More Windows Security Problems
February 26th, 2009 by ComputerBob
If you’re a Windows user, you’re either used to using several different security applications to try to keep your computer secure, or your computer is infected with one or more pieces of malware.
Windows users are also used to hearing about each new malware-dujour that threatens their privacy and data security. They should be — they’ve heard about them hundreds of times before.
All of that need to “babysit” my Windows computer was one of the reasons why I went looking for an alternative to Windows several years ago — and why I’ve been so relieved to have been using free, secure LInux full-time instead of Windows since July of 2006.
Anyway, to make a long story short, if you’re a Windows user, you should be aware that “A new variant of the Conficker/Downadup worm has been detected. The worm opens a backdoor on an infected (Windows) machine and allows hackers remote control of infected (Windows) PCs. “ (I added the word “Windows,” since many journalists fail to point out the fact that the Conficker worm, like most other forms of malware, only affects Windows users.)
Windows users should also be aware that the same source reports that “Microsoft has warned users that yet another critical vulnerability has been found in its popular Office spreadsheet program Excel. The flaw could allow remote hackers to open and run malicious code on an unsuspecting user’s computer through an infected spreadsheet file.”
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Consumer Info, Cybercrime, Internet, Linux, Microsoft, Security, Software, Windows