha....Google still has hopes of a future revertive action by NOKIA....and who knows...it may just happen..we are just the readers!!!!!)

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

NOKIA & MICROSOFT : A MERGER TO READ ABOUT

1.    In todays shrinking world when we hear of merger of giants...its part of normal breaking news which hardly puts together rolling eyeballs 7 pop ups ....But this one is slightly different or if not different it is really BIGGGGGGG.This is about merger of fantabulous phone hardware NOKIA and the operating system giant MICROSOFT coming toether to produce and try beating the phones across?

2.    The deal which was in the rumour rounds already went much ahead of the expectations.....in effect, Nokia is handing over its future - in smartphones at least - to Microsoft and Windows Phone 7.  That means Good bye & Happy journey Symbian . So can the combo really become the third horse in the race, giving Apple and Android a run for their money ?I have my doubts....

3.    Crux of the acquisition pointwise listed below :

- Nokia to embrace Windows Phone as its principal smartphone.
- Nokia to contribute its expertise on hardware design, language support.
- Both would closely collaborate on joint marketing initiatives .
- Bing would power Nokia’s search services(nobodys guess!!!)

- Nokia Maps would be a core part of Microsoft’s mapping services.

4.    Just to mention,a year earlier when this merger was being talked about, was once declared an april fools rumour. And now about a year later it is on official Microsoft site.Thanks Microsoft site for info
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