by admin on June 14, 2010
If the most recent Chinese attack on Google tells us anything, it’s that consumer antivirus applications and standard security systems often aren’t enough for full protection. The recent attack, which affected Google and a range of other blue-chip companies, is believed to have bypassed standard PC antivirus and protection applications.
In a series of independent tests from NSS Labs, just one consumer antivirus application managed to successfully thwart a recent malicious application. Seven were tested, leaving the success rate at a disappointing 14%. While a range of software developers objected to the testing methods – many viruses were tested through only a single level of protection – the failure of many products suggests that additional computer security is often an important priority.
For many businesses, the ideal option is in-house IT and support staff. While attracting some relatively large expenses, in-house staff are typically quick to diagnose problems and minimize the effects of computer viruses and malicious software. However, it’s often difficult for small and medium-sized businesses to justify the cost of an in-house security team.
Small organizations are best off with an independent security and PC repair team. Manage Point offer a range of PC security, repair, and maintenance packages, each addressing the problems that a common PC virus or malicious application can present. Available at a significantly lower cost than an in-house security and PC management team, their services could be the ideal option for many small businesses, organizations, and PC-based operations.
by admin on April 21, 2010
Once again, a major name in business has fallen victim to a common PC virus. The Better Business Bureau, known to most Americans simply as ‘the BBB’, has been affected by false antivirus software. A common type of malicious application, false antivirus applications typically draw users in with promises of free “virus” checking and system repairs.
Unfortunately, the programs are quite often viruses themselves. After a quick and information-free installation process, users are left with a computer that’s frequently packed with spyware, loaded with malicious code and potentially dangerous applications, and difficult to use. To repair the computer and restore to a previous state, users can purchase the antivirus application they downloaded.
Baiting users into downloading false antivirus software is a common tactic for spammers and online hackers. Once installed, software can be very difficult to remove, giving unethical software companies a simple platform for forcing a purchase. Once purchased, it’s not uncommon for the “antivirus” software to have no effect, or to simply act as a method of capturing credit card information.
While large organizations like the Better Business Bureau are able to remove these false applications through their IT department, many individuals cannot. As always, it’s much more effective to consult a professional than to attempt removing a rogue application alone. With credit card fraud, long-term software damage and system errors, and forced up-sells all a possibility with malicious software, there’s no reason not to leave these issues to the professionals.
