All posts in: Antivirus Software

Flashback Trojan shows that Mac computers are not malware-proof

Computers & Internet
By Carl Laron on April 9, 2012 in

Flashback Trojan infects Macs

It's long been "common knowledge" that one of the big advantages for computers using the Mac operating system is that they simply are not prone to the types of malware attacks (viruses, Trojans, spyware, etc.) that are almost everyday occurrences for Windows users. The reasons for that include fewer vulnerabilities (security holes through which viruses and the like can attack) and a much smaller installed base of machines (meaning less "bang for the buck" for would-be cyber mischief-makers). Well, so much for "common knowledge" as a Trojan called Flashback has apparently found a home on upwards of half a million Apple computers. While that pales compared to what Windows users face, it's still easily the biggest malware attack to ever target Apple machines, and significant enough that it should shake the feeling of relative invulnerability that many Apple users have enjoyed up to now. Read more

Do Macs need antivirus software?

Computers & Internet
By Brad Chacos on February 15, 2012 in

Do macs need virus protection?

Macs don't get viruses. You'll hear the phrase repeated over and over again from all corners of the Web, well-meaning Mac-using friends, and even Apple itself; the impervious nature of Macintosh computers is practically common knowledge by now. But what if that common knowledge is wrong? The past year saw several high-profile Mac attacks make headlines. As Mac sales skyrocket and Apple computers lose their "security through obscurity," it's time to reexamine the issue: do Macs need antivirus software? Read more

Phish of the day: Beware tax-season email scams

Computers & Internet
By Christine Frietchen on February 5, 2012 in

Fishing

If you've noticed an uptick of spam in your junk mail folder lately, you're not alone. Scammers go into overtime around the holidays and into tax season, aiming to trick you into forking over personal information. These email sneak-attacks are called "phishing" and it's nothing new. What is new this year is that a lot of the bogus emails look like they're coming from banks, software companies and tax-preparation firms, hoping to trigger your click by making you think you won't get your tax refund or that there's been an error on your tax return. Here's how not to get suckered. Read more

FBI takes down scareware scammers

Computers & Internet
By Carl Laron on June 26, 2011 in

FBI agent

As we've blogged about in the past, scareware has become one of the top threats on the Internet. Because of their nature, most scareware programs are a challenge for even the best antivirus programs to detect and stop. Getting rid of scareware once it's grabbed hold of your computer is more challenging still. But because of the multi-national nature of most scareware operations, perhaps the biggest challenge of all is bringing their perpetrators to justice. Still, every once in a while the good guys do win a battle, and on Wednesday the FBI announced that it had busted up two scareware rings. Read more

Keeping computer pests at bay

Computers & Internet
By Carl Laron on January 28, 2011 in

Antivirus software

It's cold and flu season here in the Northeast, something I can readily attest to as I post today between coughs and sneezes. However, for computers — especially Windows machines — every day is virus season. While the nature of the threats facing computer users has evolved over the years, so have the weapons computer owners have at their disposal to swat malicious code away. The latest countermeasures to keep computer pests under control are detailed in our newly updated report on antivirus software. Read more

Cybercrime hits nearly three out of four online users in U.S.

Computers & Internet
By Carl Laron on September 9, 2010 in

Cybercrime

Most Internet users are well aware of the risks they face when surfing the web. Still, the just released 2010 Norton Cybercrime Report reveals in startling detail just how widespread cybercrimes really are. In fact, nearly two-thirds of Internet users worldwide, and nearly three-quarters of those in the U.S., have been victimized by some type of online criminal activity. The toll in terms of time and money lost is not insignificant. But what could be even more important is that cybercrime often leaves its victims feeling just as helpless and fearful as if they were mugged at the gunpoint. Read more

PCMag's account of a customer-support nightmare is an epic read

Computers & Internet
By Christine Frietchen on March 17, 2010 in

Frustrated with tech support?

It's hard to read this lengthy PCMag article on software tech support without groaning, rolling your eyes, or shouting to the heavens in frustration. It illustrates exactly why user reviews you'll read on antivirus software are generally either 100% positive or 100% negative.

It's hard to read this lengthy PCMag article on software tech support without groaning, rolling your eyes, or shouting to the heavens in frustration. It illustrates exactly why user reviews you'll read on antivirus software are generally either 100% positive or 100% negative. Read more

Be careful out there: Picking the right antivirus software

By Carl Laron on March 16, 2010 in

Antivirus software

While the Internet delivers innumerable benefits whether you're at work or play, it undeniably has its dark side as well. That's why it is important to install and use effective security software, and to keep it fully up to date. Naturally, antivirus software is a central part of any online security setup, and our newly-updated report identifies which commercial products, which free downloads, and which all-in-one security suites do the best job of shielding you from any nasty bugs that might come riding in on your email or as you browse the web. Read more

Back to top