Watch out for the zero-day java exploit that affects Microsoft explorer! A zero-day exploit is an exploit that has not been fixed yet. Spammers are using the exploit to install search bars into explorer and producing annoying spam popups. These toolbars are very hard to remove and they entangle and hide themselves through many places in the registry files. They are also not detected when virus or IDS (Intrusion Detection) software is installed. For more info see:

Compared to PCs, Apple computers have been largely spared from virus attacks. That changed this spring with the MP3Concept Trojan. Although the Trojan appears benign and has not spread much in the wild, its presence is a wake-up call for Apple users who may have been a bit lax in their security.

While the SAASER worm continues to bring computers to a standstill around the world, it is essentially a nuisance worm, with little lethal power, maintains Cebic Technologies’ Johan Hybinette. The real threat to computer users is coming in the form of a new generation of viruses that exploit vulnerabilities in the Microsoft java engine to force software onto a computer just for visiting a web page. The software program could be anything from a spam ad campaign to a search bar or a virus.

Unlike email attachment viruses which must be opened, the computer user would need to do nothing more than access a Java script-infected site to download the virus.

Where are computer viruses originating? The recent arrest of the author of the initial Sasser virus offers some clues. German police arrested an 18-year-old programmer from Lower Saxony in Germany, who admitted to writing the Sasser computer worm. The arrest came as a result of a bounty program offered by Microsoft and other software manufacturers.

When it comes to protecting your computer system, a good password is essential. Setting an effective password comes down to protecting yourself from two different attackers. The first is an outsider running password-cracking software against your system. The second is an insider who knows you and facts about you that might have been used in establishing your password.

The following are some basic guidelines for passwords that are more difficult to crack:

Johan Hybinette, Chief Technology Officer for Cebic Technologies, Inc., has received the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) designation, a credential awarded by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association to recognize expertise in IT security. Johan had previously completed rigorous testing to receive his CISSP (Certified Information System Security Professional) designation from the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA), and is a member of the ISSA.

Cebic Technologies provides security solutions for entrepreneurial businesses, including remote intelligence monitoring of computer networks, virus screening, software updates and hardware and software status control. For more information, contact Cebic Technologies at 1-888-232-4226 or visit www.cebic.com.

Cebic Technologies, Inc. and our sister company Hybinette, Inc. will be among the exhibitors at the GRAPH EXPO® and CONVERTING EXPO® October 10-13, 2004. The Expo will be held at McCormick Place South in downtown Chicago. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, October 10 through Tuesday, October 12 and til 4 p.m. on Wednesday the 13th, the final day.
GRAPH EXPO and CONVERTING EXPO is the most comprehensive trade show and conference for graphic design, digital prepress, printing, publishing, converting and digital equipment professionals held in the Americas. More than 40,000 industry professionals are expected to gather for the event. The Expo offers an opportunity to experience the latest technology and product advancements designed to ensure the success of your business. You’ll be able to view, use and evaluate cutting edge products from 600 exhibitors representing all facets of the industry.
Take a moment to explore security issues every business that uses computers must be aware of through hacking demonstrations by Cebic Technologies’ security professionals.