Antivirus software: Do you know how it really works?

Anytime when our conversation hovers around the word antivirus, we only end up talking about renowned antivirus brands such as Bitdefender, Norton, Avast, Vipre, Kaspersky, Mcafee, Norton and what not (Phew!! I am out of breath for the list is certainly long). Extending the jargon long and not really giving a serious thought as to how the software really works and which brand would end up providing us the best protection against viruses and malware. 

So, just to get you enlightened and save you from the ignominy of becoming a sitting duck for conniving software retailers I would  like to share the detection techniques inherent to any antivirus software and what role they serve in defending your PC.

Virus Detection Techniques and their connotations

• Signature-based detection 

Pro

It is a technique where key aspects of an examined file are utilized to create a static fingerprint of known malware. With the signature representing a series of bytes in the file, this method of detecting malware has become an essential aspect of antivirus tools since their inception. 

Con

However, a major limitation of signature-based detection method lies in its inability to flag malicious files sans any signatures. Keeping this in mind, modern attackers frequently mutate their creations for retaining malicious functionality by changing the file’s signature.

• Heuristics-based detection 

Pro

The technique detects new malware by statically examining files for suspicious characteristics without an exact signature match. The tool might even emulate running the file to see what it would happen if executed, attempting to do so without noticeably slowing down the system. 

Con

Wherever the characteristics end up exceeding the expected risk threshold the tool may classify the file as malware. The biggest disadvantage of heuristics is it can even tag legitimate files as malicious.

• Behavioral detection 

Pro

Considered as a detection method for observing how the program executes rather than merely emulating its execution. The approach of this method is to identify malware by looking for suspicious behaviors and thereby detecting the presence of previously unseen malware on the system. As it is the case with heuristics, actions by such a method aren’t considered as sufficient for classifying a program as malware. 

               

Con

The use of behavioral detection techniques brings antivirus tools closer to the category of host intrusion prevention systems (HIPS) which have traditionally existed as a separate product category.

Though the approaches above are listed under individual headings, the distinctions between various techniques are often blurred. So, to keep up with the intensifying flow of malware samples, antivirus vendors have to incorporate multiple layers into their tools and refrain from relying on a single approach. Ring and Grab Instant Virus Removal Support at +1-855-877-5848, www.pccare247.com

The Battle for a more Secure OS Rages On

The battle lines have been drawn and both the operating systems are going all out to woo PC users. Moreover, supporters from both the camps are also pitching in to prove as to why their OS has a bigger fan following over the other. However,in the recent past things have started to become more interesting for it seems the onslaught unleashed by the Mac Malware and Trojans has ended up bringing down things to quite an even keel.

Malware Blues: Mac OS Vs Windows

The sparring continues with regards to ability of both the OS to resist malware. Mac users have an unflinching belief that their OS has only a fraction of vulnerabilities as compared to Windows. But then again to counter the argument Windows aficionados have a belief the subscriber base for their OS is way too big and the Mac has just got to show only a fraction of the same.

Honey, it’s all in the genes

The follies affecting the Microsoft OS are certainly a result of poor engineering rather a large subscriber base. For when Microsoft Windows 95 was launched, the internet and high-end network connectivity had started to grow by leaps and bounds. The advancement ended catching Microsoft on the wrong foot for the amateur PC users using the OS became too easy a prey for hackers and malware. And yes, if it may be pointed out the insecure coding of the OS did not help matters out much either.

On the other hand the Mac was always recognized for its ability to provide a good baseline security and a safe haven where malware was always kept at bay. But then again in the recent times it seems viruses and Trojans such as OSX.Trojan.iServices.B, has ended up blowing the Mac’s security hoopla to smithereens.    

All the more it seems Mac social engineering attacks have gained momentum in the recent past. However, cybercriminals have also ended up realizing the malware being developed by them ends up promising far less returns and ends up gobbling a huge chunk of their resources. Leading to a conclusion the stakes are way far too less as and where Mac users are concerned. And better still at the end of the day, the malware unleashed by them would end up reaping far better returns if and when a larger population comprising of Windows users was to be targeted.  www.pccare247.com 

Hackers Inc. is all geared up to strike at will

The term ‘Hacker’ ends up bringing to mind an image of an evil genius who is socially dysfunctional, is a wiz at software programming and always has a burning desire to save the mankind. Well, that is true, but then considering the entire population of hackers out there; the need is to further break down the whole breed into a zoology like classification. Starting with:

• White Hat

To start with the ‘White Hat’ breed of hackers is considered to be the most sober amongst the lot. For this class of hackers believes in breaching a network only with permission.

• Grey Hat

The grey hats portray themselves as White hats but try and force their way into a network without permission. The ulterior motive behind such a move is just to either have fun or make profit.

• Black Hat

This class of hackers comprises of pure geniuses with an evil bent of mind. Acting on monetary incentives such hackers end up forcing their way into a network without permission.  

• Script Kiddies

They are the babies in the hacking word. Not having any real hacking experience behind them; this lot of hackers scouts around to get a footing in the information world.

• Mules

Way at the bottom rung of the hierarchy in the hacking world, mules are recruited by hackers to accept money stolen via online funds on their behalf.

But at the end of the day all said and done more important than individual skills are any hacker’s affiliation. And leading this charge is a class of hackers who have a political belief. The most famous of such groups is ‘Anonymous’, a faction which ironically uses hacker attacks to force governments and corporations to become more transparent. A group which came to light when it ended up attacking Web sites of MasterCard and Visa for their decision to stop accepting donations meant for Wikileaks’ founder Julian Assange. For Effective Tech Support Services visit: www.pccare247.com

An ode to Steve Jobs

“Being the richest man in the cemetery doesn’t matter to me … Going to bed at night saying we’ve done something wonderful… that’s what matters to me.”   -   Steve Jobs
By - www.pccare247.com

A sneak peek at Microsoft’s forthcoming OS Windows 8

Very soon Windows 8 is going to make its mark into the world of operating systems. And yes, even though Microsoft officials are tightlipped about what the new OS brings to the table; a sniff about the features incorporated into it would be essentially what all die-hard aficionados would be hankering for.  So, here goes a rundown of some of those popular features which have been incorporated into the new OS.

·         Internet Explorer 10  

After the successful launch of Windows IE 9, the Microsoft team started to work on it new innovation the IE 10. Considered to be notches above its predecessors, the new IE boasts of increased support for HTML 5 and an enhanced degree of compatibility for cascading style sheets and properties such as gradients and a flexible layout. Further, the new version of IE also tends to boast of multi touch capability which was missing in the previous version.

·         High-end Security

The Windows 8 series has ended up bolstering its defenses against all remote and local attacks. A functionality of the system christened as the Smart Screen protects users from launching potentially dangerous files.

·         Improved user interface

Lauded for its ability in giving users a highly refined and rather a very smart looking interface for Windows 7, the team has carried on the same features on to Windows 8 but then again with a lot of improvements. Moreover, developers of the system have also ended up blending highly popular user interfaces such as Kinect and Windows phone 7 operating system’s Metro UI with the new OS.

·         Robust and cross-platform OS

Windows 8 will not only run on Intel processors but also on ARM processors which are not only the backbone of notebooks, tablets but for that matter a vast range of portable devices.

·         In-house application store

Following in the footsteps of Apple, Windows lets users purchase software or otherwise make downloads directly from within the system.

Additional features for a stronger OS

Even though above mentioned features really end up making Windows 8 strong in orientation, there are a gamut of other features which one really can’t afford to ignore. Those popularly being:  

·         A built in PDF reader

·         Quicker Installation

·         Reverting to factory settings in an eventuality

·         Integration of Microsoft Kinect directly with Windows

·         Integration with Windows live ID services

                                                                  

Malware is out there to get you

Malware, Viruses, Trojans as a dreaded trifecta have made the internet an easy and plum target for cyber criminals. And with malware scoring heavily over the other two, organizations are in dire need to take drastic measures for safeguarding their crucial data. For the failure to do so may bring all doomsday theories to life; while at the same time leaving one groping for answers as to what really devoured their data with such nonchalant ease.

The Weapons Creators

·         Zero-day exploit finders  - Wade though software, digging up undocumented  bugs and vulnerabilities

·         Toolkit Authors  - Purchase exploits and build malware using them, before licensing o selling it out to attackers

The Launderers

·         Mules - Figure out ways to transfer or move stolen money to the hands of criminals running malware networks, for a percentage fee.

·         Exchangers - Acquire large amounts of virtual currencies to split and sell in smaller, untraceable quantities.

·         Virtual currency sellers - Sell stolen virtual currencies.

The Attackers

·         Financial data stealers - Either sell your credit card and bank information by the hundreds to other criminals, or use them to make fraudulent transactions on your behalf.

·         Identity Stealers - Steal and user identities, including financial and personal.

·         PPC generators - use infected computers to deliver millions of fake ad clicks on web sites, earning money from ad providers like Google in the process.

The Delivery Amplifiers

·         Botnet herders - A key component of the malware supply chain, herders infect and turn tens of thousands of computers around the world into “zombies”. Controlling them to do anything such as spreading viruses, producing internet traffic or attacking websites.

·         Spammers - Infect millions of unsuspecting users by sending them infected attachments or guide them to infected websites.

·         Phishers - Create fake Web sites for tricking users into revealing their personal information.

·         Black hat SEO - Use illegal techniques to boost search engine rankings of malware removal-hosting Web sites, usually by commandeering botnets