Carl Setzer

Got this gem in my inbox this afternoon: Did a quick Google and found a bunch of references to this as a phishing scheme. The poor grammar and funky URL tipped me off. Always be diligent, my friends.

I wrote about Java's sneaky install of the Ask.com crap before , but this has come up again for me. So, let me go on a little bit more. When installing Java, or Java updates, make sure you uncheck the "Search App by Ask". Watch for this screen here: Fortunately, the fix for this is pretty straightforward: go to Control Panel, Remove Programs and then remove it . I love Java, and Oracle, but this just annoys the heck out of me. This puts them in the same doghouse that Lenovo resides in right now . I find it annoying enough for them to embed this adware at the root level, but then to try and minimize the security risk involved just angers me. I've had great success with Lenovo machines and like to recommend them. This, though, greatly impacts that trust. In case you have one of the possibly infected machines , here are some tools for you: How to remove SuperFish Detect SuperFish on your machine (this seems to be offline right now. Server's probably g...

I'm seeing a flurry of emails from friend's accounts with this subject line and the text below: " Good day,  I just created a secured shared document using Google Doc. To access this doc please Click here and for security reasons, you have to log on with your email to view it, its very important " As I've received at least three with exact same message, I'm confident they're exploits from hacked accounts. They're coming from good friends, but also have dozens of emails in the "to:" line.  Anyway, I advise everyone to avoid clicking on such. 

Watch out, you're being watched   As I develop more interest in security and its underlying systems, this story is both fascinating and disturbing. It boggles my mind that Homeland Security is monitoring random spots on the main freeway (north-south) through Washington (I5), and that they’re sensitive enough to detect radiation from a cat undergoing cancer treatment. I worry about the tighter net we cast, and, even more so, the underlying fear. Will we sell the soul of our society in a vain attempt to mollify our terror of terrorists? The thought that we’d, rather willingly, thrust ourselves into a Stalinist state rooted in distrust deeply saddens me.

A scary new phisher exploit (pointed out by Deb at WXPnews.com ). Eeek! Phishers get deadly serious Phishers have traditionally used trickery and deception to gain access to your personal information and, subsequently, your money. But now they're resorting to threats of violence; a recent phishing scam purports to be from a professional hit man who's been hired to kill you, but will drop the contract if you give him enough cash. Read more about it here: http://www.wxpnews.com/DRML9K/070116-Phishers