Tag: malware
Tech Time Warp: The brothers behind the “Brain” PC virus
Over the years, the motives for malware creation have ranged from simple curiosity to monetary gain. In the case of the Alvi brothers from Pakistan, it was revenge, dished up on a floppy disk.
Malicious memes?
We’ve all seen them and laughed at them. There’s “Grumpy Cat” or “Be Like Bill.” In some cases, these memes have racked up over a billion views. That’s almost 20 percent of the world’s population who have been “dancing like the...
When it comes to security, you’re never done
It’s safe to say that 2018 wasn’t a great year for security. Even the biggest companies in the world struggled to defend themselves against the constant onslaught of hacking attempts.
Tech Time Warp: Santy worm brings unwelcome gifts
Network administrators had to deal with an unfriendly visitor during the 2004 holiday season: the Santy worm. Written in Perl, this malware targeted servers that hosted online bulletin boards running on the free phpBB software.
Can malware physically damage a computer?
The idea that a computer virus could damage hardware is something that has plagued the cyber community. Some of the more sensational stories out there suggest that it’s possible to send a bomb via email. I stumbled upon this article,...
Tech Time Warp: The modern-day Robin Hoods of the Chaos Computer Club
The Chaos Computer Club, Europe’s self-described “largest association of hackers,” has always taken an unorthodox approach to saving the world. Founded in 1981 by activist Wau Holland, the club — also known as the CCC — boasts 5,500 members and works to...
Gone phishing
When you have ransomware, cryptocurrency miners, and polymorphic malware to battle, it’s easy to put phishing education on the back burner. In fact, a new study shows that 95 percent of IT professionals underestimate its impact and fail to adjust...
Fileless attacks are lurking threats
You’ve installed all the latest antivirus programs and firewalls for your SMB clients, and their networks are safe and sound. When things are working well, a calm status quo makes everyone happy. Unfortunately, a placid surface doesn’t necessarily mean there’s...
Tech Time Warp: Zeus, Ruler of Malware?
Like its Greek god namesake, the Trojan malware Zeus is powerful and virile. Since it first surfaced in July 2007 in an attack on the U.S. Department of Transportation, Zeus, aka Zbot, and its variants have wreaked havoc on the...
VPNFilter malware highlights router vulnerabilities
MSPs are in a good position to weather one of the most recent security threats to rear its head —VPNFilter. But, the recent hack provides a good reminder to pay attention to an unglamorous, often overlooked part of the IT...