Category: Computer Tech
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The end of Windows XP
Windows XP support will officially end on April the 8th next week. This is a very important change that appears to have escaped many people. Why important? Because you will no longer be receiving any updates ( security or other ) from Microsoft for XP. That effectively means that if there is a security hole…
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Security issues in ADSL and other routers
I’ve never been a fan of using ADSL/Wifi routers as the main firewall for a network ( which unfortunately ends up being the case for most home users ). These are devices built to the cheapest price, using the cheapest software development and generally, there are very few ( if any updates ) for security…
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Windows ( XP ) and ATMs
Regular readers of this blog will know that I’ve ranted about the use of Microsoft Windows by banks in their ATMs, in the past. The idea of using one of the most insecure and targeted OS’ in existence to run what should be a very secure device, just boggles the mind. My own bank does…
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The people we trust
The right to privacy in the new social era is no longer a given. In fact, many say that you should expect to have no privacy with information made available on the Internet. I’m a half and half kinda guy in this argument. On the one hand, pure social media information should be assumed to…
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Android Security
I’ve been a keen Android user for many years now; as I am with all things Linux. I really do believe that Linux, and other associated FOSS software, has proven a great advantage for us bipedals, allowing those in a not so fortunate financial situation to still use high grade software and achieve their goals.…
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Slackware 14.1: an interview
I’ve been quite slack ( yip queue the puns ) on reviewing Slackware 14.1 but time has been short and to tell you the truth, after upgrading, there’s not a whole lot different from an existing user’s point of view ( except for that usual Slackware “it just works” air of operation ). That being…
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Large security breach involving fast food outlets and banks in SA
A variant of the Dexter malware has apparently been running on POS systems unchecked for quite a while. All of SA’s banks have been hard hit by the losses incurred as a result of arguably one of the largest security breaches in SA history. More info here: http://www.techcentral.co.za/sa-banks-in-massive-data-breach/44338/
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Personal security, Digital Security and Identity Theft
We live our lives in an always-on digital world these days. Medical, banking, shopping, services, mobile, multimedia – all of these are engaged with and executed on-line. Along with a whole host of threats including viruses, malware, phishing, pharming, advanced persistent threats and more. Not only do we have to deal with threats from the…
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The cloud and security
Moving your applications and data into the cloud presents a paradox when talking about security. A recent Thales survey found that over 60% of respondents thought that the cloud provider was responsible for protecting their sensitive and/or confidential data. And over 50% said they didn’t know what their cloud provider does to protect their data.…
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10 Immutable laws of security administration
Law #1: Nobody believes anything bad can happen to them, until it does Law #2: Security only works if the secure way also happens to be the easy way Law #3: If you don’t keep up with security fixes, your network won’t be yours for long Law #4: It doesn’t do much good to install…
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WordPress 3.5.2 updates security
For those using WordPress, you’ll be happy to know that version 3.5.2 has just been released with a number of fixes including SSRF ( server-side request forgery ) attacks, a number of components updated to fix XSS ( cross-site scripting ) holes and DoS ( denial of service ) attacks on WordPress’ post password protection…
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Linkedin security issues with DNS redirection
Starting yesterday, Linkedin went offline for a period of time due to a DNS redirection problem. Essentially when going to the www.linkedin.com site, one would in actual fact be visiting an alternate site that was not actually Linkedin. This issue is generally known as DNS Hijacking. Data that may have been compromised due to users…
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SARS e@syFile issues
e@syFile is SARS’ client tool to manage your taxes and payroll components. It can work in an off-line mode, but allows you to connect via the Internet to SARS once you are ready to submit documents. With regards to usability, the tool is pretty poor. Having followed the process myself for PAYE Reconciliation, I can…
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ADSL Router Security in the crosshairs
It’s long been a bugbear of mine when ADSL modems are used at the perimeter of networks as the security device/firewall. Including the fact that many of these units are made to the lowest cost possible and have many vulnerabilities, they are holy unsuited to the task of providing decent security. That’s why I always…
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Indian call centre virus hoax
The Indian Call Centre virus hoax has been around for some years but has mostly targeted the US and Europe. But no more, as this morning I received a call from an Indian-sounding male which ran along exactly these lines. “Sir, we’re calling from Microsoft because your ISP has indicated you have viruses coming from…